Acclaimed singer-songwriter and music industry trailblazer Tara Shannon returns with her deeply personal new album Cover Story – a heartfelt tribute to the Canadian female artists who shaped her own artistry. Produced by legendary industry visionary Jim Ed Norman (The Eagles, Anne Murray, Kenny Rogers), the record offers a stunning reimagining of timeless songs alongside one moving original: the reflective, soul-soothing single “Think I’ll Stay Alone.”

“Cover Story is a love letter to Canadian music that pays tribute to the incredible Canadian female artists who influenced my own artistry through the years,” says Shannon. “Making cover songs your own while honouring those who inspired you is a balancing act – this record taught me to trust my instincts and lean into what makes me, me.”

Built on warm keys and an intimate vocal delivery, the album’s focus track, “Think I’ll Stay Alone,” co-written with Jonathan Helfand in Nashville, is the project’s sole original composition – a tender reflection on solitude, healing, and self-acceptance. “I wanted to write something that felt like taking a deep breath after getting through a difficult time,” Shannon explains. “It’s about realizing that being alone doesn’t have to mean being lonely.”

What can you share with readers about your new project?
Cover Story is my love letter to Canadian music and the iconic women who shaped me as an artist. Each song is a reimagining of a piece that inspired or guided me at some point in my journey — from Joni Mitchell and Sarah McLachlan to Alanis Morissette, Shania Twain, and Celine Dion. Produced by the legendary Jim Ed Norman, the album is really about saying thank you to the women whose authenticity, courage, and creativity opened the door for artists like me. It’s both nostalgic and fresh — a celebration of the music that made me want to make music.

How does this release compare with your other projects?
This one feels more personal in a way that surprised me. Even though these aren’t all my own songs, they’re such a big part of my story. My previous albums have been about sharing my experiences and perspective, but Cover Story let me step into the stories of others and find new layers in my own voice. Working with Jim Ed Norman brought such depth and warmth to the process — it felt like coming full circle in my career.

What about this single makes you most proud?
As the only original song of mine in the collection, I’m proud of how honest it feels. I wanted to include a song and story that captured the feeling of taking a deep breath after surviving something very difficult…an exhale and a knowing that you made it to the other side. A song that makes you feel that moment when you realize you’re going to be okay. Think I’ll Stay Alone is that for me. 

Was there a specific goal you wanted to accomplish with this release?

Absolutely — gratitude. That was the goal from the start. I wanted to create something that said “thank you” to the women who inspired me, and to the listeners who’ve supported my journey. Inspiration is circular — it starts with someone brave enough to be themselves and ripples outward. Cover Story is my ripple. 

What inspires you to create music? What motivates you to keep going?
Human connection. Always. Music is how I process life — it’s how I make sense of love, loss, hope, and change. I also think about the next generation of artists coming up behind me. Through Willow Sound Records and The Willow House, I get to help creators care for both their art and their wellbeing. That balance — that sense of purpose — keeps me going.

If you could collaborate with anyone, dead or alive, famous or unknown, who would it be and why?
I’d love to collaborate with any of the women we are honouring with this body of work…and if I expanded beyond Canadian artists, I’d include Carole King and Aretha Franklin and Sara Bareilles. 

What was the last song you listened to? Favorite all-time bands or artists?
The last song I listened to was an unreleased song coming out on our label for artist Jessica Pearson and the East Wind called Lilith. It’s part of her Wilding album coming out early 2026. As a label founder, a lot of what I listen to is music that we make…listening to work tapes, demos, final mixes, etc… Favorite all time bands or artists for me would be all the women we feature on Cover Story plus Sara Bareilles…she’s a regular go to for me and in my humble opinion, under celebrated! 

Where’s the best place to find you and stay connected?
Everything’s at www.tarashannonofficial.com — music, tour dates, and all my socials. I’m also on Instagram and Facebook @tarashannonmusic, and you can stream Cover Story wherever you listen to music.

I really appreciate your time. Is there anything you’d like to share before we sign off?

Just that Cover Story isn’t only about the music — it’s about connection and gratitude. Every woman whose song I covered has influenced me in ways I’m still discovering. Everytime I perform the songs, I find new meaning in a lyric. My hope is that when people listen, they feel inspired to think about who’s shaped their story — and maybe even decide to reach out to them and say thank you.