Tanna describes herself as a “normal high school girl” but she’s anything but when it comes to her career path. Tanna’s passion is music which is, of course, normal for teens, but what isn’t normal is that her passion for music is encompassed in the songs she writes and composes on guitar and piano. The lyrics she writes have insight way beyond her 17 years and the melodies flow through her mind and are ultimately transposed onto the instruments she plays. Vocally, she is most often compared to Allison Krauss and Natalie Maine, formerly of the Dixie Chicks. She has a unique low range vibrato that was originally introduced to country music by Dolly Parton, though Tanna’s is passionately subtle comparatively. As a performer, she has an innate ability to draw the audience in probably because she has a deep connection to every song she sings because she writes them all.
Tanna has been writing songs and performing throughout the southeast since she was 12, first with a teen cover band but soon realizing she wanted to write songs and be on her own as a solo artist. The songwriting all started when one of her musical mentors told her she should write her own songs. That’s all it took for the young north Georgia girl who had always had a knack for writing. After that, she was so enthralled with it that most nights she could not sleep because the words kept coming to her for songs she wanted to write. When asked where she draws inspiration she simply says, “Life”.
Now at 17 you have the artist: singer, performer, musician, but most importantly, songwriter. “Songwriting is the most important part of it to me. I mean when everything is said and done, that’s what matters most; the song…the words that have so much meaning to me and that touch so many others in a deep way is what it’s all about. It’s what makes it so worth it. I love the performing side of it too…the reaction from the crowd…the satisfaction you get from it, but you wouldn’t get that reaction if they didn’t like the songs.”
From an article written by John Shivers in the January 16, 2011 edition of All Around Gordon, he said “Any doubt about her talent or why she has achieved success at such a young age is erased as Tanna sits with her guitar on her lap. Her eyes are closed, her fingers are on the frets, and her hair hangs over her shoulders, as she strums the guitar and sings her original song, Incredible. “You’re irresistible, you’re unbelievable, I just want to hold you and never let you go” ….she sings in an unforgettable voice that caught the music industry's ear.”
In the summer of 2009, at the age of 15, Tanna entered the recording studio for the first time to have 3 of her original songs produced. The experience solidified her chosen path. She worked with acclaimed songwriter/producer, Monty Powell in Nashville, TN at “The Court” recording studio with some of the best musicians in the business. “I went to Nashville to record 3 of my songs when I was 15 not knowing what to expect. It was extremely hard work but I loved every minute of it. I’m a perfectionist and that’s exactly what Monty shoots for in the studio, so it was a process that I fell in love with. I knew after that experience I would always love every aspect of the business. I learned so much during that time. It was priceless.”
After that, Tanna decided to pull away from her other extracurricular activities to focus on what mattered the most, her music. Music coupled with school filled her days and nights with little time left for friends and family. All the while, she continued to work closely with Monty Powell and ultimately went back into the studio in the summer and fall of 2010 to record more of her originals. This time, she came out with a full length album that was released on January 17, 2011, again with Monty Powell as producer. “This is an amazing record,” he said. “Tanna has an enormous talent for songwriting way beyond her years.”
Joni Harbin, freelance reporter for the Calhoun Times, wrote recently about Tanna’s music, “Children don't look like Tanna Key, they don't write and sing like Tanna Key and they certainly don't perform with the level of flair and confidence that Tanna Key demonstrates….She just wrapped up a flurry of recording sessions and industry experiences that immersed her in Nashville's music environment and put her squarely on track for the career she's planning in entertainment. Today, she came to play, but make no mistake about it: today and tomorrow, she means business.”
Tanna performed an album release concert at the Harris Arts Center in Calhoun, GA on January 21, 2011 to a sold out crowd and she is currently promoting her album in her extra time when she isn’t attending high school. Radio interviews abound and she is booking dates for a small tour for spring and summer 2011 while keeping school her priority. “School is important to me. I always strive for high grades and take the really hard classes because, to me, knowledge is key. I want to go to college while I pursue my music career, so I’ll more than likely go to college somewhere close to Nashville.”
Look for this talented young artist who is already making a name for herself in the music industry. She has a tremendous work ethic and a talent you don’t want to miss! Check out her album and after hearing her first song, you will know she is the real deal! If you are lucky enough to hear her live, you won’t be disappointed. One thing is for sure, the next star is rising over the horizon.
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