‘Fresh wind’
Canaan Smith gets new label, tours with Florida Georgia Line
Canaan Smith has found his groove on tour this summer.
The country singer has an opening slot on Florida Georgia Line’s tour, and he’s making the most of it.
“It’s awesome,” he says. “It’s the most fun I’ve had on tour. Everyone is hanging out, and we have a routine where we’re writing songs in the day. It’s very communal, and everyone gets along. I’m thankful for this opportunity.”
Smith is making moves again in country music.
In August, he became the first artist to sign with Round Here Records, run by Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard.
He is also working with Round Here Records and AWAL for his next album.
In the deal, Smith will get global marketing, campaign coordination, synch licensing and worldwide distribution.
He’s also been working with Kelley and Hubbard on new tracks.
In fact, his single “Country Boy Things” was written by Smith, Kelley, Jaren Johnston of The Cadillac Three and Corey Crowder.
“I wanted to get out in the woods on this one — my kind of woods — which turns out, are Brian Kelley’s woods,” Smith says. “When he offered up his property for the video, I knew it was gonna be special. I wanted to capture the essence of a day well spent. That was the most hands-on I’ve been with a video so far,
and I’m glad it’s time to show it.”
Smith is no stranger to writing hit songs. “Like I Love You” hit the No. 1 slot on the Billboard country singles chart.
Having another opportunity to expand his career, Smith isn’t taking it lightly.
“It’s fresh wind in my sails,” he says of the record deal. “I’m bringing my instincts to the table. I am also learning from Brian and Tyler. They’ve always been hard workers, and I am taking it all in. Co-writing is at its best during this time. We all want the best line each time. We’re able to do it this way, and it’s made a huge difference.”
It’s been three years since Smith has been able to record music, since he left his record deal with Mercury Nashville.
With his new music, there’s a feeling of being free.
“That’s what I set out to do with this music,” he says. “I’m at a different place in my life where I’m having fun again writing. The songs are resonating with fans again. I’m about to release two more very soon.”
Smith says the focus is to get more writing done and release the singles as they are finished, before releasing the album.
“It’s a completely different world in the music industry,” he says. “The way people consume music is very different, and I’m looking forward to people hearing more of what I have to say.”