KANNA: The Montreal Artist Defining a New Era of Music and Authenticity
In a world where music is often filtered through trends and façades, KANNA stands as a bold exception. Born Saheishkumar Shanmugam and hailing from Montreal, Canada, KANNA is more than just an artist, songwriter, and producer — he’s a vessel of raw emotion, vibrant creativity, and unapologetic individuality. With two singles already out and gaining traction, he’s laying the foundation for a career defined by sincerity, genre-blending artistry, and a mission to speak for those who feel unheard.
A Voice for the Real Ones
KANNA’s journey in music is deeply personal. Raised by a single mother, he grew up surrounded by real-life challenges that shaped his worldview and eventually his sound. “I’m just a regular guy that’s been through hardship like everyone else,” he says. But his music is anything but ordinary. It’s an emotional escape — for both him and his listeners — a space where honesty meets sonic experimentation. KANNA brings “technique and ear candy” to his craft, blending euphoria with grounded emotion, psychedelia with nostalgic vulnerability, and rawness with ambition.
“My music is therapy for myself, and I hope it can affect people the same way,” he explains. “It’s a break from loneliness — something to remind people they aren’t alone.”
Loud, Shy, and Everything In Between
What sets KANNA apart isn’t just his sound — it’s his personality. He's a self-described "loud, in-your-face but shy" creative, whose love for superheroes, football, and goofiness makes him instantly relatable. But beneath that approachable energy lies a fiercely competitive spirit, pushing him to constantly improve. His obsession with music began at just 12 years old, initially through rapping, but his evolution into full-on vocal performances opened a new world of sonic exploration.
From dreamy soundscapes to emotionally-charged storytelling, every KANNA track showcases not just his technical ability but his fearless authenticity. He’s not afraid to experiment, be vulnerable, or show every side of who he is — a rare quality in today’s hyper-curated music landscape.
The Struggles Behind the Sound
Despite his talent and drive, KANNA’s rise hasn’t been without its hurdles. “The biggest challenge was making people take me seriously,” he admits. It took years of refining his sound, learning the ropes, and gaining the confidence to fully own his creative identity. Even now, he battles his own high standards, always seeking to outdo himself. “I’m never satisfied with my quality. I’m always trying to do more.”
This hunger has driven him to keep growing — both musically and personally. It’s what fuels the ambition behind his current releases and what will ultimately propel him toward his vision for the future.
A Taste of Success
While KANNA is still building his empire, his momentum is undeniable. He’s won local competitions like Anjou Star, performed live shows across Montreal, and saw his song “Long Way Home” rack up over 4,000 streams in four monthsthanks to smart promotion and undeniable vibe. These may seem like small wins to some, but for KANNA, they’re stepping stones on a much larger journey.
He’s not here to just be another name in the game — he’s here to redefine the conversation.
He sees himself performing at the Super Bowl, winning Grammys, Oscars, and all the accolades that come with artistic excellence. But most importantly, he wants to be remembered — alongside the greats like Michael Jackson, Prince, Kanye West, and Kendrick Lamar — not just for his music, but for the impact he leaves behind.
The Sound of Now, The Legacy of Forever
Musically, KANNA is carving a lane of his own. His sound is a seamless fusion of influences and emotions: euphoric yet grounded, psychedelic but futuristic, rooted in soul but ambitious in scope. His work touches on pain, hope, ambition, and everything in between — often within the same song. Every melody, every verse, every beat is designed to make you feel something.
This isn’t background music. This is life music.
And while the industry often overlooks new artists with little mainstream acclaim (so far), KANNA's approach is building something more sustainable — real connection. Whether you're a hardcore music lover or a casual listener, there’s something in his catalog that will strike a chord.
What’s Next?
Right now, KANNA is focused on promoting his two singles currently available on all major platforms, laying the groundwork for a powerful rise. There’s no official album release just yet, but rest assured — this is just the beginning. As he continues to grow his sound, sharpen his message, and expand his reach, expect more bold, genre-defying music and performances that leave a lasting impression.
He’s coming — not just for the charts, but for the crown.
Follow KANNA on all platforms and witness the rise: