Penny Shade To Release Their New EP, EP 2 on June 7 & New Single, “Hard Lines” out now
Penny Shades, hailing from Nelson BC, is a vibrant neo/alt soul quartet ensemble renowned for their original music. Characterized by mesmerizing 3-part harmonies, electrifying lead vocals, and contemporary grooves infused with a touch of psychedelic allure.
The band launched with their debut FACTOR-funded EP during the pandemic and have already found themselves sharing major stages, including Nelson’s International Mural Festival and the Kaslo Jazz Etc. Festival. Their latest single “Way Back” marked their CBC radio debut with plays across multiple programs and was featured by Exclaim! on both their Best New Canadian Music Spotify playlist and Show & Tell column.
Led by vocalist Sarah Orton, alongside guitarist Jesse Lee, keys/synth Jeremy Sauer, and drummer Ness Benamran, the group is gearing up for a Creative BC-supported second EP release in June 2024.
First off care to introduce yourself to our readers?
Hey, we are Penny Shades, we are based out of beautiful Nelson, British Columbia. We’ve been making music together in our little mountain town for the last five years or so. Our influences vary, but we’ve been exploring alternative soul as a genre and enjoying 3 parts harmonies and a little psychedelic flare.
Tell us a bit about your recent release.
Hard Lines is the single off our new EP, it felt like the standout track leaning more towards alternative than our regular R&B sound. It was written after the band lost its rehearsal space to a massive flood, and is about the boundaries that come into play when coping with a difficult situation. We actually raced to finish writing this track before our scheduled studio time, we knew we wanted it on the EP.
How do you typically go about the songwriting process? Do you have a specific method or creative routine that you follow?
We’re all big jammers. We will usually warm up rehearsals with a 15-minute groove and have a new hook or idea formed to pull from later. Sarah will improvise melodies and mumble stuff, zone out for a bit, and then return to reality with some lyrics. It’s great. We always have a nice little backlog of song babies on the go that we’re eager to develop.
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?
During our time recording at Propel Studio in Kaslo, BC we also worked with Cillema Productions to film a live music video in their stunning space. They knocked it out of the park. We are excited to release that. We also can’t wait to be performing at both Starbelly Jam this summer and Kaslo Jazz Etc. Festival. Two hometown Festivals that are near and dear to our hearts- It’s going to be a great time!
Looking back on your musical career, is there a particular moment or accomplishment that you consider a turning point or a highlight?
Being recipients of Creative BC’s Artist Development Grant Program was a big win for us, and allowed us to make choices we wouldn’t necessarily have the opportunity to otherwise. We were fortunate to recruit Howard Bilerman from Hotel2Tango in Montreal for mixing, he’s super awesome and has some incredible accolades under his belt (worked with Leonard Cohen, The Weather Station, Arcade Fire). We’re super happy CBC’s been spinning us too.
Last but not least, it’s time to pay it forward, what upcoming band or artist would you recommend your fans check out?
Damien Alblas is recording his debut album right now, you need to keep your eye on him! Very talented guitarist and songwriter coming up in the Kootenays right now.
Upcoming shows
June 12 – The Royal – Nelson
June 13 – B&T’s Hard Knock Cafe – Rossland – with Jonny Dudar
July 7 – Starbelly Jam Music Festival – Crawford Bay
August 2-4 Kaslo Jazz Etc. Festival – Kaslo