The Harpoonist Shares Debut Solo Track, “Good People”
After 17 years as part of the acclaimed duo The Harpoonist and the Axe Murderer, Canadian vocalist and harmonica virtuoso Shawn Hall aka – The Harpoonist now goes it alone and confirms details of his first single and first solo record.
New songs, new record, and turning a new leaf. New gritty, tough-assed swamp music with edge and off-the-wall lyrics. More importantly, a new musical partner-in-crime with Big Sugar’s Gordie Johnson. As he gears up for the release of his first solo record, Did We Come Here To Dance out this summer, The Harpoonist has unveiled the first single, the joyful “Good People” which was released on April 26th via Tonic Records.
Set against a swirling backdrop of electronic voices and organ chords the hypnotic ‘Good People’ showcases an infectious energy that’s hard to resist with lines like ‘I may not have it together, but together we could have it all.’ It’s an energetic fusion of rock, funk, and soul and marks the start of an exciting new journey for Shawn.
The Harpoonist shares,
“Good People” hit me like a brick to the head at my dining room table about a year ago, sort of like a mantra of some kind. I had this dizzying nature whirling around in me – it’s a call to action, in its simplest form asking “did we come here to dance or come here to die?”’
Originally from Toronto, The Harpoonist is the alias for the harpoon/harmonica/harp prodigy otherwise known as Shawn Hall. Having performed for almost two decades, spending 17 years as part of The Harpoonist and the Axe Murderer (with guitarist Matt Rogers taking the name of the latter), the duo released six albums, playing countless sell out tours, and received praise from Canadian national newspapers like The Globe and Mail, who praised them for their ‘electric grease and king-snake
First off care to introduce yourself to our readers?
Hey there, I’m Shawn from Vancouver Island, better known as The Harpoonist from The Harpoonist and the Axe Murderer for the past 18 years.
Tell us a bit about your recent release.
It’s the first single from my new album and it’s called Good People. I LOVE THIS SONG!! It’s probably one of the most mesmerizing and really beautiful & captivating songs that I’ve ever written. As cliché as it sounds, it found me…now I just have to show up and carry its message to anyone open to hear it.
How do you typically go about the songwriting process? Do you have a specific method or creative routine that you follow?
For the last couple of years, I have liked to drive down Vancouver Island from Nanaimo to Cowichan Valley to spend time on my friend Jonas and his family’s farm. He has drums, an organ, guitars, flutes, balaphone, and an assortment of odd stuff that we mess around on to break up the flow of traditional writing. He also has this Sauna that can really get things sweaty and moving if we’re feeling stuck and of course, the ocean to reset the circuits and kick your ass into a vibrant and jovial state. Prior to that, we used one of my Pianos for the last decade or so writing more traditionally.
Looking ahead, what are your plans for supporting this new release? Are there any upcoming tours, music videos, or additional content that fans can look forward to in connection with this project?
Well, let’s see… We just embarked on a Western Canadian tour of 10 cities and I’m sure we’ll be back in the Fall. I have a wonderful collaboration I did with Gordie Johnson of Big Sugar Called “Show Me the Green” which is more reminiscent of old Harpaxe glory days. In addition, another new single called “Heartbreak Autobahn.” Both have videos shot on the island and were pretty fun to make as they involved my kids and dad for the first time in my career. My new record comes out in August and is called “Did We Come Here to Dance”. I’ve got a bunch of island festivals this summer to keep the band warmed up.
Looking back on your musical career, is there a particular moment or accomplishment that you consider a turning point or a highlight?
Too many highlights to choose from. As for a particular turning point, there’s simply 1 event that I remember well and that was Regina’s Break out West – well back in 2012 when my band Harpaxe broke out of the mold and really captivated a moment that threw us into the national and international arena for the next decade. One never knows what city will break them or make them.
Last but not least, it’s time to pay it forward, what upcoming band or artist would you recommend your fans check out?
Without a doubt, I’d recommend this hot singer, and songwriter from Nelson in the Kootenays named Sarah Orton. She’s one to watch for damn sure. Fantastic voice and soul.
Upcoming Shows:
June 23rd – Picnic in the Plaza, Nanaimo
July 13th – Cultivate Festival, Gabriola Island
August 3rd – Mosaic Festival, Pender Island
August 10th – Nanaimo Blues Festival, Nanaimo