We were lucky to catch up with Tawnya Reynolds recently and have shared our conversation below.

Tawnya, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

The thought of living any other lifestyle has not crossed my mind until recent years. My suspicion is it stems from putting one hundred percent of my life’s efforts into a career which in essence, is similar to winning the lottery. I’ve often wondered if a common 9-5 would have been the ‘safer’ path. There’s comfort in knowing what to expect but I am convinced it would be unfulfilling. The perception of success in the music business seems to be based on fame and money. I’ve had to decide what it means on a personal level, and for me, to thrive and find joy is the bar.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I grew up in a small town in New Mexico. There weren’t any outlets for young musicians to network. My dad gave me my first guitar in high school so I taught myself to play. It opened up my world and really helped me find my sound.

After moving to Nashville in 2002, I didn’t allow myself to entertain the idea it wouldn’t work out. It’s not an overnight success kind of town so I knew to expect a long haul. I found myself saying yes to every opportunity, which in turn lead to more and more musical avenues.

After a few small publishing deals, I found myself landing meetings with labels which never panned out. In the meantime, I was beginning to play live band shows and learning how to handle the aspect of being prepared for anything…and believe me, anything can and will happen. Nashville is teeming with the best of the best so it is absolutely a sink or swim situation.

Paying attention to the world and talent surrounding me has been priceless. Whether it’s a co-writer, fellow singer or guitar player, I’m always learning. I always want to be better. The minute I think I can’t improve, is the minute I cheat myself.

Being open to every aspect of putting myself out there has taken me all over the country, from live shows to television. From solo to full band shows and everything in between, I’ve been able to connect with people through the most universal sound.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

I’ve often been asked what I do for a “real job”. I’m proud to say for the last 18 years, I’ve traveled through life with complete independence armed with my voice, a guitar and a thousand pounds of perseverance.

Music is not a hobby for so many of us. My dollar spends the same as anyone else’s.

I don’t expect everyone to get it. After all, this life isn’t for everyone, but I urge them to imagine a life without music., artists and creative minds. It’s certainly not a world in which I would care to live. We say the things not everyone can, and make sounds that heal, all while risking ridicule and the comfort of consistency. Making music is a risk, but it’s also a gift.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

The music business is a fickle mistress. There are times I’ve literally lived off a change jar, getting by on candy bars and sodas from a vending machine.
There is no guarantee when it comes to consistent work. If you don’t truly love it and decide wholeheartedly to give yourself to the craft, there will always be a reason to give up.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @tawnyareynolds1
• Facebook: https://Facebook.com/tawnyareynoldsmusic

Image Credits

David Dingwell