Tonya Rivers - Singer/Songwriter
Tonya Rivers is a singer/songwriter hailing from Lynchburg, VA by way of Philadelphia, PA. Her interest in becoming a musician began at a very young age by way of encouragement from her friends and family. Tonya would sing along with songs by some of her favorite artists like Jill Scott, Sade, and Lauren Hill and her peers noticed immediately, that Tonya had a natural gift. Shortly after noticing her own potential, Tonya began writing songs based on her own personal life experiences and things she witnessed others go through.
"The hardest thing for me when it comes to being an artist is making sure everything is perfect because I am such a perfectionist" She explained. That perfection lead her through rounds of auditions with American Idol and earned her a recording contract offer from Def Jam Records. Tonya says "the best advice I can give to anyone is to work hard and never give up on anything that you're passionate about." She added "nothing in life worth having comes easy."
Contact Info:
Facebook: Tonya Rivers
Facebook fanpage: The Official Tonya Rivers FP
Instagram: T.O.N.Y.A_R.I.V.E.R.S
Snapchat: fityshadsofcray
Twitter: tonyarivers
Email: tonyarivers24@gmail.com
YouTube: Tonya talise
When did you know you wanted to be an artist?
Tonya first new she wanted to be an artist when she started singing around people and they told her she could sing really well.
How does your personal story/background influence your work?
Tonya's story really influences her work because she writes about things that she has been through in her life.
Which of your works are you most proud of?
Tonya is more proud of trying out for American Idol and being offered a deal after a showcase with Def Jam.
What is the hardest part about being a professional artist?
The hardest thing for her when it comes to being an artist is making sure her work is perfect . She is her worst critic and she wants her work to be a great example for the listeners.
What artists inspire you?
Tonya is influenced by artists like Jill Scott, Lauryn Hill, and Sade.
What advice would you give aspiring artists who come from minority or under-represented groups?
The best advice Tonya would give is to work hard and never give up on something that you're passionate about. Nothing in life worth having comes easy.