Multiple JUNO-nominated artist and acclaimed singer-songwriter Shawnee Kish proudly announces Chapter 1, her debut full-length album, arriving July 25. More than a debut, Chapter 1 is a deeply personal collection of stories that capture the struggles, joys, and pivotal moments that have shaped her life and artistry. Alongside the album announcement comes today’s release of new single “Tequila Knows Me,” a smooth, sultry, and self-assured track that also marks Kish’s official country music debut.
While Chapter 1 spans genres and defies easy classification, “Tequila Knows Me” taps into Kish’s deep-rooted connection to country, a sound she grew up on. Written in under ten minutes during an impromptu acoustic session, the song delivers a tequila-sipping swagger, slick guitar work, and Kish’s signature vocal depth.
Chapter 1 weaves country roots, soulful vocals, and a gritty rock edge into a genre-blending, emotionally resonant debut; one that reflects the ongoing evolution of an artist who leads with intention and truth. From raw portraits of survival to anthems of self-acceptance and tenacity, the album offers an unguarded exploration of identity, queerness, faith, and healing; weaving together new material with select tracks from her early 2025 EP Pray For Me.
From album opener “Intro (War Cry)”, a defiant and visceral beginning that instantly immerses listeners into Kish’s world, to “Comfortable In The Chaos/On The Road Again” a reflection on the disorienting calm that can follow a life lived in constant motion, to “Long Drive Home”, a quiet, resolute portrait of love enduring against the odds, Chapter 1 is an emotionally charged and unflinchingly honest debut.
A proud Two-Spirit Mohawk artist, Shawnee has built a reputation for powerful, purpose-driven storytelling. Her work has earned widespread acclaim and multiple accolades, including two nominations at the 2024 JUNO Awards, including Adult Alternative Album of the Year and Contemporary Indigenous Artist of the Year. With Chapter 1, Shawnee Kish delivers her most impactful work yet — a fearless debut that honours where she’s been, embraces who she is, and boldly claims space for what’s still to come.
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