If you don’t know her name already, her powerhouse vocals and magnetic stage presence ensure you’ll be hearing it everywhere soon.
One of country’s freshest rising voices, Shantaia (pronounced shan-TAY-uh) is an award-winning singer/songwriter originally from Spiritwood, Saskatchewan, Canada, now based in Nashville, TN. With previous hits like “Broke to Brand New” and “Faster Horses,” she continues to build a global fan base. Her recent single, “What I Wouldn’t Do,” was co-written with longtime collaborator Ryan Sorestad and Grammy-nominated producer Curt Chambers. The song marked a smoldering sonic shift to her now signature blend of soul-infused modern country. Her next single, “Rose Colored Glasses,” drops July 25th, 2025.
Shantaia recently took the time to talk with SWAGGER about life, music, horses, and much more.
SWAGGER: What’s your earliest memory of falling in love with music?
Shantaia: My earliest memory of falling in love with music was when I started to write songs at 9 years old. I went from just a student of music, taking classical singing lessons, piano and guitar lessons, to freedom to express myself through everything I had studied and learned about music. I was now creating my own chord progressions, my own lyrics, and my own melodies. It was exhilarating! I also remember being extremely determined to learn my favorite songs on guitar, taking them back to my cousin Riley (who was my guitar teacher at the time) and being eager to show him that I was able to teach myself “Our Song” by Taylor Swift before he could show me. I was maybe 8 at the time!
SWAGGER: Growing up in Saskatchewan, how did your surroundings influence your songwriting?
Shantaia: I think growing up in a small town and such a rural area, spending most of my time on my grandparents farm, riding horseback and truly doing all the country things you hear about in country music, has made my music truly authentic. I lived and breathed it. I was a small town/farm kid from rural Saskatchewan. It’s not something I’m always writing about because that could get redundant, but it’s something I know well and can reflect on when needed. My song “Faster Horses” pulls memories from when I was 15 and looking for my first car. My brothers had mustang cars and I wanted a mustang as well. My dad didn’t deem it a safe car for his “little girl” but ironically, I had spent my whole life riding horses. I had been bucked off, broken bones and a ruptured spleen. The car was probably safer! That idea sparked what the song stands for. Having a strong sense of independence and confidence!
SWAGGER: Was there a particular artist or album that made you say, “I want to do this for the rest of my life”?
Shantaia: There’s definitely been a few in my life. Early on I was heavily exposed to artists like Martina Mcbride, Shania Twain and Taylor Swift. As a young girl, I looked up to these artists and felt I could do it too. In my teens/late teens, Maren Morris and Chris Stapleton became huge influences on my career, and how it has evolved. Aside from those artists, I pull a lot of influence now from Fleetwood Mac, Teddy Swims, John Mayer, Lake Street Dive and more.
SWAGGER: What’s been the most unexpected challenge on your path as an artist?
Shantaia: To be completely honest, money. As an artist, it feels like pretty much everyone else around you can count on getting paid except for yourself. I’ve had to work really hard to keep my head above water. I grew up good, but my family doesn’t come from money. My parents are middle class, hard workers, but I do feel this has given me the tools to be the hardest working person in the room. I think when you’re growing up saying “I want to be an artist”, it isn’t until later that you realize it isn’t a cheap industry to be in. The other challenge I think I’ve had to overcome is not everyone is going to be your cheerleader and your friend in this business, and that’s okay. You have to find your people who will cheer you on while you cheer them on, and drown out the rest of the noise and distraction.
SWAGGER: Was there ever a moment where you almost gave up on music — and what pulled you back?
Shantaia: Actually, never. I have always gone full force, and when I ran into a wall, I’d find a way around it. I have always been the kind of person who can hear a million no’s but will pivot to find the one “yes”. I let myself rant and feel frustrated about certain things, but quitting has never been an option. I think I just love the music too much and know this is where I’m destined to be!
SWAGGER: How did moving to Nashville change you personally and professionally?
Shantaia: Personally, I’ve become even more independent (if that was even possible), but I have also found life long friendships with like minded people. Moving to Nashville really gave me a lot of clarity and growth as a person. Professionally, it has been the best thing for me. I have become a better singer, musician/guitar player, songwriter and producer because of Nashville. Living here can be the most inspiring thing if you let it!
SWAGGER: In an industry that often relies on teams and big labels, you’ve taken a hands-on approach to your music and career — was that out of necessity, vision, or both — and how has it shaped your identity as an artist?
Shantaia: I think the hands-on approach definitely stemmed from both. As an independent artist, you have to figure out how to save money or get things done quicker. I’m an extremely creative person, even visually. I have a strong vision for how I want graphics, wardrobe, photos and video to look, so I am very involved with that process. I’ve also been very involved on a production front. Knowing what I wanted was never an issue, as I am very strong-minded and picky, but I think the longer I have had to “do it myself”, the more I’ve really figured out my sound, my look, and my brand, which is such a powerful thing. I kind of feel like it’s my super power.
SWAGGER: What’s something fans would be surprised to learn about you?
Shantaia: I’m a pretty open book with my fans, there’s not a lot I don’t share or haven’t shared in the past! I guess something people wouldn’t know about me is I was an educational assistant for 4 years. I would rehearse with my band in the evenings, play shows on the weekends and all summer when school was out! When Covid hit, I lost my job like everyone else and took that as a sign to go full time into music!
SWAGGER: How do you stay grounded in who you are, even when the industry wants to shape you?
Shantaia: I think this takes me back to the “do it yourself” concept. If you can learn all aspects of this business and industry, you will have a much stronger sense of self which will keep you from allowing the industry to turn you into something you’re not. If you can build something YOU love, with people around you who also see that vision and support it, then the right people in the industry will want to work with you BECAUSE you know who you are already. Be a team player, but trust yourself first and foremost. You don’t need someone else to tell you who you are. That’s boring!
SWAGGER: What message or feeling do you hope people take away after listening to your songs?
Shantaia: I really hope my music can instill confidence, especially the new music I’m working on. I always want people to find their story or themselves somehow in my music, even if they’ve experienced something different than I have. When it comes down to it, music really is all about connection.
For more details on where you can find Shantaia’s music and see her perform live, visit www.shantaiamusic.com/.
