On Wednesday, Hardcharger/Blue Élan Records announced the signing of "powerhouse vocalist and songwriter Courtney Santana, who today releases her debut single, 'Living Through It All.' The track is the first glimpse of Santana’s highly anticipated debut solo album, slated for release in 2026."
"A longtime force in Austin’s vibrant music community, Santana is stepping into the spotlight after years as a sought-after backup vocalist for artists ranging from Jesse Dayton and Shinyribs to Hootie and the Blowfish, Salt-N-Pepa, Robert Randolph, and Musiq Soulchild," a statement reads. "Her solo work blends the grit of Tina Turner with the emotional power of Aretha Franklin and the soaring intensity of Merry Clayton, all while staying true to her own unique voice."
"The single 'Living Through It All' is both autobiographical and universal, inspired by Santana’s own remarkable journey of survival and resilience. Having overcome domestic abuse, periods of homelessness, and the challenges of raising two children on her own, Santana has emerged not only as an artist but also as an advocate," they say. "She is the author of Off Kilter: Getting ‘Right After Abuse, the founder of The Survive2Thrive Foundation, and creator of Sanctuary PBC, a tech-based resource connecting domestic violence survivors to safe housing."
“’Living Through It All’ is about facing challenging relationships,” Santana shares. “I wanted the listener to feel seen when they’re struggling. I wanted the melody to inspire folks to dance off the blues, stay focused, and keep pushing. My greatest wish is that it encourages people to know they already have everything they need to make it.”
"Hardcharger label head Jesse Dayton, who co-produced and co-wrote much of the forthcoming album with Santana, immediately recognized her star potential."
“Courtney has always been one of those voices you can’t forget,” Dayton says. “It’s all here—an American mishmash of blues, funk, gospel, disco, R&B, country-soul, and rock & roll, fronted by one of the greatest voices you’ve never heard until now. Courtney’s got that rare, electrified gospel female energy that can walk onstage and blow everyone else away. This record shows her strength, her spirit, and her soul in every note.”
"Recorded in Austin with Dayton and a band of trusted local players, Santana’s debut album promises a rich mix of rock, soul, gospel, and Americana—an honest reflection of her influences and her lived experience. With 'Living Through It All' as its bold introduction, the record is set to position Courtney Santana as one of Americana’s most compelling new voices."
