Shantaia
You instantly know “Had a Good Weekend” is going to be catchy as hell when you hear the first few seconds. It’s a classic country record, a feel good record you want to listen to over and over. You really can’t go wrong with a song like this. “Had a Good Weekend” puts me in a good mood and we all need a song like this. I’m so glad I got to discover Shantaia, she’s an incredible vocalist and a great talent. Can’t wait to hear more :)
I hope “Had a Good Weekend” will also put you in a good mood. Go stream it now :)
Introduce yourself - what's your story?
My story, it's a long one! So here's the short; I grew up in Spiritwood Sask, riding horses, playing sports, and singing more than I did my homework! My parents put me in singing lessons at 3 years old and guitar at 6 which eventually lead to writing songs by 9. I spent almost every weekend of my childhood playing on any stage I could get on, entering talent competitions across Western Canada, and pursuing my music dream for as long as I can remember! All of that has led me to opening for artists like Kane Brown and Chris Lane, playing Major festivals across Canada and in the U.S., and now i'm living in Music City, like I always said I would!
When did you start writing songs? What made you want to write in the first place?
I remember writing my first song at 9 about my great grandpa being very ill. I wrote it anticipating his passing, and even remember the name of the song; "When You're Gone". Music has always been an outlet for my feelings, or an escape from my life. Depending on the day, I can be writing about things that I am going through or the next day be writing a fiction story, like I'm acting in my own song and building/playing a fictional character in my head to escape from my own life. Writing is therapeutic either way for me!
When did you know you could sing?
Well my parents knew I could before I knew, so I can't remember a time where I discovered it on my own, it was always just a huge part of my life and I've loved every minute of it!
At what point did you decide to become an artist and release your original music?
It was something I always wanted. I remember being 13 years old and being selected for a 10k20 grant through Rawlco Radio in Saskatoon where I got to record 8 original songs and release my first album at 14 years old. I think getting a taste of the recording studio so young really validated that I wanted to truly pursue a music career full time one day.
As an artist, what lessons have you learned since the beginning of your career?
That you can never stop learning in this business! To continually educate yourself, because this industry is more than just writing and singing songs. Learning the business side has really shaped me into a "go getter" and has motivated me to work even harder. Knowledge is power (but always stay humble and kind!)
How would you define Shantaia, the artist?
"A unique and unforgettable name, and voice!" I would say I am personable, kind, feisty, funny, both on and off the stage! I am always authentic and real with my fans, what you see is what you get!
"Had a Good Weekend" is your new single - what's the story/inspiration behind this single?
My good friend and co-writer Ryan Sorestad and I were both in Saskatchewan during harvest time 2019 and had the rainy evening lined up to write in Saskatoon at my place at the time. The day was gloomy and rainy, and I had a start on this song already that just felt like it would lift us up and get us out of that gloomy mood! That was how "Had A Good Weekend" was born!
Could you describe the songwriting/production process for this single? Who helped you create it?
We wrote the song over a year ago and it always came up first for me as a "next single" once i got back into the studio. I worked with a producer in Nashville named Grady Saxman, and had such a great time in the studio. From using A-list musicians live in the studio to having so much fun cutting vocals on a Friday evening with good friends, it was one of the best production experiences that I've been a part of and I'm looking forward to working with Grady and his team more in the future!
What do you like the most about this song?
This song just really has those good time vibes. It's upbeat, fun, the lyrics are clever and humorous, and I have so much fun singing it! It's just a big song, from the vocal, to the instruments, to the production! I think it's going to get stuck in everyone's heads!
What made you want to release "Had a Good Weekend" as a single?
Just how undeniably catchy the song is. And it has always given me that good gut feeling since the day we wrote it. Some songs can feel good in the moment because of the adrenaline, which is why I like to sit with them for a bit, and this one always comes out on top! It's also a fan favourite at writers rounds and shows!
What is your goal for this song?
I'm really hoping to chart higher at radio with this song and ultimately just hope that more people hear this song, whether it's on a Spotify or Apple Music playlist, or on the radio. I just want to make people bop, feel good and smile when they hear it. The more people, the better!
What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
There have been so many it's really hard to say. Getting my music played on the radio is definitely one of them. But I would say being brave enough to move to another country away from my family, my partner in crime and all of my friends. It's not easy going through the process of getting approved for a visa and moving all alone 1500 miles away. But I'm happy that I did and I'm extremely proud of myself for living this childhood dream of mine that so many people told me I would never do. It's so rewarding just being in Nashville doing music full time!
What are your thoughts on today's music industry? If you could change one thing, what would it be?
Equality for women! This industry tries to repress this issue, or act like they are fixing it when it's really just band aid fixes. So few are talking about the inequality AND making changes to help. We love the guys on the radio, we do! We just want equal radio play, and for record labels to stop signing one female to every 6 guys. We deserve it just as much!
What's the best advice you've ever received?
3 things that my dad always says to me:
1. Be proactive, not reactive
2. Every action has a reaction
3. It is what it is
I've learnt over the years those sayings have applied to my life in so many different ways! My parents have always given the best advice and have really taught me to work hard, never give up, and to always be myself!
What biggest life lesson have you learned so far?
In my career: I think to not always trust that people are looking out for you in this industry. I think learning to have my own back was a huge lesson.
Life in general: To cherish every single little moment. Take in all the good, notice it, and appreciate it!
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
If EVERYONE would just be kind and accepting. Hate, jealousy and greed is what tears our world apart!
What message do you want to deliver to the world?
To honestly be yourself, to be kind to everyone, and to treat everyone equally. I hope one day I can say that to millions of people on stages across the world!
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