Countdown to the CMAO Awards – Q&A with Tebey

By: Jenna Melanson

Our countdown to the 2015 CMAO Awards is continuing, after our first two, with Michelle Wright and Runaway Angel, we have another exciting Q&A for you today. We had the opportunity to ask Peterborough, ON born, Nashville based Country artist, Tebey a few questions, and we hope you’re excited about it as we are!

Tebey is nominated for many awards this year, such as “Single Of The Year”, “Album Of The Year” and “Male Artist Of The Year”, to name a few. If you have yet to hear of him, I think it’s time we change that.

As a country musician, being nominated at the CMAO awards is such a huge accomplishment, how did you feel when you found out you were nominated for SIX AWARDS?!

It felt great.  Any time you’re nominated for anything it’s a huge honour, let alone six!

There’s a CMAO Conference Showcase on Sunday, May 24th called “The ‘New Faces, Going Places’ Showcase”, which is to help new Ontario talent get noticed, can you suggest an up & coming country star that you think we should all check out?

I’m a huge fan of The Reklaws.  They’re a brother/sister duo from Ontario.  I think they’re definitely going places and I’m excited to watch their journey.

Another exciting conference panel taking place is “The Write Stuff – A Songwriters Super Session”, can you give us the scoop on your songwriting sessions? What is your songwriting process like? 

I like to have a title or concept before sitting down to write.  For me, it’s hard to write a song without knowing where i’m going with it.  Also, I’m a classic over thinker, which means I’m definitely not the easiest person to write with.  I’m always asking myself and co-writer, ‘can that chorus melody be better’?  ‘Is that lyric strong enough’?

If you were asked to give a rising Country artist some advice, what would that advice be?

Write and sing about what you know.  Be true to yourself.

One thing that is a major marketing innovation these days is social media, making it possible for artists to connect with their fans by a simple touch of the keyboard. Do you feel this is a vital tool that all artists should partake in?

Absolutely.  I love how social media gives fans unprecedented access to their favourite artists.  It also helps to build a bond between artist and fan.  I’m extremely active on Twitter/ Instagram, and am known for replying to as many tweets or messages as I can.  My philosophy has always been: if someone takes the time to message me, the least I can do is reply.

There are many exciting performances taking place this year at the CMAO Awards Show, which are you most looking forward to? Are you excited about performing? (Current line-up includes: Autumn Hill, Beverley Mahood, Deric Ruttan Jason Blaine Jason McCoy, Leah Daniels, Lindsay Broughton, Russell DeCarle, The Western Swing Authority and Tim Hicks)

Each one of those performers is great!  I’m looking forward to performing yes, but I tend to be extra nervous when performing in front of my peers.

Is there anything you’d like to say to your fans?

Thank you so much for your continued support.  Without you, I wouldn’t have a job, and I will never forget that.

Jenna Melanson

I’m Jenna, the founder and editor of Canadian Beats. I have had a strong love for Canadian music, which started many years ago. I have a passion for promoting these talented Canadian bands and artists, and that’s how Canadian Beats came to be.

Canadian Beats has grown to become more than media, and what a journey it’s been.