Tenise Marie lets you into her confidence on her sweet and supple new single Off The Record — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
The title track off of her upcoming album, Off The Record was inspired by Tenise’s travels to the Assyrian homeland in Iraq, and speaks to the complexity of embracing one’s true self, shedding the desire for perfection, and accepting the messiness of life.
Tenise describes the song as a reflection of her emotional disposition, spiritual journey, and romantic nature — highlighting her tendency to sugarcoat her experiences or appear strong in the face of challenges. Throughout her album, Tenise continues to share her journey, weaving emotional depth and self-discovery into her music, while navigating love, heartbreak, and personal growth.

A true storyteller and adventurer, Tenise’s music reflects her curiosity and connection to the world. Her songs evoke a sense of folky nostalgia and romance, blending jazzy folk-pop ambience with confessional lyrics that explore the highs and lows of life. With roots in strong female singer-songwriters like Joni Mitchell and Joan Baez, she’s drawn to the soulful depths of R&B, gospel, jazz, and recently, the sounds of her Middle Eastern heritage. This eclectic blend shines through in her music, driven by lyrics that encourage listeners to reflect on their humanity. Tenise’s soulful vocals paired with acoustic guitar, piano, and oud create a sound that fuses Western and Eastern folk elements, mirroring her mixed European and Assyrian background.
Check out Off The Record above, hear more from Tenise Marie below, and tell her your secrets on her website, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
