Rising Country Star, Tawnya Reynolds, dropped her third EP 8 Track earlier this year and it’s one you have to listen to. The Nashville native actually turned the chairs of Usher, Shakira and Adam Levine on Season 4 of NBC’s The Voice.

8 Track really showcases Tawyna’s country roots and she co-wrote and for the first time, co-produced more than half of the tracks. From a the love ballad “Wander” to the fun-loving good times of “Young As You’ll Ever Be”, Tawyna really captures a range of emotions and feelings in this EP.

“I create with such a variety of writers, and for this album, wanted to say something a bit more personal.” Tawyna explains. “When people listen to the album, they can walk away knowing not only who I am as an artist, singer, and writer, but also as a person.”

Celeb Secrets County had the chance to chat with Tawyna Reynolds about the new EP, touring and her song writing process. Check out the full Q&A Interview below.

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Celeb Secrets Country: Congratulations on all your success after the show. Back in February you released your third EP, 8 Track that highlights your country roots. Tell us a little about the EP. 

Tawnya Reynolds:Thank you! It was my first crack at producing and truly having the opportunity to make any and all decisions. From the song choices to the artwork, it’s all a product of how I’m feeling at this specific time in my life. I suppose it’s risky to admit that but I accept there will be more than one form of criticism. There really was no deeper message other than wanting to make a record that cut below the surface of one good single and some cool pictures. I wanted to create a cohesive sound yet still let each song be itself…whether that meant edgy, sad, country, bluegrass or otherwise. For me it was a mission accomplished.” 

Celeb Secrets Country: What will listeners walk away from after listening to this EP?

Tawnya Reynolds:If I did my job right, each listener will take away something different. As a songwriter, I try to tell my truth…they way I see our world. The hope is that people can relate to those experiences in some way. Emotions are universal,  which is what I believe makes music so powerful. As a singer, all I can do is try to convey the lyrics in a way that the listener believes I understand how they feel. The truth is, I do understand.”

Celeb Secrets Country: What was your favorite song to write off of this EP.

Tawnya Reynolds:Probably Water Balloons. It’s a playful title that allowed me to get a bit more whimsical than usual. It’s the type of song where almost anything goes. Writing solo is such a freeing experience.” 

THE VOICE -- "Blind Auditions" -- Pictured: -- (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC)

THE VOICE — “Blind Auditions” — Pictured: — (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC)

Celeb Secrets Country: What motivated you to audition for The Voice?

Tawnya Reynolds:I was approached by a friend, Perry Howard, from BMI, who said he was asked by the show for a few artist recommendations. He threw my name in the hat and in a matter of months I found myself on a flight to L.A. I’ll admit it took a nudge or two from my husband to really commit but in the end it was the right choice.”

Celeb Secrets Country: What is one thing you’e taken from The Voice and will apply in your musical career?

Tawnya Reynolds:The process of filming the show was very hurry up and wait so in the midst of it all, it was somewhat difficult to be aware of what was or wasn’t actually sinking in. As far as the craft of music, I didn’t leave having learned anything more than I went in with. There is a level of professionalism and preparation one has to possess to make it to the blind auditions in the first place. Inadvertently, what I brought home were things less tangible. A stronger confidence, self-assuredness and lifelong friendships. All things unexpected.”

Celeb Secrets Country: Can you tell us about your song process?

Tawnya Reynolds:As far as choosing songs for the record, that came about organically. Some of these songs were written years before others so I was never in the mindset of writing it all at once. In a way, these songs were meant for each other. I haven’t made a record in quite a while so there were so many avenues in which to choose. That being said, choosing which songs would make the cut was easier than I thought. They basically chose themselves.”

Celeb Secrets Country: If you could sing any other type of music, what genre of music would you choose?

Tawnya Reynolds: I have a hard time grasping the idea of “choosing” a genre. I feel as though all music is genre neutral until the production process begins. The music is literally what we make it. I feel I could cross into any genre, whatever perceived genre may be, rather easily, whether that be vocally or otherwise. I love to write in any and every direction.To answer your question, I would never attempt to do one thing in particular so deliberately. I like to create from somewhere honest and let the music take it from there. That being said, rap would be a blast!”

Celeb Secrets Country: What inspired you to become a musician?

Tawnya Reynolds:You know, I’m not entirely sure. I don’t recall a time I didn’t want this life. It’s like the way you just know a certain person is perfect for you. It just fit and I questioned it about as much as I questioned the sunrise.”

Celeb Secrets Country: What advice do you have towards inspiring musicians?

Tawnya Reynolds:To be honest with yourself about who you are as an artist and feed that. Don’t chase something because it’s popular or current. Let what is unique about you stand out. It’s important to let yourself be uncomfortable and nervous once in a while. That’s where the growth happens.”

Celeb Secrets Country: What do you have planned for the rest of 2016?

Tawnya Reynolds: I can’t wait to get back out on the road. As taxing as it is, it’s such a special part of a musician’s life. I have plans to hit venues from NYC to the Southwest. Playing back home every summer is a tradition. I’m always writing and preparing for future works.”

Celeb Secrets Country: What is your most played song on your phone?

Tawnya Reynolds: I love this question. I was just thinking to myself the other day how I am such a creature of habit when it comes to my ipod. I’m obsessed with “Want To Want Me” by Jason Derulo. After taking a look at the “most played” section of my iTunes, I’m seeing a lot of Amos Lee, Adele, Keith Whitley, Brandi Carlile and Maroon 5. I wonder if this would surprise anyone. Seems about right to me.” 

Celeb Secrets Country: Since we are Celeb Secrets… tell us something most people don’t know about you.

Tawnya Reynolds:I’m a terrible harmony singer. 

Bonus fact: I had a pretty gnarly black eye during The Voice Battle Rounds. They have THE best make up artists! Kudos to Sherri Simmons.”

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