Mitchell Tenpenny is a rising star in the world of country music, known for his rich vocals, catchy melodies, and heartfelt lyrics. Born on December 17, 1989, in Nashville, Tennessee, Tenpenny grew up surrounded by music, with his grandmother, a former session singer, and his father, a renowned songwriter, both influencing his musical journey.
Despite his family background in the music industry, Tenpenny had to work hard to establish himself as a solo artist. He honed his skills as a songwriter and performer, playing gigs in small venues and collaborating with fellow musicians. His hard work paid off with the release of his debut EP, Linden Ave, in 2015, which showcased his unique blend of country, rock, and blues.
Since then, Tenpenny has continued to captivate audiences with his soulful music, earning critical acclaim and chart success.
Key Takeaways
- Mitchell Tenpenny is a rising star in country music who has established himself as a solo artist with a unique blend of country, rock, and blues.
- He possesses musical talent, songwriting skills, networking abilities, and business acumen, and has collaborated with notable artists while being recognized for his songwriting abilities.
- He is passionate about sports, spending time outdoors with family, and philanthropic efforts that support cancer research and children’s hospitals.
- Mitchell Tenpenny plans to expand his reach and explore new sounds, collaborate with musicians from different genres, and create unique and relatable music for a wider audience while constantly looking for ways to innovate and connect with a younger audience.
Early Life and Musical Influences
During his formative years, Mitchell Tenpenny was exposed to a diverse array of musical genres and artists. His family was heavily involved in music, with his grandmother serving as a choir director and his father being a successful Nashville songwriter. As a result, Tenpenny grew up surrounded by music and developed an early passion for it.
Tenpenny’s musical influences range from classic country artists like Merle Haggard and George Jones to rock bands like Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones. He also cites R&B and soul musicians like Otis Redding and Sam Cooke as major inspirations.
This diverse range of influences is evident in his music, which blends traditional country themes and instrumentation with modern pop and rock elements. Overall, Tenpenny’s early exposure to a wide variety of musical genres and artists played a significant role in shaping his unique sound and style.
Pursuing a Career in Music
The pursuit of a career in music requires a combination of dedication, talent, and industry connections. Mitchell Tenpenny understood this early on and worked hard to achieve his dream. He started playing guitar at an early age and honed his skills by playing in bars and clubs in Nashville. As he gained more experience, he began writing his own songs and networking with other musicians and industry professionals.
To pursue a career in music, an aspiring artist must possess the following qualities and skills:
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Musical talent – This is the foundation of any successful music career. An artist must have a natural ability to sing, play an instrument, or create music.
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Songwriting skills – Writing original music is an important aspect of a music career. A musician must have the ability to create unique and memorable songs that resonate with listeners.
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Networking abilities – Building relationships with other musicians and industry professionals is crucial for success in the music industry. These connections can lead to collaborations, gigs, and other opportunities.
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Business acumen – A music career also requires an understanding of the business side of the industry, including marketing, promotion, and contracts. An artist must be able to navigate these areas to ensure their success.
Debut EP: Linden Ave
Releasing his debut EP, Linden Ave, showcased the musical talent and songwriting skills of the emerging artist, Mitchell Tenpenny. The EP was released on April 14, 2017, under the Riser House Entertainment label.
The EP consists of six tracks, including the hit single ‘Truck I Drove in High School,’which peaked at number 56 on the US Country Airplay chart.
Linden Ave received positive reviews from music critics, who praised Tenpenny’s songwriting and vocal abilities. The EP is a mix of traditional country and rock influences, showcasing Tenpenny’s versatility as an artist.
It also features collaborations with established songwriters such as Andrew Albert, Jordan Schmidt, and Josh Hoge. Linden Ave was a promising debut for Tenpenny, laying the foundation for his future success in the country music industry.
Rise to Fame with ‘Drunk Me’
One of the most significant milestones in the career of the emerging artist Mitchell Tenpenny was the rise to fame with his chart-topping single ‘Drunk Me.’ The song was released in 2018 and quickly gained popularity, reaching #1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart and earning Platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America.
To emphasize the impact of ‘Drunk Me’ on Tenpenny’s career, consider the following list of achievements:
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The song was Tenpenny’s first chart-topping hit and helped establish him as a rising star in the country music industry.
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‘Drunk Me’ was also a commercial success, selling over one million units and reaching the top 40 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart.
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The song’s emotional lyrics and Tenpenny’s powerful vocal performance resonated with audiences and helped him gain a loyal fanbase.
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Tenpenny’s success with ‘Drunk Me’ paved the way for his debut album, Telling All My Secrets, which was released in 2018 and received positive reviews from critics and fans alike.
