Shawnee Kish Signs Global Distribution Deal with ADA/Warner Music Canada, Releases "Ride At Dawn"

Shawnee Kish, the four‑time Juno‑Award‑nominated country singer‑songwriter, has entered a global distribution agreement with ADA, the independent distribution arm of Warner Music Group, and its Canadian division, Warner Music Canada. The deal, announced on July 18 2026 by V13 Media, coincides with the release of Kish’s new single “Ride At Dawn,” which the artist describes as a “rallying cry for resilience, unity and facing life’s storms head‑on.”

Kish said the partnership is a significant step for her career: “Partnering with ADA/Warner Music Canada is an incredibly exciting moment for me – their team brings such powerhouse energy to the table! I’m looking forward to seeing what we can build together, starting with the release of ‘Ride At Dawn.’ When I started writing it, I knew I wanted to create something that champions all of us together – it’s a reminder that when the world feels divided, we can still rise and stand strong together and meet the moment side by side.” The single is already receiving airplay on country‑format radio stations and is available on streaming platforms such as Spotify.

The distribution arrangement gives Kish worldwide access to Warner Music Group’s infrastructure, including marketing, promotion, and placement services. ADA’s model focuses on independent artists, providing them with the resources of a major label while allowing them to retain ownership of their music. Warner Music Canada, the Canadian subsidiary of Warner Music Group, has a history of supporting Canadian talent and has previously operated under the name WEA Music of Canada.

Kish’s momentum in 2026 has been notable. She was named a top‑three finalist in SiriusXM’s Top of the Country competition, a nominee for the 2026 ACMA Female Artist of the Year, and made her debut at the CMA Fest in Nashville. She is scheduled to perform at Montreal’s LASSO Music Festival later in the summer. These achievements underscore the artist’s growing presence in the country music scene.

Beyond her musical output, Kish is recognized for her storytelling rooted in her identity as a Two‑Spirit Mohawk woman. She frequently incorporates her experiences as a wife, mother, daughter, sister, and advocate into her songwriting, offering listeners a direct view into her life and cultural perspective.

Industry observers note that the signing aligns with a broader trend of major labels partnering with independent distribution services to reach niche audiences. ADA’s catalog includes a diverse roster of artists, and Warner Music Canada has been expanding its focus on Indigenous musicians. The partnership is expected to broaden Kish’s international reach while maintaining her artistic control.

The release of “Ride At Dawn” marks the first commercial output under the new agreement. The track’s themes of unity and resilience resonate with Kish’s public statements about community and empowerment. While the label has not yet detailed a full promotional plan, the single’s immediate radio play and streaming availability suggest an active rollout strategy.

Kish’s career trajectory demonstrates a blend of traditional country sensibilities and contemporary social commentary. The global distribution deal with ADA/Warner Music Canada provides a platform for her to continue that blend on a worldwide scale.

As of now, the distribution contract remains in effect for the duration of Kish’s forthcoming releases. No additional releases or tours have been announced beyond the current single and her scheduled performances at CMA Fest and the LASSO Music Festival.

In summary, Shawnee Kish’s partnership with ADA and Warner Music Canada represents a strategic expansion of her distribution network, enabling her to reach a global audience while preserving her artistic identity. The release of “Ride At Dawn” serves as the first tangible outcome of this collaboration and signals a new chapter in her evolving career.