Ask Tami Neilson how things are going in her career and be prepared for a big, broad smile and a content sigh of joy to fill up the room.
Has her musical path thus far led her to become a global superstar? A household name? A multi-platinum-selling act with boatloads of money and a trophy case of awards?
Perhaps not yet. And that is a-okay with her.
If the 47 year-old with the powerhouse pipes has learned anything through her lifelong journey in music and the industry that makes it spin around, it’s that “success” isn’t guaranteed nor is it finite, even by definition.
It changes as people change and it looks a little different for everyone, Neilson included. How she’s been defining it lately has opened up a whole new world of both possibility and peace for singer-songwriter.
“You know, I was just talking to a friend the other day, about how the definition of success changes as you go through life,” Neilson tells The Creek’s Sam Stephens during a recent stop in Macon, Georgia as the opening act for country icon Willie Nelson.
“I’m now a mother of two. I’ve got two beautiful boys at home. To me, success is getting to spend time with them but also getting to do really special things in my career that don’t take all my time away from them. And that might mean that I’m not going to be a worldwide sensation.”
And then the kicker statement to sum it up.
“I don’t need to be.”
Talk about a powerful declaration. It’s not that the singer is complacent by any means: it’s just that she’s learned to how to not only bloom exactly where’s she’s planted, but step back and survey her garden and see the beauty in every blossom.
“I’m getting to tour with Willie. I’m getting to make the music that I love that connects with people. And, I’m getting to spend time with my family… I cracked it. People kind of look at things and go, “Ahh, this is going to be your big break!” And I’m like, “This is the break!”
I’m living the break, and having gratitude for the place I am, enjoying the things and the blessings in my life.”
It’s a rarity, moments like this when an artist so assuredly and happily stands in the presence of their professional present and likes what they see. In a business that constantly pushes performers forward, harder and faster with each win, it’s a beautiful thing to hear a seasoned veteran like Neilson defy the status quo and design her own barometer of achievement, which seemingly lies somewhere in the middle of hit records and mornings at home with her boys.
“. . . that might mean that I’m not going to be a worldwide sensation: I don’t need to be.”
Tami Neilson on making the career right choices to be present at work and at home
Sometimes, your wildest dreams actually do come true. They just look different than you’d originally pictured. But, boy are they beautiful and meant just for you.
Neilson’s brand-new album Neon Cowgirl drops July 11th. The new single “You’re Gonna Fall,” features JD McPherson and is out now.