Tara Shannon Wins SongwriterUniverse Best Song of the Month with Think Ill Stay Alone

Tara Shannon, a country‑pop artist from Ottawa, Ontario, has been named the winner of SongwriterUniverse’s August “Best Song Of The Month” contest for her track “Think I’ll Stay Alone.” The song, co‑written with Jonathan Helfand, appears on Shannon’s October 2025 album Cover Story, released through her independent label, Willow Sound Records.

The contest, run by the online music publishing platform SongwriterUniverse, selects a single winner each month from submissions by professional songwriters. Shannon’s entry was chosen for its melodic strength, lyrical depth, and production quality. The track begins with a gentle piano intro and builds to a chorus featuring layered harmonies that showcase Shannon’s expressive vocal range.

Production of “Think I’ll Stay Alone” took place in Nashville, where renowned producer and former Warner Bros. Nashville president Jim Ed Norman oversaw the recording. Norman, who has worked with artists such as Anne Murray, Kenny Rogers, Dylan Scott and Hank Williams Jr., praised the song’s balance of country storytelling and pop sensibility.

Shannon’s career spans more than two decades. She released her debut album The Beginning in 1996 and has since issued seven albums, including the 2017 release Unfinished, which she cites as a personal favorite. Her musical background includes piano and saxophone studies at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto and a degree from McGill University in Montreal.

Cover Story is a collection of covers that pays tribute to Canadian women who have influenced Shannon’s artistic journey. The album features reinterpretations of songs by Celine Dion, Joni Mitchell, Sarah McLachlan and Alanis Morissette, alongside the original track “Think I’ll Stay Alone.” The project was promoted through live performances in Ottawa and other Ontario cities.

In addition to her recording work, Shannon runs Willow Sound Records, signing and supporting emerging artists. She also offers songwriting workshops, coaching sessions, and has authored a book titled You And Music Business, which provides guidance on navigating the modern music industry.

Shannon is scheduled to release a holiday single later in 2026. She continues to tour with her band, performing in venues across Ontario, and has been active on social media platforms, sharing updates on her projects and engaging with fans.

The recognition from SongwriterUniverse places Shannon among a roster of contemporary songwriters who have earned the platform’s monthly award. The contest’s winners receive a feature article on the SongwriterUniverse website and increased visibility among industry professionals.

The success of “Think I’ll Stay Alone” highlights the ongoing collaboration between Canadian artists and Nashville’s production infrastructure. It also underscores the role of independent labels like Willow Sound Records in fostering local talent and providing alternative pathways for artists to reach wider audiences.

Shannon’s blend of traditional country elements with pop‑oriented songwriting, combined with her experience as an educator and author, positions her as a multifaceted contributor to the Canadian music scene. Her upcoming holiday single and continued touring schedule suggest that she will remain active in the industry throughout 2026.

The current status of Cover Story is that it remains available on major streaming platforms, and the album’s promotion is ongoing through live performances and social media outreach. No additional releases or collaborations have been announced beyond the forthcoming holiday single.