The music industry is a large entity. It is very, very large. And if you are not careful, it can chew you up and spit you back out. For this Belmont University graduate, he has put in years and years of hard work and dedication to get to where he is now. Canaan Smith is an extremely down to earth guy with only positivity when it comes to his career in country music. Getting to interview this guy has been both a pleasure and an honor. With a number one song lasting one week shy of a year, here is some of the things he had to say about his career and advice to give to those wanting to make it in this crazy industry we all love so much.
When did you know you wanted to be a writer and an artist and how did it all unfold?
"Soon as I figured out how to play Beatles songs on my brothers banged up acoustic. I was somewhere around twelve years old...started writing my own songs soon after."
When did you decide to take writing to the next level and become an artist yourself?
"I never was just a songwriter. Even when other artists would cut one of my songs, I would record my own version too. Would've felt weird not to."
What do you think sets you apart from other artists that are upcoming in the industry?
"My musical journey is mine alone. What life has thrown me has shaped my message and my sound."
Who is your biggest inspiration to date and why?
"My brother Nathaniel. He was a drummer...We used to play late night music in the garage. I like to think he's still listening from Heaven."
Was there ever a time that you wanted to give up and if so, what did you do to get back in the game?
"Giving up is part of the process. It takes letting go to keep on...letting go of the things I can't control and working harder at the things I can."
What was your inspiration for your new single, “Like You That Way”?
"I think it's sexy when a woman is unconventional...my wife keeps me guessing."
Every day is a risk in the music industry, what do you think the biggest risk you’ve taken thus far in your career has been?
"Trusting my instincts."
To date, what has been the biggest turning point in your career?
"A 51-week number one song! It sent the message that I'm not going away."
We all appreciate a good love story… how did you meet your wife, Christy?
"In a crowded, low ceiling bar in Ohio...saw forever right away."
What was it like to work with your wife, Christy, on your music video for your hit single “Love You Like That”?
"We had a blast on set. Driving fast cars, drinking dark whiskey, skinny dippin in a motel pool...all the feels."
As a Belmont graduate, what would you say to students studying music?
"I studied marketing, but any degree is a good degree. Work your ass off."
If there is anything you would say to an aspiring musician or songwriter what would it be?
"Believe it!”
So there you have it folks. According to Canaan Smith you just have to live your life, believe in what you believe in and never give up hope… and when you find the love of your life along the way, marry them and put them in your music video. There is no chemistry better than the real stuff. Check out Canaan Smith’s new hit single "Like You That Way"!
