*INTERVIEW* AMERICAN BLONDE FOLLOWING THEIR CMA PERFORMANCE
This week's interview is with Natalia and Tinka of American Blonde who recently performed at CMA in Nashville, and I had the privilege to catch up with the girls about their experience.
Hello Natalia, and Tinka. How are you feeling following CMA weekend?
Tinka: Feeling amazing, thank you for asking! CMA Fest 2026 has been an absolute blast We are feeling so good!
Nata: We had a fantastic time at CMA Fest and jumped into immediately preparing for a show we had at the Mockingbird Theater in Franklin, TN shortly after. It was such a rush!
You performed twice throughout the CMA festival, what were the performances like for you?
Tinka: These performances specifically felt very special to both of us considering it was one of the very first times that we were able to showcase our brand new music stripped down/acoustically with our amazing friends and fans (most of whom have been around since the very beginning of our career, having seen our full evolution from a three sister trio to the band-forwarded brand we are today!)
Nata: Our performances during CMA Fest were so special to us, specifically because we had the opportunity to share some of our new music that we have been working so hard on - and the fans seemed to love it!
What was the reaction like from fans as you performed?
Tinka: We were so happy and excited to see that fans really seemed to enjoy the new gritty-Delta inspired originals that we shared for them!
Nata: The reaction from the fans was so genuinely sweet. It was great hearing different responses from everyone - some really enjoyed the more rockin’ edgier songs, while others really loved and related to the sentimental songs. It was a reaction every songwriter and performer loves to see!
How would you say your performances went down? Did the reactions surprise you?
Tinka: Of course, all of our new originals are still new to us, but we were super surprised how much we enjoy playing them in live setting (acoustically and/ or full band)! We were even more surprised to hear responses from our fans saying that this is some of their favourites to come from us - so far, which I would say is definitely the goals we are shooting for *laughs* such a relief to know they are loving our new stuff as much as we enjoyed creating and playing with them.
What songs do you think went down well with the fans?
Tinka: So far the consensus seems to be that everyone favors our newer ballad “Kiss Me Like the World is Ending”, and also “Undertaker”. These two songs are not out yet. We just like to share them in person at live shows with our fans for now until our EP will be released later this year, so stay tuned for those releases! *smiles*
Did you play any unreleased material? I know how much you like trying to get new music tested.
Tinka: Yes we did! We got to share a few of the new originals from our upcoming EP that we plan on releasing later this year!
Nata: Yes! We teased a few new original songs of ours that we are gearing up for release soon
Photo Credit: Chrissy Nix
Did you have any chance to see any of the other artists performing, if so who did you enjoy?
Tinka: We got to see some of our incredibly amazing and talented friends play (Alex Miller, our girl Maddye Trew, and Belles) at Bootleggers Inn and had the best time. They absolutely killed it with their full band shows!!
How did you enjoy meeting your fans at the Meet and Greet on Sunday?
Tinka: Absolutely one of my favorite booth signings so far! We always love getting to see so many familiar faces and connecting with all of our fans and friends in person - such a blast!
Nata: We ALWAYS look forward to booth signings at FAN FAIR X! We got to see so many fans of ours, take some pictures and sign some new headshots! It was so great getting to see everyone.
How would you sum up your CMA experience?
Tinka: Overall 2026's CMA fest experience was a 10 out of 10! We had a blast and can’t wait to come back and do it all again next year!
Nata: This was one of our favorite CMA Fests yet!! I would rate it a 10/10. Between performances, interviews, meet & greets, and country music fans, it was one we will never forget!
Finally, I have to ask when are you girls hoping to come back over to the UK? The meet up between us really needs to happen.
Tinka: So funny you should ask because we are actually in talks with some connections over in the UK currently that are helping us to set up dates for a tour in the UK again sometime next year *excited* We are over the moon about planning this, and hope to be able to come and see you again soon! we love and miss you so much. You’re the best!
Nata: YES! We are currently working very hard on coming back to the UK in 2027. We had such a great time a few years ago and are itching to come back - we have got to see you again! Thank you so much for chatting with us today!
Thank you so much for your time as always I am so grateful for your time.
Comments
Post a Comment