ArtistDirect News
Tara Shannon Wins SongwriterUniverses August Best Song Award With Think Ill Stay Alone
Tara Shannon, the Ottawa‑born country‑songwriter, has just earned a coveted title in the songwriting world. On August 7, 2026, SongwriterUniverse announced that Shannon’s track "Think I’ll Stay Alone" had been selected as the winner of its monthly "Best Song Of The Month" contest, a decision that spotlights both her craft and the song’s commercial potential.
The song, co‑written with Jonathan Helfand, appears on Shannon’s upcoming October 2025 album Cover Story, released through her own label, Willow Sound Records. In the contest, hundreds of entries were evaluated by a panel of industry professionals, and the judges singled out "Think I’ll Stay Alone" for its memorable melody and thoughtful lyricism. According to the announcement, the track’s blend of country storytelling and pop sensibility made it a standout in a crowded field.
Cover Story is more than a collection of songs; it is a tribute to the Canadian women who have shaped Shannon’s artistic journey. The album features her interpretations of classics by Celine Dion, Joni Mitchell, Sarah McLachlan, and Alanis Morissette, alongside the original composition "Think I’ll Stay Alone." The track opens with a gentle piano intro, builds to a soaring chorus, and showcases Shannon’s expressive vocals and layered harmonies—hallmarks of her signature style.
Recording took place in Nashville under the direction of veteran producer Jim Ed Norman, former president of Warner Bros. Nashville. Norman’s résumé includes work with Anne Murray, Kenny Rogers, Dylan Scott, and Hank Williams Jr., and his experience helped shape the polished, radio‑ready sound of the single.
Shannon’s career spans more than two decades. She began recording in 1996 with her debut album The Beginning and has since issued seven full‑length releases, including the 2017 record Unfinished, which she cites as a personal favorite. Her musical background includes studies at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, piano and saxophone training, and a degree from McGill University in Montreal.
Beyond the studio, Shannon is actively promoting Cover Story through live performances across Ottawa and other Ontario cities. She and her band have scheduled a series of shows to coincide with the album’s release, and she plans to issue a holiday single later in 2026.
Willow Sound Records, founded by Shannon, signs and supports other independent artists. In addition to her recording career, Shannon teaches and coaches musicians, hosts workshops, and authored the book You And Music Business, which offers guidance on navigating the industry.
The combination of a recent songwriting award, a new album that honors Canadian female artists, and ongoing touring activities positions Shannon as a continuing influence in the Canadian country scene. Her work demonstrates how independent artists can blend traditional country elements with contemporary pop sensibilities while maintaining control over their creative output.
As of now, Tara Shannon remains focused on promoting Cover Story, engaging fans through live shows, and preparing her next holiday release. The award from SongwriterUniverse and the support from Willow Sound Records suggest that her career will continue to grow within the Canadian and broader North American music markets.
The song, co‑written with Jonathan Helfand, appears on Shannon’s upcoming October 2025 album Cover Story, released through her own label, Willow Sound Records. In the contest, hundreds of entries were evaluated by a panel of industry professionals, and the judges singled out "Think I’ll Stay Alone" for its memorable melody and thoughtful lyricism. According to the announcement, the track’s blend of country storytelling and pop sensibility made it a standout in a crowded field.
Cover Story is more than a collection of songs; it is a tribute to the Canadian women who have shaped Shannon’s artistic journey. The album features her interpretations of classics by Celine Dion, Joni Mitchell, Sarah McLachlan, and Alanis Morissette, alongside the original composition "Think I’ll Stay Alone." The track opens with a gentle piano intro, builds to a soaring chorus, and showcases Shannon’s expressive vocals and layered harmonies—hallmarks of her signature style.
Recording took place in Nashville under the direction of veteran producer Jim Ed Norman, former president of Warner Bros. Nashville. Norman’s résumé includes work with Anne Murray, Kenny Rogers, Dylan Scott, and Hank Williams Jr., and his experience helped shape the polished, radio‑ready sound of the single.
Shannon’s career spans more than two decades. She began recording in 1996 with her debut album The Beginning and has since issued seven full‑length releases, including the 2017 record Unfinished, which she cites as a personal favorite. Her musical background includes studies at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, piano and saxophone training, and a degree from McGill University in Montreal.
Beyond the studio, Shannon is actively promoting Cover Story through live performances across Ottawa and other Ontario cities. She and her band have scheduled a series of shows to coincide with the album’s release, and she plans to issue a holiday single later in 2026.
Willow Sound Records, founded by Shannon, signs and supports other independent artists. In addition to her recording career, Shannon teaches and coaches musicians, hosts workshops, and authored the book You And Music Business, which offers guidance on navigating the industry.
The combination of a recent songwriting award, a new album that honors Canadian female artists, and ongoing touring activities positions Shannon as a continuing influence in the Canadian country scene. Her work demonstrates how independent artists can blend traditional country elements with contemporary pop sensibilities while maintaining control over their creative output.
As of now, Tara Shannon remains focused on promoting Cover Story, engaging fans through live shows, and preparing her next holiday release. The award from SongwriterUniverse and the support from Willow Sound Records suggest that her career will continue to grow within the Canadian and broader North American music markets.