Argenta singer-songwriter Tenise Marie is set to release her highly anticipated and self-produced new album Off The Record on July 11.
Off The Record a genre-blending and deeply personal project that chronicles her journey through identity, healing, and self-discovery. Born of exploration, both geographic and emotional, the album was inspired in part by Tenise’s travels to the Assyrian homeland in Iraq, a transformative experience that became a catalyst for reclaiming her roots and embracing the full complexity of who she is.
Rooted in her mixed heritage — Assyrian, French, and British — and shaped by her upbringing in the Quaker community of Argenta, Off The Record captures the emotional and spiritual layers of Tenise’s story. The songs reflect her desire to let go of perfection, accept vulnerability, and share the rawness of life’s beauty and difficulty.
“This album honours all of the pieces of the mosaic I am,” says Tenise. “I endeavoured to embrace all of my duality: of my heritage, of my experiences, of my nature and my nurture. I may be a citizen of the world, but I will always be a daughter of the mountains.”
The album was made possible in part through a Research and Creation grant from the Canada Council for the Arts, which supported the writing process. With that support, Tenise dedicated time to studying Assyrian language, history, and music, while also travelling to Iraq to connect with her ancestral roots.
“Initially, I thought I would create a concept album based solely on my experience in Assyria,” she reflects. “But over time, I realized that embracing my Assyrian identity helped me feel more whole in all areas of my life. These parts of me are not conflicting — they’re co-existent. Breaking apart all of my pieces gave me the opportunity to craft a mosaic that’s stronger and more complete than ever before.”
Off The Record will be available on all music streaming services.
