ABOUT THIS EPISODE
‘A Way Through Time’ JJ Shiplett.
Americana Roots singer-songwriter JJ Shipplet’s breathtakingly personal new album, A Way Through Time, released on March 15,2024 via Red Buffalo Records under the exclusive license of Jayward Artist Group (distributed by The Orchard).
This new album showcases the Calgary, AB-based artist's evolution both sonically and lyrically, as he explores a sound he has been searching for a long time. And please, please, please listen to the last track, "You and I Will Never End"... it is devastating and heartbreaking.
A Way Through Time was written throughout the course of a few years, in and around my house here in Calgary. These were the songs and melodies I would hold tightly to; something inside said they mattered and constantly drew me in further every time I’d sing them. When I’d pick up my guitar, or play the piano, these were the songs that would come out.
As a thread began to weave itself through each song, it became clearer and clearer that each song had a purpose, a story to tell, and something to work towards. It was the recognition that life barrels on, lap after lap, and as we learn to ride the wave, we begin to take advantage of the very moment, allowing us to give it away and to love recklessly.
Armed with the songs and time running out, I went to Fort Records in Fort Langley, BC, with Jay Stewart at the helm. His positive mental attitude, attention to detail, and willingness to dive deep into the songs was so crucial to making this album. Together, with close friend Jeremy Friesen, we set out to capture the truth of each song by connecting the lyrics and melody to the rhythm and emotion. It was extremely important that these songs be recorded with Jeremy, as he was battling stage 4 cancer. With each session, I could see him fading away. We knew we had to make the most of each moment. The very last session we did, finishing vocals for You and I Will Never End, was the last time I saw him.
