Tia McGraff Interview

Hailing from just south of Toronto, Ontario Canada, Tia McGraff is an internationally-renowned, award-winning Americana/singer-songwriter and author. Accompanying Tia on her musical journey is her life/musical partner, Tommy Parham. The two met and married while both were living in Nashville, TN and have enjoyed an extensive career performing, song writing and recording together for more than 12 years. They bring such an honesty and passion to their music that they have even been described as the modern day, Johnny and June! 2015-2017 were stand out years for Tia and Tommy, with sold out shows around the world (including the coveted, Bluebird Café, in Nashville, TN); international acclaim for their cd release Crazy Beautiful and radio play on such notable shows as Bob Harris Country on BBC Radio 2 in the UK. With the 2018 release of Stubborn In My Blood, first single, “Strong” is already reaching beyond all demographics and boundaries, having been adopted by “Me2” and women’s empowerment groups around the world! New single, a cover of the classic, “One Tin Soldier” is sure to light up summer radio playlists. A gifted author, Tia’s children’s book, Jake The Road Dawg has helped raise funds and awareness for her local chapter of The Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Seven international CD releases, various film/tv placements, and numerous nominations and awards (including Americana CD of the year first round nomination for 2016 Grammy Awards), have earned Tia and Tommy a respect in the music industry and a global fan base. The duo have a gift for ‘getting to the heart of the matter’ and writing relatable songs about life, love and this crazy world we live in.

– How is it going with the promotions for Stubborn In My Blood album?
We are having a great time promoting my new cd with the help of Michael Stover. I’m doing a lot of internet radio interviews and the reviews we’re receiving are incredible! Our first tour is to the UK in Sept. In the meantime, Tommy and I are busy getting ready for our Aug. launch and Dolly Parton Imagination Library Family Picnic benefit here at home.

– How was it writing and recording the songs for the Stubborn In My Blood album from a studio point of view?

We were able to take our time with this album. Wrote and recorded most of the tracks here at our home studio. Tommy flew the added tracks back and forth from Nashville and Liverpool! An awesome process and allowed us the flexibility to be creative on our own time schedule.

– Album artwork is it as important now then it’s ever been for releases?
Yes album artwork and promotional images are so important. They need to be original and pop so you stand out from the millions of other artists out there.

– Will there be music videos issued for the new album and what are your thoughts on Lyric videos becoming very popular now? we are working on a video now for both the lyrics and song on the cd. I have paid a lot of money for full video shoots in the past, but really feel that fans now want to see more frequent and down to earth videos etc.

– I am sure you’ve met interesting fans and have good stories to tell. What’s the most interesting thing that’s happened on tour that you can recall? I decided to write my children’s book, Jake The Road Dawg based on the wonderful adventures we’ve had on the road. This is the story of a musician’s life told through the eyes of the road dog. Tommy and I rescued Jake when we were living in Nashville and he is such a part of our touring experiences. The only place he can’t travel with us is overseas.

– How many shows do you play per year on average, and how crazy does the schedule get? we average 60 shows per year and are trying to be more selective now with our gigs. Better gigs and money and fewer travel dates. You just get too burned out if you’re not careful.

– Where do you see music in general, going in 100 years from now?
I hope and pray live and recorded music is still around even 10 years from now. Everything is changing so fast and it seems the value placed on creative and original songwriting and recording is being diluted. 100 years from now? Not sure what the world will be doing then? Hopefully, it’s a kinder and gentler place and music is an expression of the harmony and love that will be.

https://www.tiamcgraff.com