Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiona Campbell. Them and their team share their story with us below:
A small-town girl, Tiona Campbell, was born and raised in East Texas. She grew up listening to Amy Grant, Mariah Carey Patsy Cline and all kinds of country music. She loved to sing and spent a lot of time singing in her room, her daddy’s pickup truck and church. Growing up in a musical family her mom was a singer and played piano, her dad was the sound man, and her brother was the drummer at their home church.
After she graduated High School, she immediately got married, had kids and put music to the side. About seventeen years later, now living in Houston, TX, she was happy, but something was missing. Tiona got intentional about finding what that was and for the first time ever she felt lead to write a song. Terrified but curious she stepped out in faith to see where God was leading her at the age of 35.
So what happens when you relinquish all control, step out in faith and obediently follow God on a completely different path for your life? What does it truly mean to put yourself out there and try something new, despite feeling foolish, in order to see where God is leading you?
It’s been seven years; Tiona has written over 75 songs and is a Houston and Nashville recording artist. She has 0pened up for small and big artists like Neal McCoy. She has released 18 songs and her most current release, Texas Country Christmas, has made a big impact in the community. She was just interviewed and sang her new Christmas single on KPRC Houston Life and also sang it at the Woodlands Market Street Tree lighting event. She travels back and forth to Nashville a few times a year to record, write with other artists and sing at the local writer rounds. When she is home, you will find her singing at the Rustic, Dosey Doe, Foundation Room, Dogwood and many local venues in Houston. Inspired by Nashville writer rounds she has created one here in Houston. HOMEGROWN songwriters’ writers’ round is the first Friday of every month at Red Brick Tavern in Conroe, TX. A song swap show where local singer-songwriters can share their original songs.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Absolutely not. I’ve had many obstacles. I got pregnant my senior year in High school, married that guy thinking I was doing the right thing. To three years later getting a divorce because he was very mentally abusive and controlling, I then moved to Houston to live with my parents and start over as a single mom. Got remarried. Bought a house. Had another baby. Life was great. Then I discovered I could write, and the next chapter begins with obstacles and challenges. I was terrified to start at age 35, Why did I not know I could do this when I was in my 20s but that is just not part of my story. When I first started singing LIVE, it was terrifying. Fear would almost paralyze me to the point where I couldn’t control my shaky voice or hands. It took me several years not to be that scared before I sang. I’ve had more no’s than yeses, but I just keep working on my gifts and continue to put my songs, my story, and my voice out there.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a Holy Country Singer-Songwriter. Faith is a huge part of why I started writing songs so you’re going to get some Country music with faith sprinkled in my songs. I think that is what sets me apart.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
There is nothing better than LIVE music. When that was taken away, it impacted us all. Music is a beautiful thing that connects us all.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tionacampbell.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiona_music_journey_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tionacampbellmusic/
Image Credits
Summer Lange Photography
Raasio Photography
Oh Snap Photography
