Jen Schaffer and the Shiners

Written coming out of the height of the COVID pandemic, it seems appropriate to release our song, We Are, now, while we are in the depths of this latest darkness. That is, during another war, in a post-truth world and with a startling rise in ignorant, nihilistic hatred.

So both the effort the song contemplates (we are trying to see the light) and the question posed (are we) remain soundly in place. Ultimately, the song is a plea that the effort to overcome darkness will win out over any equivocating.

We Are is the recorded introduction to the band's new incarnation, with two new Shiners - Hideki Kumagai and Dorothy Hwang. It is also the sum total of five "blokes" in Toronto injecting some Lee Dorsey New Orleans funk into their own brand of Canadiana roots music.

released January 27, 2024
Words and Music - Jennifer Schaffer (SOCAN)

Jennifer Schaffer - Lead Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Hand claps
Simon Law - Piano and Percussion, Hand claps
John Teshima - Twelve String Rickenbaker Guitar
Hideki Kumagai - Bass
Emmanuel Szeptycki - Violins, Background vocals, Hand claps
Dorothy Hwang - Background Vocals

Arranged, Recorded and Produced by Simon Law at Studio Wolfrey, Toronto, Canada