Country star Canaan Smith just released his debut album Bronco on Mercury Nashville this June. He talks to Billboard about the meaning behind his rising (and romantic) single “Love You Like That.”
Anatomy of a Hit: Canaan Smith Nearly Lost His Deal Before Finding His Breakthrough Song
You titled your single “Love You Like That.” What’s the best way to show your love in a relationship?
Being honest, always being there and being committed. Somebody you can count on — that’s the kind of guy I’ve always wanted to be for my wife. We can paint a thousand metaphors and never live up to those. It’s important to live up to the things you’re singing about. That’s my strategy every day.
You sing about how you “ain’t gonna do it like a pretty city boy.” Do you think those types of guys struggle with romance?
(Laughs.) I’m not hating on pretty city boys. My fans are very diverse, and I’m thankful for each one of them. That’s in no way a slam toward anyone from the city. My life, the way I grew up, was on the outskirts — I just can relate more to the nitty-gritty boys.
Country Charts: Canaan Smith Lands At No. 1, Video Spurs Steven Tyler Gain
You jokingly promised that if the single went to No. 1 on the Country Airplay chart, which it later did, you would trick out Mercury Nashville vp of promotion Damon Moberly’s Jeep. Did you do that yet?
He’s got to buy one first! That is still the deal. I’ve already made calls to the right people for that kind of thing. As soon as he buys it, we’ll get on it.
Listen to music from Canaan Smith, as well as other artists featured in this issue, in the Spotify playlist below:
This story originally appeared in the Aug. 8 issue of Billboard.