Shantaia’s Sophomore Album Proves She’s Anthing But A ‘One Trick Pony’
Nashville-based Canadian artist Shantaia returns with “Find Out,” the latest preview of her forthcoming eight-track album, One Trick Pony, out October 16. Blending country, soul and blues, the slow-burning track captures the moment when obvious chemistry finally outweighs hesitation, with the hook “Let’s mess around and find out” turning that tension into a confident, playful invitation. The song also gives Shantaia room to lean further into the soulful and blues-driven side of her voice while keeping her country foundation intact.
Produced by Curt Chambers, Brad Hill and Shantaia, One Trick Pony is designed as a gradual expansion of her sound, beginning in familiar country and country-soul territory before moving deeper into soul, R&B and blues. Following “Risk You Run,” which begins that transition, “Find Out” pushes it further with a more sensual, self-assured energy and offers another glimpse at the broader range Shantaia is bringing to the album.
“I love this album because it starts out country, which is where everybody knows me to be, and it transitions into soul, R&B and a lot of blues influence. When I was creating it, I wanted to challenge myself musically again, not be afraid to try new things, step outside the box and give people a taste of that upbringing of listening to all different kinds of genres.”
Shantaia is breaking free from genre expectations with her latest album, One Trick Pony, a bold and personal project that showcases the full range of her musical influences. Rather than abandoning her country roots, the album takes listeners on a carefully crafted journey, beginning with country-driven tracks like “Faster Horses,” “Rose Colored Glasses,” “Why On Earth” and the title track before shifting into soul, R&B and blues territory with “Risk You Run,” “Loud,” “Find Out” and focus track “Grace.” The album reflects her upbringing in a small northern Saskatchewan town, where country radio shared space with artists like Christina Aguilera, Alicia Keys, Beyoncé, Whitney Houston, Eminem and Dr. Dre. Those diverse influences helped shape her musical identity, and One Trick Pony finally gives her the freedom to explore them all. The creative shift was partly inspired by an audience member’s reaction to her cover of Janis Joplin’s “Me and Bobby McGee” during the release show for her 2023 debut, Exes and Friends. Their observation that her voice belonged in that soulful space encouraged her to step outside her comfort zone and rediscover the excitement of experimenting with different sounds.
The album’s title came after a series of industry meetings left Shantaia frustrated with the pressure to fit neatly into one musical category. Her response, “I ain’t a one-trick pony,” became the driving statement behind a record that celebrates versatility, artistic freedom and staying true to every side of herself. Rather than choosing between country, soul, R&B and blues, Shantaia brings them together in a project that proves her artistry has never been limited to just one sound.
Make sure you check out One Trick Pony on Spotify below and over on your favorite streaming platform!
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