by Scott Roos
* Editors note: this article will be updated as we track down more quotes from Saskatchewan artists
*photo by Rachel Deeb
In a moment of pride for no doubt all Saskatchewan country artists, it was announced earlier today that Tenille Arts' track "Somebody Like That" had reached number one on the U.S. Country Radio charts. It's an amazing and unprecendented individual landmark for the hard working and uber talented Arts as it's her first number one but, for her home country of Canada, it's also the first number one country track since 2007. Collectively the group behind the track has also made history. Producer/co-writer Alex Kline, along with co-writer Allison Veltz Cruz, with Tenille, are the first all female team to reach number one.
In a February interview with NSMZ, Arts said of her team, "I love writing with (Kline and Cruz) and we've did quite a few songs on the album together."
Of her producer Kline in particular Arts said, "(Alex Kline) is incredible and I love being able to be in the room together as she's creating. She's so great and has a great ear and we had a lot of the same influences growing up so it makes a lot of sense for us to work together."
NSMZ would, at this time, like to extend our most sincere congratulations to Tenille. We look forward to more milestones in the weeks, months and years ahead!
As the news begins to spread around social media, some Saskatchewan artists have started to share words of congratulations for the milestone. We will add to this list as we read more updates:
"I’m so happy for Tenille Arts, her Family and her team. A #1 in the MASSIVE US market is a big deal and the fact that it made history being written and produced all by women puts an exclamation mark on this achievement. She’s been working hard and has been all in, I’m happy to see solid, meaningful work rewarded in such a tough industry."
JJ Voss (country/roots artist)
"Well, I’ve gotta thank Tenille Arts for the new brag. I can now say that an artist who has had a #1 in the US has opened for me. She might have been like 11 years old at the time, but that’s irrelevant haha. Be proud Saskatchewan, this is about as good as it gets in this biz."
Chris Henderson (country music artist)
"This is amazing news! Tenille Arts now holds the number one spot on the Billboard Charts! This is a deserving reward to an artist who has worked so incredibly hard over the part years. Congratulations to Saskatchewan's own from Weyburn!"
Hal Schrenk (producer)
"Such great news for Tenille Arts congratulations, first time I ever seen her perform was on the stage at The Happy Nun Cafe 3 years ago!!! Now look where she is, this girl is going to be a big star!!!"
Leon Gilbertson (owner/operator The Happy Nun Cafe)
"This is terrific news! Tenille has worked incredibly hard to reach the top of American Radio, and I couldn't be happier. All of Saskatchewan is so proud of her!"
Cal Gratton (Morning Show Host/Assistant Program Director, 105 CJVR)
"How awesome is it that Tenille Arts, a lovely gal from Weyburn Saskatchewan, has the #1 song on USA country radio? This just goes to show that with determination, a bounce in your step, & just the right amount of twang in your voice, you can do anything!! Congrats TA!"
Jeffery Straker (singer-songwriter)