Tecia McKenna - Off the Beaten Path (2020)

"When you have to speak more than one language, you realize quickly how people communicate differently. If forces you to look at things from all perspectives and to communicate in ways that are clearly understood by everyone." - A quote from singer/songwriter Tecia McKenna, a spirited, petite, blue-eyed native of Seville, Spain. Tecia relocated with her family to Virginia at age 14. A proficient bilingual lyricist formally educated in music theory, drama and concert choir, Tecia came to Nashville in 1992 to hone her songwriting skills. "I wanted to learn from the best, and the best songwriters are in Nashville, TN.

Tecia started singing and dancing at the age of three. A precocious child, she was known for rummaging through her mother's closet, emerging in gowns and high-heeled shoes ready to perform. A born performer, she focused on her desires to make a living entertaining. She continued studying music, performing and entering talent contests throughout her teen years. Her senior year, she won the opportunity to perform on the Grand Ole Opry. Fueled by her victories, she formed the bluegrass band, Dixie Reign. The personality-packed, fun and entertaining performances with her angelic vocals and deft guitar playing made the band a regional favorite from Maryland to South Carolina.

Declaring a deep admiration for all styles of music, Tecia sites such artists as Emmylou Harris, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Shawn Colvin and Keith Whitley as her personal favorites. "These performers share the same idea about music as I do: "keep it pure and simple." Just like these artists, she writes and sings about real life situations. "I can't be myself doing anything else. Music is the expression of who I am and what I'm all about."

Tecia's accomplishments include Singles on the Top 10 Independent Charts from her album "Off The Beaten Path", including appearances at domestic and international concerts and festivals, and a performance on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry.

Aside from singing and writing, Tecia has also co-written a script and soundtrack for Born to Run, a children's feature-length animated film.

Motivation is the key to success, in any field, particularly in the highly competitive world of music. The fulfillment of ones' ambition comes only to those who are willing to pursue it with all their being. "I know, with all my heart that the most important thing in life is my music. I have to do this."

"So Look High To The Mountain
There's An Eagle Waiting There
Look Far In The Distance
Where Only Dreamers Dare
Hear The Sound Of The Calling
The Journey's Just Begun
Cause You Know It Won't Be Over
No It Won't Be Over
Till The Last Song Is Sung"

- from "The Last Song" by Tecia McKenna & Khill