Shantaia
Shantaia is back with a brand new smash titled “Hung Over You”. The Canadian country artist definitely knows how to create big records. Co-written with Vanessa Marie Carter and Tyrone Carreker, the new single is a heartbreak anthem.
I spent some time listening to her discography the other day and I couldn’t find any “bad” song. Shantaia is an artist who will always deliver GREAT songs that will make you feel good and understood. “Hung Over You” is one of these timeless songs.
Thank you so much Shantaia for the chat, I’m so glad we could catch up !!
“Hung Over You” is available everywhere :)
Photo credit: Nicole Romanoff
Hi Shantaia, how are you? What have you been up to since our first conversation?
Hey guys! I’ve been well! I’ve been busier than ever! My last single “Broke to Brand New” went Top 35 at Canadian country radio, I was selected for the Top 8 of Top of the Country and I’ve been participating in RBCxMusic’s First Up Program which took me out on tour with The Washboard Union! Life has been crazy!
"Hung Over You" is your new single - what's the story/inspiration behind this single?
This song represents more than I can actually say right now, because I would be giving away the concept album I’m currently working on! But! It’s about trying to mask your heartbreak with bad habits- like drinking, smoking, and going out constantly with your friends acting like you’re fine.
Could you describe the songwriting/production process for this song? Who helped you create it?
I wrote this song with Vanessa Marie Carter and Tyrone Carreker. I brought in a slightly different hook but same concept, and Vanessa helped mold the title into what it is now. Tyrone, having been Sam Hunts right hand man on guitar, he really brought a vibey guitar skill and melody to the room that made it the bop that is in now! I feel honoured to work with such talented people!
What did you feel when writing this song?
I felt total excitement! From writing the first line I was like “oh, this is going to be a JAM!” I knew immediately that I wanted to record it!
What can you tell us about the artwork?
We were very specific in what we were aiming to achieve. My photographer Nicole Romanoff and I planned the shoot. In our consult, she mentioned having a white fringe jacket would be cool, and I was like “my mom just finished making me one!” So our vision was to have this blurry motion swing of the fringe, which kind of embodies the “hungover” concept. Layne Perry brought it to life via graphic design with more blurring and clear writing on the title and my name! She nailed it!
What do you want people to feel when listening to this song?
I want them to feel their feels! This is definitely a heartbreak anthem and I want everyone to be able to sing (or scream) it at the top of their lungs. It might even help some get past their “bad habits” phase and face the music of their heartbreak!
As an artist, what is the hardest part? And what is the best part?
That’s a loaded question! For me, the hardest part, or the part I don’t like, right now is TikTok. How reliant labels have become on an artists TikTok numbers over whether the music is GOOD or not. It’s a hard battle for artists right now in that regard. The best thing about it is writing music and watching it come to life in the studio! That’s my favourite part; the creation!
How's it like to be a woman in this industry? What message would you give to women out there?
It’s not easy. We’re told we have to stand out, that my voice has to be louder than every other females voice. Which is wrong. My advice would be to keep being you. Don’t compete, lift your other female artists up, support one another. There’s enough room for us all! Keep fighting!
Why do you make music? What keeps you going?
I make music because I don’t know how to live or breath without it. It’s my entire life, it’s who I am! If what I’ve gone through or something I write helps someone through something, or helps them forget for a moment, that’s what keeps me going!
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