Chantal Kreviazuk: Biography, Songs, Awards & Personal Life
There are few things more satisfying than discovering that the voice behind a song you love belongs to the same person who wrote it for someone else — like Chantal Kreviazuk, a Winnipeg-born pianist who won a Juno Award for Best New Solo Artist in 1997, balancing her own platinum albums with behind-the-scenes writing for pop stars like Kelly Clarkson and Drake. Here’s a closer look at her career, her songwriting, and the humanitarian work that earned her a spot in the Order of Canada.
Birthdate: May 18, 1973 ·
Birthplace: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada ·
Debut Album: Under These Rocks and Stones (1996) ·
Juno Award Wins: 1 (Best New Solo Artist, 1997) ·
Spouse: Raine Maida (m. 1999) ·
Years Active: 1995–present
Quick snapshot
- Born May 18, 1973, in Winnipeg, Manitoba (Wikipedia (crowd-sourced encyclopedia))
- Won the Juno Award for Best New Solo Artist in 1997 (IMDb (film and biography database))
- Co-wrote Kelly Clarkson’s “Because of You” (Speakers Canada (speakers bureau))
- Exact details of her Ukrainian grandparents’ names and village are not publicly documented (Kate Bowler (podcast host))
- Net worth figures are unverifiable and avoided here (Kate Bowler (podcast host))
- Exact debut album year is contested between 1996 and 1997 in some sources (Feldman Agency (talent agency))
- Debut album Under These Rocks and Stones released in 1996, a key turning point (Official website (discography))
- 1997 Juno win cemented her place in Canadian music (Juno Awards official site)
- Continues to write for herself and others (Official website)
- Active in War Child Canada and Order of Canada duties (War Child Canada official site)
The details below paint a fuller picture of Kreviazuk’s life and career — from her full name to the labels she’s worked with.
| Full Name | Jennifer Chantal Kreviazuk |
| Birthdate | May 18, 1973 |
| Birthplace | Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada |
| Genres | Pop rock, alternative rock, adult contemporary |
| Occupation | Singer, songwriter, composer, pianist |
| Years Active | 1995–present |
| Spouse | Raine Maida (m. 1999) |
| Children | 3 |
| Labels | Columbia, Sony Music, Warner Music Canada |
| Website | chantalkreviazuk.com |
What Song Made Chantal Kreviazuk Famous?
The Rise of “Surrounded”
Kreviazuk’s debut single “Surrounded” peaked at number 15 on the Canadian RPM Singles Chart, according to Wikipedia (crowd-sourced encyclopedia). The track received heavy radio play across Canada and helped her debut album go platinum in the country.
Impact on the 1996 Album Under These Rocks and Stones
- The album’s success earned Kreviazuk the Juno Award for Best New Solo Artist in 1997 (IMDb).
- It established her as a platinum-selling artist early in her career (Speakers Canada).
What Is Chantal Kreviazuk Best Known For?
Juno Award Win and Platinum Albums
- She won the Juno Award for Best New Solo Artist in 1997 (IMDb).
- Her albums Under These Rocks and Stones (1996) and Colour Moving and Still (1999) both achieved platinum status in Canada (Speakers Canada).
Songwriting for Major Artists
Kreviazuk co-wrote hits for Kelly Clarkson, Avril Lavigne, and Drake. Speakers Canada (speakers bureau) reports that her credits include “Because of You,” “I Will Be,” and “Over My Dead Body.”
Humanitarian Work
She and her husband Raine Maida co-founded the charity War Child Canada, and they received the Allan Waters Humanitarian Award at the 2014 Juno Awards (IMDb).
Kreviazuk’s humanitarian streak is as defining as her music. Her Order of Canada appointment in 2014 recognizes a career that goes beyond entertainment into active social impact.
The pattern: Kreviazuk’s fame rests on three pillars — her own radio-friendly hits, behind-the-scenes songwriting for pop’s biggest names, and a commitment to charity that earned national honours.
Is Chantal Kreviazuk Ukrainian?
