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When PLATINUM-selling country artist Canaan Smith first stepped foot in Nashville, the appeal of commercial success drove him to write #1 hit songs, but it also left him wrestling with the confines of the mainstream industry and his desire to venture out creatively. A decade later, he shares the struggles, lessons learned and fulfilled purpose he’s found in his journey of self-discovery on his third studio album Chickahominy (out today, 1.24).

Listen to the full, independent record, here: 

canaansmith.komi.io

“I needed to fail to learn what really matters,” says Smith. “Looking back at my years in the mainstream country world, I felt lost and struggled with finding my purpose. I find the best version of myself and my music is when I let go of striving for success and exploring who I am as an artist and storyteller, and that journey is what this album is all about.”

Chickahominy marks a bold new chapter for Smith following a 180° transformation since breaking free of the one-size-fits-all mold of a commercial industry. Listeners will hear an artist who has liberated the most fearless, honest and meaningful version of his songwriting.

Produced by Anthony Olympia (Everette, Josh Turner), the album was entirely co-written by Smith alongside high-caliber songwriters including Ben Stennis (Luke Combs,), Brett Beavers (Eric Church, Cody Johnson), Trent Tomlinson (Lainey Wilson), Jamie Paulin (Stephen Wilson Jr., Ian Munsick), Drew Kennedy (Patrick Droney) and more.

Smith taps into themes of reckless youth (“Chickahominy” + “18, Stoned andamp; Stupid”), honors the place he comes from (“Ain’t Much To Write Home About”) and the people who have lifted him up along the way (“Pay It Forward”), and addresses the challenges he’s faced in his career (“No Mercy”) and deep-rooted fears he wrestles with as a father (“Bad News”). 

The album is also filled with his most narrative-forward music, from the allegorical songs like “Bread And Honey,” a warning of gambling addiction, to “Green,” one of a church-going weed farmer who is saved by a strike of lightning and luck at the 11th hour.

From the first song to the last, Chickahominy, showcases Smith as an artist unafraid to evolve, shed his former labels and defy expectations.

For more information on Smith, visit canaansmith.com.

 

‘Chickahominy’ Tracklist:

Mastering: Will Borza

Mastered at Borza Mastering

Recorded at Groove Kitchen, Murfreesboro, TN

Mixing: Luke DeJaynes and Seth Earnest

Engineering: Luke DeJaynes and Tyler Ross

 

1. "18, Stoned andamp; Stupid" (Smith / Brett Beavers / Trent Tomlinson)

2. "Chickahominy” (Smith / Jamie Paulin)

3. "Ain’t Much To Write Home About" (Smith / Ben Stennis)

4. "Bread + Honey" (Smith / Autumn Buysse)

5. "No Mercy" (Smith / Drew Kennedy)

6. "Pay It Forward" (Smith / Chase McDaniel / Trent Wayne / Clara Park)

7. "Everyday Joe" (Smith / Mia Mantia / Park)

8. "Green" (Smith / Kennedy)

9. "Bad News” (Smith / Anthony Olympia / Brent Rupard)

10. "See You Again" (Smith / Chris Bandi)

11. "In Time With You" (Smith / Rob Williford / Schmitty / Spencer Coats)