"When you have
to speak more than one language, you realize quickly how people communicate differently.
It 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, dark-haired 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 endearing 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 ideas 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."
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 my life is my music. I have to do
this."