Behind «TN made her»: Producer Guillermo Ureña on Building Claire Sully’s new EP

There’s a particular kind of song that only makes sense once you know where it came from. For Claire Sully’s new EP tn made her, that origin point is Tennessee itself — the place she grew up, left, and is now writing her way back to. The lead single, produced, mixed, and mastered by Guillermo Ureña, became the entry point for the whole project, and according to Ureña, the track is currently under consideration for a Grammy. We sat down with him to talk about how the collaboration came together, what it took to build the song from the ground up, and what he hopes listeners take from the record.

Guillermo Ureña relationship with Claire Sully

How did you and Claire meet, and how did the idea of working together on this EP come about?

I met Claire Sully on social media. We’d actually worked together before, on a song called «Why Play With My Heart.» Later she reached out and told me she was working on a country EP called tn made her, and she wanted me to work on the lead song for the project.

What first drew you to her voice or her songwriting style?

Her voice fits perfectly across genres — whether it’s pop or country, it just works. That versatility was something I noticed right away.

How would you describe the creative chemistry between you two in the studio?

She’s a genius at writing lyrics. While she’s writing, I’m already thinking about how to shape the sound around it so we can make something that really hits.

Was there a moment during the process where you felt you truly understood the creative direction of the single and the EP?

Yes — when Claire Sully told me the backstory. It’s about going back to her roots, her connection to Tennessee.

How did production on the lead single come together? Did you start from an idea she brought, or did you build the sound together from scratch?

A bit of both. She pitched me the idea, and from there we built the sound together, from scratch.

What production choices do you feel really define this song’s character?

Her vocals. They’re what give the track its flair and its pop.

Why do you think this track was chosen as the lead single for tn made her?

Because the song is exactly what the EP’s backstory is about — going back to her roots, connecting with Tennessee. It’s the perfect song to lead into the feel and emotion of the whole EP.

How would you summarize the concept or story running through the EP as a whole?

I’d say it’s about finding yourself through your roots and your background.

YOUR PERSPECTIVE ON THE ARTIST

How would you describe Claire’s evolution as an artist on this project compared to her earlier work?

We’ve worked together on two songs now, and both times her vocals have blended perfectly with the production.

What sets her apart from other artists you’ve worked with?

She’s a great songwriter, a great storyteller, and overall a phenomenal artist to work with.

You mentioned the track is in consideration for the Grammys — what was it like learning that while working so closely with Claire on this?

It’s a surreal feeling, knowing that a body of work we created together is in consideration for the Grammys.

What would it mean for your relationship as collaborators if the track advances further in the process?

It would mean we’ve done what this EP was meant to do — connect with people.

What’s next for Claire, and for you two as a team?

Working together on more songs in the near future.

What would you like people to understand about the work behind this EP, beyond the song itself?

That we made it with the mindset of wanting it to connect and touch people — to make them feel all kinds of emotions tied to the music and the body of work as a whole.