Canaan Smith's musical journey has been marked by both triumphs and challenges. In 2011, he signed his first major label deal with Mercury Records, a significant milestone in his career. Four years later, he released his debut album, 'Bronco,' which was met with critical acclaim. The album featured the Platinum-selling Billboard #1 hit "Love You Like That" and the Billboard Top-20 single "Hole in a Bottle," solidifying Smith's place in the country music scene.

However, despite his initial success at radio, Smith found himself struggling to define his artistic identity. He soon found himself caught in the cycle of chasing No. 1 songs and constantly comparing himself to fellow artists, trying to fit an industry box. This struggle to maintain his creative vision within the confines of the major label system ultimately led him to make a bold decision.

Smith decided to walk away from his once dream label deal, in order to discover his creative vision as an independent artist. This decision signified his determination to chart his own path and stay true to his artistic identity, even if it meant forgoing the potential benefits of a major label contract…

Soon after, Smith signed a record deal with fellow artists and longtime friends Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley (Round Here Records), releasing his sophomore album ‘High Country Sound’ in 2021. The record earned praise from Forbes, American Songwriter, PEOPLE and more, but Smith still felt lost in the music industry wilderness and couldn’t help but wonder, “where do I go from here?”

On January 24, 2025, Smith is taking the next bold step in his journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance with his third studio album, ‘Chickahominy.’ 

‘Chickahominy’ marks a significant departure from his earlier work. “I consider this my transitional album,” says Smith. “It’s about exploring myself creatively and cutting ties with the inherent striving for commercial success. Instead of focusing on ‘what will work,’ I’m now more focused on expressing myself, and this is only the first step in that direction."

Throughout 11 tracks, which were all written or co-written by Smith and produced by Anthony Olympia (Everette, Kendell Marvel), the album is a raw and fearless expression of who Smith is now both musically and personally, peeling back the layers of perfectionism and confronting the parts of himself he’s long been afraid to face.

“It’s my most song-forward album yet,” he says. "It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, just like my mind. One minute I’m carefree and stoned, and the next I’m worried to death. Sonically, it’s the most explorative album I’ve ever made. We let the band breathe, no click track, just a more natural, organic flow. As an artist, what I want most is to let myself breathe.”

Named after a river in his hometown of Williamsburg, VA, ‘Chickahominy’ finds Smith stretching beyond his past limitations, sonically, lyrically and thematically.

‘Chickahominy’ weaves influences of roots, country, rock and bluegrass, while thematically exploring the tensions between life’s clever lies and ugly truths. The powerful storyteller draws listeners into a world where the boundaries of good and bad collide, as he discovers the multitudes of the human experience.

From the first song to the last, ‘Chickahominy’ represents an album crafted with intention, honesty and courage from an artist who has, after 15 years in the music industry, embraced his most fearless and authentic voice. “I’m still working it out,” Smith says, “but that means there’s more to come.”