Written By: Nick Singer
NASHVILLE, Tenn. Country singer-songwriter Canaan Smith is entering one of the most creatively fulfilling chapters of his career. Fresh off the release of his latest single, "Throw'n Darts," the Williamsburg, Virginia, native is continuing to prove that his impact on country music extends far beyond his own recordings.
Released on June 5, "Throw'n Darts" marks Smith's newest offering as an independent artist, a move that has allowed him to take greater ownership of his music than ever before. Since stepping away from the traditional label system, Smith has become increasingly involved in every stage of the recording process, helping shape not only the songwriting, but also the production and overall creative direction of his releases.
That hands-on approach reflects the reason Smith first came to Nashville.
Like thousands of aspiring musicians before him, he moved to Music City with one goal in mind: to write songs. Years later, that passion continues to define his career.
In addition to releasing his own music, Smith remains one of Nashville's most respected songwriters. His latest success came with Tyler Hubbard's recently released song "Land," written alongside Greylan James, Zach Abend and Hubbard himself, adding another high-profile credit to a songwriting resume bigger than most.
While many artists eventually shift their focus away from writing for others, Smith has continued balancing both sides of his career. Whether he's crafting songs for fellow artists or stepping into the spotlight with his own releases, songwriting remains at the heart of everything he does.
His latest single, "Throw'n Darts," showcases that same storytelling ability. Written alongside Ben Goldsmith and Gavin Lucas, the upbeat country track combines raw authenticity with the edgy sound that has become synonymous with Smith's music.
The release follows the success of his 2025 album, Chickahominy, a project inspired by his Virginia roots that highlighted a more personal and authentic side of the artist.
Just days after the single's release, Smith brought the new music to fans during CMA Fest, performing on the Dr Pepper Amp Stage in downtown Nashville. The appearance gave festivalgoers one of the first opportunities to hear "Throw'n Darts" live and continued the momentum surrounding his newest release.
For Smith, this season represents more than simply putting out another song. It marks the continuation of a career built on the craft that first brought him to Nashville years ago. As an independent artist with greater creative freedom, he is not only releasing music on his own terms but also continuing to write songs that resonate throughout the country music industry.
Whether it's through his own music like "Throw'n Darts" or songwriting contributions such as Tyler Hubbard's "Land," Canaan Smith continues to do exactly what he set out to accomplish when he arrived in Music City, write songs that connect with listeners.
