Canaan Smith Releases Independent Album ‘Chickahominy’

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After a decade of commercial success in Music City, artist Canaan Smith has ventured outside of mainstream country to share the struggles, lessons and purpose behind his work in his third studio album Chickahominy, released last Friday (Jan. 24).

“I needed to fail to learn what really matters,” shares 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 hopes to turn the page on Smith’s previous market-driven works and bring listeners an artist who exudes honesty and fearlessness through his songwriting.

The project dives into themes of reckless youth with tracks “Chickahominy” and “18, Stoned & Stupid,” career challenges in “No Mercy” and fears as a new father in “Bad News.” Additionally, Smith embraces narrative-focused works in songs such as “Bread And Honey,” a warning against gambling addiction and “Green,” in which a church-going weed farmer is saved by a strike of lighting and luck at the 11th hour.

Produced by Anthony Olympia, all tracks on the album were co-written by Smith alongside songwriters such as Ben Stennis, Brett Beavers, Trent Tomlinson, Jamie Paulin, Drew Kennedy and more.

With Chickahominy, Smith delivers an album that aims to embody evolution, authenticity and freedom.

Chickahominy Track List:
1. “18, Stoned & Stupid” (Canaan Smith, Brett Beavers, Trent Tomlinson)
2. “Chickahominy” (Canaan Smith, Jamie Paulin)
3. “Ain’t Much To Write Home About” (Canaan Smith, Ben Stennis)
4. “Bread + Honey” (Canaan Smith, Autumn Buysse)
5. “No Mercy” (Canaan Smith, Drew Kennedy)
6. “Pay It Forward” (Canaan Smith, Chase McDaniel, Trent Wayne, Clara Park)
7. “Everyday Joe” (Canaan Smith, Mia Mantia, Park)
8. “Green” (Canaan Smith, Kennedy)
9. “Bad News” (Canaan Smith, Anthony Olympia, Brent Rupard)
10. “See You Again” (Canaan Smith, Chris Bandi)
11. “In Time With You” (Canaan Smith, Rob Williford, Schmitty, Spencer Coats)

John Nix Arledge
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