Toronto soul sensation Tanika Charles is set to release her highly anticipated fourth studio album, Reasons To Stay, on May 16, 2025, via the independent soul label Record Kicks. To give fans a taste of what's to come, Charles has unveiled the first single from the album, "Don't Like You Anymore," which is now available on all major digital platforms. The track will also be released as a limited edition clear 45 vinyl on March 21. Pre-orders for Reasons To Stay are now open, offering an exciting look into the artist’s evolution.
With Reasons To Stay, Tanika Charles embarks on a new chapter of musical expression, building on the successes of her previous albums Soul Run (2017), The Gumption (2019), and Papillon De Nuit (2022). Widely regarded as one of the standout voices in Canadian soul, Tanika’s music blends authenticity, passion, and attitude, delivering timeless songs that connect with audiences around the world. The new album features a raw, honest, and deeply personal collection of songs that reflect Tanika’s journey both as an artist and as an individual.
The first single, "Don't Like You Anymore," is a fiery and heartfelt mid-tempo gospel-funk stormer that showcases Tanika’s powerful voice and fearless songwriting. In this deeply personal track, she addresses her complex relationship with her mother, reflecting on the emotional labor that she has carried throughout her life. "I know this will come across harsh to some, but this is an honest reflection of my relationship with my mother. She was unavailable emotionally for me my entire upbringing, and eventually unavailable physically too. I’ve tried to understand. I’ve tried to make amends. I’ve tried to assist where I can. But the emotional labour is too heavy, and the reciprocation is too faint to justify trying anymore," Tanika explains.
This candid exploration of family dynamics is accompanied by a powerful instrumental arrangement, driven by boom-bap drums and chunky basslines that infuse the track with a captivating groove. The song’s vibe is sure to resonate not only with soul music fans but also with listeners in the hip-hop and rap communities, thanks to its undeniable sample potential.
Produced by Scott McCannell and mixed by Kelly Finnigan of Monophonics, Reasons To Stay captures the unique energy and collaboration between Tanika Charles and her trusted team. This album, which was created over the past year, showcases the evolution of her sound and the deepening of her emotional and artistic maturity. As Tanika puts it, Reasons To Stay is a collection of intimate letters—written not just to her family, but to herself and to the listeners who have supported her on her journey. Through these songs, she connects with her audience in an even more vulnerable and personal way.
Tanika’s rise to international prominence has been nothing short of remarkable. Her earlier releases have earned her multiple Juno Award nominations, with Soul Run and The Gumption both earning recognition for R&B/Soul Recording of the Year. Tanika has also been long-listed for the prestigious Polaris Music Prize three times. Known for her high-energy live shows and endearing stage presence, she has gained a loyal following across North America and Europe, playing to packed crowds at festivals such as Trans Musicales in France, Fusion Festival in Germany, and the Canarias Jazz Festival in Spain.
Her musical journey has also seen her share the stage with iconic artists such as Estelle, Lauryn Hill, Macy Gray, and Bedouin Soundclash. Her powerful voice and fearless attitude continue to win her new fans with every performance and every album release.
With Reasons To Stay, Tanika Charles solidifies her position as one of the brightest stars in the soul music world. Her dedication to honesty and artistry, combined with her unmatched vocal talent, ensures that this upcoming album will be yet another milestone in her already impressive career. Fans who have followed her journey will find much to connect with in this next chapter, as she continues to push the boundaries of what it means to create authentic, heartfelt soul music.
Reasons To Stay is available for pre-order now. Fans can also look forward to further singles and a slew of live performances in support of the album later in the year.
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