The 2012 CCMA Award Questionnaire: Tenille

Ahead of the 2012 Canadian Country Music Association Awards, we asked several of the nominees to reply to our questionnaire. Here, Tenille, who will receive the 2012 Slaight Music Humanitarian Award at this year's CCMA Awards:

Q: Describe your latest album in 5 words or less
A: Fresh country music. Real emotions.

Q: How would you describe the Canadian country music scene to someone who knows nothing about it?
A: The Canadian Country Music Industry is a family. Its filled with tons of huge hearts who reach out to others with music to communicate and make positive differences. I love how down to earth and interactive Canadian artists are. The industry is welcoming and heartfelt and I’m honoured to be a part of it!

Q: If you weren't making music for a living, what do you think you would be doing?
A: If I wasn’t making music for a living, I’m sure I’d still find a way to be a part of it!! I’m so drawn to the atmosphere and inspiring energy that music creates. I bet I’d be involved with event planning, or publishing, experiencing the behind the scenes opportunities in promoting country music songs, songwriters, artists, musicians, and more! That or I would be an optometrist, teacher, or a flower shop owner who was a HUGE lifetime fan of country music.

Q: If you could record in any city in the world, where would you go? What one piece of musical equipment would you bring?
A: After experiencing the live magic and passion that is a part of the Nashville Recording scene, that is where I would always go. The talent of the musicians and the heart they put into the songs is incredible and beyond inspiring. Its so hard to describe the way that things come together but its like nothing I have ever seen. I’m so grateful to have worked there in the past and look forward to returning soon! As for equipment, Nashville has it covered so my choice would be a video camera to capture the creative moments of some of the greatest musical geniuses I have ever worked with!

Q: If you've attended the CCMA Awards before, what one piece of advice would you give to someone who hasn't been?
A: After attending the CCMAs for the past five years, advice I would give to an artist or industry member is to prepare yourself for wonderful things! Take in absolutely everything you can; shake as many hands and collect as many business cards as possible. So much of music is about networking with people who can be a part of the journey and CCMA week is one of the best to do so!! Enjoy every moment of it and let yourself be inspired by the music that surrounds you all week!