Chantal Kreviazuk

Chantal Kreviazuk – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes

Delve into the life of Chantal Kreviazuk — Canadian singer-songwriter and pianist known for her emotional songs, powerful collaborations, and philanthropic work. From her early years to her music, activism, and memorable words.

Introduction

Chantal Jennifer Kreviazuk (born May 18, 1974) is a Canadian singer, songwriter, composer, and pianist whose work spans solo albums, prolific songwriting for others, and social activism.

Her songs often blend sincerity, introspection, and melodic craft, and she has co-written hits for stars like Avril Lavigne, Kelly Clarkson, Drake, Pitbull, and more.

In what follows, we’ll explore her background, musical journey, activism, and quotes that reflect her artistic spirit.

Early Life and Family

Chantal Kreviazuk was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

From early childhood, she engaged with music. Sources report she began exploring the piano by ear as early as age three.

She has two brothers, Michael and Trevor.

Kreviazuk has also remained connected to her roots: after her success, she supported educational causes in Winnipeg, for example helping launch a bursary fund at the University of Winnipeg.

Musical Journey & Career

Early Breakthrough & Albums

Kreviazuk’s professional break came in the mid-1990s. Under These Rocks and Stones, first in Canada and later internationally.

Her second album, Colour Moving and Still (1999), further expanded her profile.

In 2002, she released What If It All Means Something, which charted on the U.S. Billboard 200 (peaking at #119) and featured the single “In This Life.”

Later albums include:

• Ghost Stories (2006) — reached #2 in Canada

• Plain Jane (2009)

• Hard Sail (2016)

• Get to You (2020)

• A Christmas album: Christmas Is A Way Of Life, My Dear (2019)

Her discography thus shows consistent artistic output over decades.

Songwriting, Collaborations & Film Work

Beyond her own albums, Kreviazuk is a sought-after songwriter and collaborator. Since the early 2000s, she and her husband Raine Maida have co-written for many artists, including:

• Avril Lavigne

• Kelly Clarkson (e.g. Breakaway)

• Pitbull & Christina Aguilera (“Feel This Moment”)

• Drake (she sang the chorus on “Over My Dead Body”)

• Shakira, Gwen Stefani, Josh Groban, Carrie Underwood, and others

Her work has also been included in film and television soundtracks, such as Armageddon (her version of Leaving on a Jet Plane) How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, Dawson’s Creek, Uptown Girls, and more.

In film, she has appeared or contributed in projects such as Century Hotel (2001), Pretty Broken (short film) and various soundtrack/producing roles.

Recognition & Impact

Kreviazuk has won multiple Juno Awards and is a member of the Order of Canada, largely in recognition not just of her musical output but also her humanitarian work.

By 2016, she ranked among the top 51 best-selling Canadian artists in Canada.

Her philanthropy includes long-term association with War Child Canada, among other causes.

Personality, Themes & Artistic Voice

Kreviazuk’s songs often reflect emotional depth, personal introspection, and healing. Many of her lyrics engage with life surprises, grief, reconciliation, and relationships. Sources mention that after a serious motorcycle accident in Italy in 1994, she reevaluated her life mission and devoted herself earnestly to her musical path.

She is known as both a musician and an activist, speaking publicly on mental health, reconciliation, and social causes.

Her musical style spans pop, adult contemporary, and piano-based balladry, grounded in her classical training.

Working often with her husband, Kreviazuk embodies a collaborative creative life, blending personal and professional spheres. Their joint album Moon vs Sun and the documentary I’m Going to Break Your Heart highlight tensions and synergies in their creative partnership.

Famous Quotes by Chantal Kreviazuk

Here are several quotations that reflect her attitude toward music, vulnerability, and expression:

“Well, I actually first got into music as a child, and as I became a teen, I sought out making money from music … whether that was singing lounge gigs, backup in studios, or weddings.”

“Maybe in past years, perhaps women didn’t feel quite as comfortable with revealing themselves, and their skills and their crafts … and now we are, so we’re out there, just like the guys.”

“I listened to my record and hear lots of influences. And it’s very rich … it’s got a wide spectrum.”

These reflect her reflections on growth, gender, and creative identity.

Lessons from Chantal Kreviazuk’s Journey

• Turning crisis into clarity: Her serious accident in 1994 catalyzed her commitment to music, showing how adversity can clarify purpose.

• Balance of artistry & collaboration: While a solo artist, she builds bridges through co-writing and creative partnerships.

• Longevity through evolution: Over decades she has diversified—album releases, songwriting for others, film, activism.

• Using platform for good: Her involvement in social causes illustrates how musicians can leverage influence beyond entertainment.

• Embracing vulnerability: Her songwriting frequently models that emotional openness can resonate widely.

Legacy and Influence

Chantal Kreviazuk remains a respected voice in Canadian music and beyond. Her songs continue to be heard, and her contributions as a songwriter extend her influence across genres and audiences.

Her humanitarian efforts and recognition (Order of Canada, awards) ensure she is as much remembered for character as for craft.

In Canada especially, she is considered a “national treasure” among singer-songwriters, with a body of work that bridges personal artistry and global collaboration.