Canaan Smith continues to share a glimpse into his evolving artistry with two deeply personal new songs — “Chickahominy” and “Bad News.” The tracks are the final preview of his forthcoming album Chickahominy (1.24). Available now, these new tracks showcase Smith’s departure from the mainstream and dive deep into his connection with storytelling and emotional vulnerability.

The album’s title track, “Chickahominy,” named after a river that rolled through his small Virginia town, immerses listeners into a sense of nostalgia and youthful rebellion, celebrating the coming-of-age memories that were created at hometown stomping grounds.Alongside free-spirited, stomping rhythms and twang-laden guitar, Smith sings to his familiar friend, "You know all my secrets, You've heard all my prayers, You still hold the can I throwed, After I drank my first beer.”

On “Bad News,” Smith reflects on a darker childhood memory — the loss of his brother — and how it shaped his emotional landscape.In what he calls the most honest snapshot of his internal dialogue, “Bad News” finds Smith wrestling with the desire to accept happiness and the anxiety of waiting for the other shoe to drop, singing "It’s a helluva place to be, Between the devil and the deep blue sea, Wonderin’ if tomorrow gonna bring, Bad news.”

While once caught in the creativity-depleting cycle of churning out songs for radio, Smith’s new music reflects his creative transition into a space of self-exploration and self-acceptance. Chickahominy is Smith’s most song-forward and sonically adventurous album to date, and finds the artist stretching beyond his past limitations.

To learn more about Chickahominy and all things Canaan Smith, visit canaansmith.komi.io.

 

COLUMNS

This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from January 21-27, 2025

Here is a look at shows taking place from January 21-27, 2025 along with our featured listings and a look at some upcoming shows. New Jersey Stage offers previews of concerts throughout the Garden State as well as select shows in New York City and Philadelphia areas.

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BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music 1/20/25

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Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites...1/16/25