Second Album: Midtown Diaries
‘Midtown Diaries’ showcases Tenpenny’s growth as a songwriter and his ability to blend traditional country sounds with modern production elements. The album is a collection of 11 tracks, including the lead single ‘To Us It Did,’which was released in March 2021.
The album explores themes of love, heartache, and the ups and downs of life, with Tenpenny’s signature emotional songwriting style shining through on every track. The album also features collaborations with several notable artists, including Devin Dawson, Hardy, and Seaforth.
Tenpenny has cited these collaborations as a way to push himself creatively and expand his musical horizons. Overall, ‘Midtown Diaries’ is a strong follow-up to Tenpenny’s debut album and solidifies his place as a rising star in the country music industry.
Collaborations and Awards
Collaborating with notable artists such as Devin Dawson, Hardy, and Seaforth has allowed for creative expansion and has further solidified Tenpenny’s rising star status in the country music industry, leading to several award nominations and wins.
In 2020, Tenpenny won his first ASCAP Award for his hit single ‘Drunk Me’and was also nominated for the CMT Music Awards’ Breakthrough Video of the Year. He has also been nominated for the Academy of Country Music Awards’ New Male Artist of the Year and the Country Music Association Awards’ New Artist of the Year.
In addition to his award nominations, Tenpenny has also been recognized for his songwriting abilities. He co-wrote ‘Somebody Ain’t You’with Thomas Rhett, which charted on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, and ‘If It Ain’t You’with Michael Ray.
Tenpenny’s collaborations and awards serve as a testament to his growing success in the country music industry and his ability to continue to create meaningful and impactful music.
- ASCAP Award for ‘Drunk Me’
- CMT Music Awards nomination for Breakthrough Video of the Year
- ACM Awards nomination for New Male Artist of the Year
- CMA Awards nomination for New Artist of the Year
Touring and Live Performances
During his live performances, Mitchell Tenpenny showcases his dynamic vocal range and energetic stage presence, engaging his audience with heartfelt lyrics and catchy melodies. He has been known to perform his hit songs such as ‘Drunk Me,”Alcohol You Later,’and ‘Anything She Says’during his shows.
Tenpenny also incorporates covers of popular songs into his setlist, showcasing his versatility as a musician. In addition to headlining his own shows, Tenpenny has also toured with notable country artists such as Old Dominion and Jake Owen.
His performances have garnered praise from both fans and critics alike, with Rolling Stone describing him as ‘a confident performer with a commanding stage presence.’ With his growing popularity and successful live shows, it is clear that Mitchell Tenpenny is a rising star in the country music industry.
Personal Life and Interests
Away from the stage, Mitchell Tenpenny has a passion for sports, particularly football, and enjoys spending time outdoors and with his family.
He grew up playing football and even earned a scholarship to play in college before ultimately deciding to pursue a career in music.
Despite the change in career path, Tenpenny remains a dedicated sports fan and often attends games and events.
In addition to football, Tenpenny is also an avid hunter and fisherman.
He frequently posts pictures on social media of his outdoor adventures, showcasing his love for nature and the great outdoors.
When he’s not on tour or in the studio, Tenpenny can often be found spending quality time with his family, including his wife and their dogs.
Overall, Tenpenny’s personal life reflects his down-to-earth nature and love for simple pleasures like sports and outdoor activities.
Future Plans and Projects
The future plans and projects of the country singer involve expanding his reach and exploring new sounds to appeal to a wider audience.
Mitchell Tenpenny is constantly looking for ways to innovate and grow as an artist. He has expressed his desire to collaborate with other musicians from different genres to create music that is not only unique but also relatable to a broader audience.
In addition, Mitchell Tenpenny plans on touring extensively to promote his music and interact with his fans. He believes that live performances are an excellent way of connecting with his audience and showcasing his music.
He is also keen on using social media to keep his fans updated on his latest projects and connect with them. In summary, Mitchell Tenpenny’s future plans and projects revolve around expanding his reach, exploring new sounds, and using social media to connect with his fans.
Legacy and Impact on Country Music
One notable aspect of Mitchell Tenpenny’s career is his impact on the country music genre, as evidenced by his chart-topping hits and growing fanbase. He has been able to infuse a modern touch to traditional country music, making it more relatable to younger audiences. Tenpenny’s music has been praised for its authentic storytelling and emotional depth, which captures the essence of the country music genre.
Furthermore, Tenpenny’s influence goes beyond his music. He has been actively involved in philanthropic efforts, particularly those that support cancer research and children’s hospitals. This has helped him establish a strong connection with fans who appreciate his efforts in making the world a better place.
Tenpenny’s legacy and impact on country music will undoubtedly continue to grow as he continues to create music that reaches the hearts of many.