From writing her first song at nine years old in rural Saskatchewan to finding her own country-soul sound in Nashville, here’s what to know about Shantaia.
Shantaia may call Nashville home these days, but her country roots go back much further than her move to Music City. Raised in Spiritwood, Saskatchewan, Shantaia started singing lessons at three, picked up the guitar at six and wrote her first song at nine.
By 13, she had already won a $10,000 grant to record eight original songs. Years later, that drive has taken her from Saskatchewan stages to Nashville, SiriusXM’s Top of the Country and performances alongside some of country music’s biggest names. Now, Shantaia is entering a new chapter with One Trick Pony, her eight-track album released October 16.
Where Is Shantaia From?
Shantaia grew up in Spiritwood, Saskatchewan, where music and life on the Prairies shaped her from an early age. Her first song came from an especially personal place. When her great-grandfather became ill, nine-year-old Shantaia began writing about losing someone you love and imagining life after they were gone.
At 13, she won Rawlco Radio’s 10K20 Project, receiving $10,000 to record eight original songs. She also won CKRM’s Big Country Talent Show and earned the opportunity to perform on the main stage at Saskatchewan’s Craven Country Jamboree. She eventually moved to Nashville, where she has continued developing a sound that blends her country roots with soul, blues and R&B influences.
SiriusXM’s Top of the Country
Shantaia was one of three finalists in SiriusXM’s Top of the Country competition in 2022 alongside Josh Ross and eventual winner SACHA. The nationwide competition culminated during Country Music Week in Calgary, where the three finalists performed live. Shantaia finished as a runner-up and received a $10,000 prize. The experience marked an important step in taking her career from Saskatchewan to a national Canadian country audience.
What Are Shantaia’s Biggest Songs?
Shantaia’s catalogue includes songs like “Broke to Brand New,” “Know You,” “Damaged Goods” and “What I Wouldn’t Do.”
“Broke to Brand New” became her first Top 35 single at Canadian country radio, while “What I Wouldn’t Do” later earned Single of the Year at the Saskatchewan Country Music Awards. Shantaia was also named Female Artist of the Year.
More recently, “Faster Horses,” “Rose Colored Glasses,” “Why On Earth,” “Risk You Run” and “Find Out” have introduced listeners to the next evolution of her sound.
Shantaia Releases New Album One Trick Pony
Released October 16, One Trick Pony brings together the different sides of Shantaia’s musical identity.
The eight-track project features “Faster Horses,” “Rose Colored Glasses,” “Why On Earth,” “One Trick Pony,” “Risk You Run,” “Loud,” “Find Out” and “Grace.” Throughout the album, Shantaia moves between country, soul, blues and R&B without losing the storytelling at the centre of her music. “Risk You Run,” in particular, allows her to lean further into the soul and R&B influences that have always felt natural to her voice.
For an artist who has spent years developing a sound that doesn’t fit neatly into one box, the title feels especially appropriate.
What’s Next for Shantaia?
2026 has already marked an important new chapter for Shantaia. In August, she officially signed with Walk Off Entertainment for management after working with the team for more than a year. She was also selected from more than 500 applicants as one of three finalists for SoFi’s Amplify Your Ambitions contest in partnership with Kelsea Ballerini and the CMA. With a growing online audience, new management and One Trick Pony now out, Shantaia is entering her next chapter with a sound that feels increasingly her own.
From a three-year-old taking singing lessons in Saskatchewan to an artist building a career in Nashville, her story has been years in the making — and One Trick Pony shows there are still plenty of sides of Shantaia left to hear.
Where to Follow Shantaia
Keep up with new music, tour dates and announcements through Shantaia’s official website and her music on the Top Country Radar playlist.