After a breakout year in 2023, earning her a deal with Universal Music Canada (UMC), and five SCMA nominations, Nashville-based Canadian country artist Shantaia steps into a new era of music with a smouldering new sound on her latest single “What I Wouldn’t Do” via UMC.
Straight from the opening riff, the track’s intensely soulful essence pairs with the raw power of her vocals to command the attention of listeners as they seamlessly blend against the twangy flair of her perfectly crafted brand of soul-country. Co-written by Shantaia with longtime collaborator Ryan Sorestad, and Grammy Award winner Curt Chambers, “What I Wouldn’t Do” oozes with creative confidence as Shantaia raises the bar on her artistry. The track is paired with the release of a stunning performance video – bathed in the warm glow of vintage nostalgia, Shantaia brings her new sound to life as she enters an unstoppable new chapter of her career.
“It’s been over a year since I’ve released music and now it’s finally here. I took this time to figure out exactly what I wanted to say, but more importantly, how I wanted to say it,” Shantaia shares. “This new sound is something I’ve always wanted to do but didn’t know if I should. I think as artists we’re scared to play outside the box, but now I’m more excited than ever about taking risks.”
About the team that has helped bring her new era to life, Shantaia explains, “I wrote this with Ryan Sorestad and Curt Chambers. I brought Curt in with Brad Hill to produce the track with me, and it was a recipe for greatness. Brad has worked on Maren Morris, Brothers Osborne, Kameron Marlow and more, and Curt has worked with and played for Dr Dre, Eminem, Alicia Keys, T-Pain, Jelly Roll and more. These two producers, coming from different sides of the music world, really brought my vision to life. Influenced by Chris Stapleton and Maren Morris, What I Wouldn’t Do is the perfect blend of soul and country, with a desperate love message that anyone can relate too.”
The reigning SCMA Female Artist of the Year, Shantaia’s voice, much like her name, is unforgettable. With over 4.6 million streams to date, Shantaia’s music has charted across country radio, with her breakout single “Broke To Brand New” marking her first Top 40 release and heralding her as an artist to watch in the Canadian country space. With a stage presence as captivating as her soulful vocals, Shantaia has toured with The Washboard Union, while also opening for names such as; Kane Brown, Chris Lane, Ryan Hurd, Emerson Drive, Charlie Major and more. Shantaia has played festivals across Canada, including Cavendish Beach Music Festival, North by North East, Dauphins Country Fest, Country Thunder Sask, Calgary Stampeded, and Boots and Hearts, and has started getting her feet wet in the US, with performances at Americana Fest, Key West Songwriters Festival, Whiskey Jam, CMT Next Women x Song Suffragettes series, as well as shows in Alabama, California and Florida.
With a jam packed summer on the horizon, Shantaia will be bringing her smouldering new sound to festival stages across the country. For more information on tour dates and new music, be sure to follow Shantaia across platforms or visit www.shantaiamusic.com.
