For Immediate Release:
SHAWN JAMES ANNOUNCES THE RE-RELEASE OF TWO SHAPESHIFTERS ALBUMS
THE BEAR AND THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO SHAWN JAMES
PLUS SOLO ALBUM: ON THE SHOULDERS OF GIANTS
SHAWN JAMES AND THE SHAPESHIFTERS ARE CURRENTLY ON TOUR IN EUROPE,
MORE DATES TBA
August 9, 2017 (New York, NY) – Shawn James announces the re-release of three albums including the recent solo album,
On The Shoulders of Giants. The Shapeshifters re-releases include
The Bear, for which two incredible music videos were shot for album tracks "The Hunger" and "Omens." The latter landed a placement on the popular television show Yukon Men (Discovery Channel).
The Gospel According To Shawn James is the album that solidified the band's reputation as doom folk metal innovators. These re-issues include printed lyrics and bonus information in beautifully designed digipak and vinyl LP formats. All three share an October 6th, 2017 North American release date for the digipak CD and vinyl LP (with the exception of
The Bear which does not currently have a vinyl re-release date). World wide digital release date is September 1st, 2017.
“It's definitely one of the band’s most popular tracks,” Shawn James explains when asked about the song “The Hunger.” He says “it tells the story of the bear coming out of hibernation and in survival mode. It also introduces the first antagonist of the EP, the hunter, and describes the battle they have at the end where the bear gets scarred above his left eye. I wrote this song in the same solar powered cabin in Boxley Valley in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas where we filmed the video and recorded the EP.”
Audiences world wide connect deeply with Shawn James and the Shapeshifters often identifying the band's influences which are as diverse as Son House and Red Fang, to Howlin Wolf and Witchcraft, Sleep or Graveyard. The band has shared the stage with artists like Crowbar, Helmet, He is Legend, Murder by Death, Lucero and The Hooten Hallers. The band proudly delivers a sound fans have come to call "Rock and Roar."
On The Shoulders of Giants, was recorded at Sun Studios where James absorbed the energy radiating from the very rooms in which greats like Howlin’ Wolf, Elvis, Johnny Cash, B.B. King, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, and Justin Townes Earle all recorded before him. On the record he proudly wears his influences on his sleeve explaining "where I grew up, on the South side of Chicago, and at my church, it was all about gospel and soul music. I’ve always wanted to write and record an album of original music dedicated to that style."
When asked about his favorite songs James replies "I'd say "Wild Man” is the star track on
Gospel [
According To...]. Lyrically it touches on how it is to live on the road and yet still remain faithful to my wife and vice versa. “Back Down” [from the solo album] touches on the close minded religious aspect of "let go and let God" -- I believe we should face our own fears/problems and defeat them on our own because that is a true victory over them."
James is endorsed by Republic Guitars (which is what he plays on the solo record) and frequently performs live as a one-man band playing kick drum and tambourine. In the studio he sometimes plays piano, trumpet, and musical saw as well. Famed amp company Mesa-Boogie recently added Shawn James to their roster of rockers. James tours with his Roadster® 2x12 Closed Back Combo and Rectifier® Cabinets 4x12 Recto® Standard OS Straight Cabinet.
SHAWN JAMES & THE SHAPESHIFTERS ON
TOUR:
Saturday, September 23rd at Bourbon And Beyond festival in Louisville, KY
Sunday, September 24th at Bourbon And Beyond festival in Louisville, KY
Shawn James and the Shapeshifters can be found online at:
shawnjamesmusic.com
facebook.com/ShawnJamesSoul
twitter.com/ShawnJamesMusic
youtube.com/ShawnJamesSoul
ShawnJamesSoul.bandcamp.com
For press passes, or to set-up interviews with Shawn James please contact
Fly PR: T. 323-667-1344 E. flypr@flypr.net or E. buzz@flypr.net.