She later wrote and performed as a solo artist in Los Angeles and San Diego, and opened for bands such as The Get Up Kids, Saves the Day and Karate.

Cantu opened for Canadian indie pop duo Tegan and Sara on two North American tours, and also for Limbeck and Ben Lee.

[2] Musically, Cantu has been described as "something of a mix of The Pretenders' Chrissie Hynde, PJ Harvey, Sarah McLachlan, and Norah Jones".

In November 2009, she released her second studio album, Far and Wide,[8][9] created with Vancouver-based producer Garth Futcher (best known for his work with Be Good Tanyas).

Love Rush reflects a shift into pop territory, which, in part, was inspired by her volunteer work with the Songs For Kids Foundation, an organization that brings musicians into children's hospitals to sing popular music.