Family Heritage
According to Kate Bowler (podcast host), Kreviazuk is of Ukrainian descent. Her maternal grandparents emigrated from Ukraine, and she has publicly identified as Ukrainian Canadian.
Cultural Influence in Her Music
The Ukrainian influence is not overt in her songs, but she has acknowledged her heritage in interviews. The exact names and villages of her grandparents remain undocumented, so the degree of cultural connection is personal rather than public.
Who Has Chantal Kreviazuk Written Songs For?
Kelly Clarkson and “Because of You”
She co-wrote Kelly Clarkson’s “Because of You,” which reached number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 (Speakers Canada).
Avril Lavigne and “I Will Be”
Kreviazuk contributed to Avril Lavigne’s “I Will Be” on The Best Damn Thing album (Speakers Canada).
Drake and “Over My Dead Body”
She co-wrote Drake’s “Over My Dead Body” on Take Care (Speakers Canada).
Other Artists
She has also written for Clay Aiken, David Gray, Christina Aguilera, and others, according to Speakers Canada.
What Are Chantal Kreviazuk’s Major Albums and Awards?
Studio Albums and Their Reception
- Under These Rocks and Stones (1996) – platinum in Canada (Wikipedia).
- Colour Moving and Still (1999) – platinum in Canada (Speakers Canada).
- What If It All Means Something (2002) – gold in Canada (IMDb).
- Ghost Stories (2006) – produced by Raine Maida (Wikipedia).
- Hard Sail (2014) – solo release after a longer gap (Wikipedia).
Notable Awards and Nominations
- Juno Award for Best New Solo Artist (1997) (Juno Awards official site).
- Allan Waters Humanitarian Award at the 2014 Juno Awards (IMDb).
- Member of the Order of Canada (December 2014) (Wikipedia).
- Multiple SOCAN awards for songwriting (SOCAN official site).
The pattern: Platinum sales, Juno recognition, and a national honour — Kreviazuk’s career has been consistently acknowledged at the highest levels in Canada. Her awards reflect both artistic talent and humanitarian impact.
Confirmed facts
- Born May 18, 1973 in Winnipeg.
- Juno Award winner 1997.
- Married to Raine Maida since 1999.
- Co-wrote “Because of You” for Kelly Clarkson.
What’s unclear
- Exact extent of Ukrainian heritage (grandparents’ names and village not publicly documented).
- Net worth figures are not verifiable; avoid.
“I think the best songs come from a place of truth.”
— Chantal Kreviazuk, interview with CBC Music via Speakers Canada (speakers bureau)
“Chantal Kreviazuk is a Canadian singer-songwriter of rock and pop music, and she is of Ukrainian descent.”
— Kate Bowler (podcast host), introducing Kreviazuk
Kreviazuk’s career shows that genuine talent, when paired with adaptability, can sustain relevance across decades. For Canadian music fans, the implication is clear: support artists who write for others, because the best songs often come from the collaborators, not just the solo stars.
Frequently asked questions
How did Chantal Kreviazuk meet her husband?
She met Raine Maida, lead singer of Our Lady Peace, while both were working on their music careers in the late 1990s. They married in 1999.
What is Chantal Kreviazuk’s biggest hit?
Her biggest solo hit is “Surrounded” (1996), which peaked at number 15 on the Canadian RPM Singles Chart.
Did Chantal Kreviazuk appear in any movies?
She has not had major acting roles, but she contributed music to soundtracks, including What If It All Means Something being featured in TV and film.
What genre is Chantal Kreviazuk’s music?
Her music blends pop rock, alternative rock, and adult contemporary.
How many children does Chantal Kreviazuk have?
She and Raine Maida have three sons: Lucca, Mateo, and Dashiell.
Is Chantal Kreviazuk active on social media?
Yes, she maintains active accounts on Instagram and Facebook, where she shares updates about music and humanitarian projects.
What charity work does Chantal Kreviazuk do?
She co-founded War Child Canada with her husband and served as a longtime ambassador. She also received the Order of Canada for her humanitarian efforts.
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