From Roots to Finding Independence to #1s: An Exclusive Talk with Canaan Smith
- mjillianblog
- Oct 31
- 7 min read
Canaan Smith, a Virginia native, has been blossoming in the music industry for twenty years. First arriving in town in ‘05, he went on to graduate from Belmont University and hit the ground running. Without the assistance of social media, it was all up to him to lay the foundation of what God called him to do.
Navigating an independent music career and preparing for lofty projects to come, Smith found time to sit down for a conversation on his story. Read along for exclusive news, his updated inspiration, how performing at Aromas in Colonial Williamsburg grew into him climbing mediabase charts, and more. This candid conversation is destined to leave you inspired.
Explain what it was like growing up in Williamsburg with a Nashville dream? Have you always known that this is what you wanted to do?
“Not necessarily. I loved music early on because of my dad being in bands and going to his rehearsals as a kid- I just always loved music. We played instruments growing up and had a garage band- it was always something we loved to do but I didn't really know what I wanted to do- I was young. I did not know that Nashville is where I needed to be until I settled into country music being my path. I had a Thursday night gig at Aromas and eventually felt like Nashville is where I wanted to be.
I came here in 2005 and I didn't know anybody. I knew that if I wanted to make it as a songwriter and artist, which was my goal, that I needed to put boots on the ground here and start networking and do it the old school way. There was no social media- I picked up everything, moved to a new city and just went around shaking hands and asking if I could play at bars and collaborate with complete strangers. I graduated Belmont in '07 and got my publishing deal in '09.
Long sets, late at night and because of all that, I learned how to sustain my voice, to work a crowd, and I'm thankful for that method."
This foundation is what Canaan credits his success to as he steps into navigating what it means to be an independent artist. He emerged into the industry with his debut record in 2015 and soon after earned his first #1, "Love You Like That".
"That was obviously the biggest game changer because it brought people to the table. When I walked away from that, most people stuck around. I took my time between the first and second album because I was a little lost in the interim... trying to figure out what I wanted to say and if I wanted to even do this anymore.
Without the foundation of people who were there to listen... it would have felt like starting over but it did not feel that way because I had a built in audience. Without that foundation, I would not have been able to do what I am doing independently."
What does it mean to you to be able to come back home and play shows?
"It feels like I'm being rewarded when I do that but I'm also hopefully able to inspire someone listening in the crowd. It's just a calling you chase down and you can make stuff work if you stay at it- I hope that is the example I've set for the hustle to go chase your dreams."
What advice would you give to someone also from a small town who wants to get into the music industry?
"I don't think you can have perspective- the right clear perspective- unless you step away from what you know and that's the case with anything in life. You only know what you know until it is more. That is why travel is such a valuable thing... new experiences. Even as a songwriter, that is something I definitely have to go do. You have to stay active and go somewhere new and be inspired by something you had not seen or heard.
Give yourself a chance to grow and step out of your comfort zone- you go into no man's land and that gives you an opportunity to see the world differently. A small town mentality, for better or worse, can be what grounds you or what stumbles you. You do not have to leave town to grow, it is just a choice you have to make.
As for me, I didn't run away. I didn't feel like I needed something new- I was just determined to achieve something and follow the steps and go wherever it led me."
Who or what has really inspired your career?
"There have been phases. Early on, it was George Strait. He was my biggest inspiration when I moved to town. Now, it is more than just music- it is people. Who do I think has integrity? Those are people like Brett Beavers, who produced my first record. He has got all the talent yet is one of the kindest and most humble dudes. He is a dad and husband and figured out a way to balance it all. Those are my heroes now. The ones who figured it out on a grand scheme, more than the music.
I have felt the Everest high when getting a hit and the goal for me is to continue, obviously, to keep climbing to the top. But my goal is really how do I handle myself along the way? How do I internalize and compartmentalize what I'm chasing because I genuinely love it so gratitude can be at the forefront?"
Smith furthered the roster of people he is inspired by to shed light on Blake Pendergrass as well as giving credit to God for opening and closing the right doors. "When God places something in your heart, you want to follow through and be that disciple and go along with the potential that you know He has for you."
What do you hope people take from your music? The message you want people to grasp.
"I want my music to hit people in an inspiring way as often as possible. I want people to think 'Wow! That really resonates with me'...I hope the song as a whole somehow crosses the threshold of whatever is going on in the listener's life. It can somehow take them away and just get them lost in the music and experience it.
"Now that I am independent, I get a chance to do that. I do not have to check boxes of what is the format for commercial? I definitely began to explore that freedom with the 'Chickahominy' album and I want to do that going forward."
Williamsburg and Nashville are two completely different scenes. How do you stay grounded?
"My wife. My kids. My savior. Those are the only three things that keep me in shape. Just like my personal intention, it all comes from a desire to not squander this gift and career by losing sight of the blessing it is to do it for a living. My wife is my biggest inspiration and my kids who give me purpose. Music can only go so far in developing who you are as a human. There is a point it can't do much more than inspire you and that is where people, the real stuff comes in, and you have real purpose. Those are the things that keep me grounded more than anything. I do it for them and because of them.
I have their full support and I can not imagine doing it out of balance somehow. I feel like right now everything is prioritized correctly. It may take me longer and you may not see me as much on social media but it is because I have my priorities more straightened out than before."
Canaan's faith and dedication to his family is evident in his character and his music. This conversation only emphasized the shepherd he is and intends to continue by going forward on his path.
I had anticipated concluding the interview there but something told me to ask one more question...
What was it like working with Tyler Hubbard as you recently contributed to the #1 country song, "Park"? Tell me about your timeline relationship with him.
"Tyler is one of my best friends. We met back in Belmont and in 2018, we were brewing new ideas. One idea was that [Florida Georgia Line] would start a new publishing/record label. Conversations behind the scenes felt good for the next potential steps in my career and gave me the confidence to step away from what I had. I knew I would be stepping into something that was a good fit. It was an important time for me as an artist and songwriter, especially as we wrote our first songs in Nashville together since 2006. He knew where I stood artistically.
When I felt lost [in Nashville], going back to work with someone who kind of knew where we came from allowed me to kind of find home again and grow. It allowed me to feel centered and be inspired again.
That label then closed up shop but he opened a new one last year and I was the first one he signed as a writer then we wrote "Park" together. It feels like all guns are firing and the system is figured out now more than ever. There is a good energy.
All of these moments got me here. Some were lonely and dismal. I didn't think I had a future and then a page turned and led to the right next move. It has been a journey but I am not only thankful for where I am but hopeful for where I am going."
This conversation with Canaan Smith was influential, not only for me but hopefully for anyone reading that wants to step into the music world. God's presence is so apparent in his career and through his words. The ebbs and flows he expressed in attaining his dream is a reminder to not stray from your goals and to keep pursuing what God has intended for us to do with our potential.
When asked about what is in store for the next steps of his career, he exclusively told us of a pivotal moment. In 2026, he will be making his co-producing debut on a major record label hosting a star-stunning resume of artists. I am excited for where this chapter brings Smith in his career and to see where he goes from here.
If you have not listened to Canaan Smith before, his information is linked below. "Sweet Virginia" and "Ain't Much to Write Home About" are some honorable mentions.
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Canaan Smith:
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