JJ Shiplett
Fresh off a run of US tour dates with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Singer-Songwriter JJ Shiplett shares his new single "Bad Feelings" - a gut-wrenching sad song written for one of his very close friends. Jay Stewart produced the new track, out now on Red Buffalo Records, under the exclusive license of Jayward Artist Group (distributed by The Orchard). Listen here. The single follows "Already There," a song about the winding road, running down a dream and following it wherever it takes you - the journey and the destination.
It’s a song as honest as they get, a dark cloud, unfulfilled promises, and the clock on the wall that constantly feels like it’s speeding up…
I wrote “Bad Feelings” for a very close friend. Together for months on end, we sat on a beach in Tofino, B.C, both working through those clouds of the mind while looking at the stars, and playing songs while the waves lapped.
It is music that has been the light that breaks through for me.
It came to me in pieces - first the chorus melody, then once the lyrics began to make themselves known, the verses came into focus, and lastly, the meaning of it all became crystal clear - there’s a battle many of us have wrestled in the past, are facing today or will be confronted with tomorrow.
And it can catch you with your head down.
Together, Jay Stewart, Jeremy Friesen, and I decided to try something different. Something light for the production. So, a Rumba feel was given to the rhythm section, a major lift for a bridge and a returning key change as it falls apart - all to mimic the juxtaposition that life is.
Our best moments can have dark clouds, and yet our worst moments can breathe new life.
I guess sometimes it just doesn’t make sense.
A sad song that’s not so sad after all.
JJ recently signed with Indie Publisher of the Year (CMW), Arts & Crafts Music Publishing, and took part in CIMA's Canada House Presents AmericanaFest 2023 this past September. He'll take the stage at Canmore's Eclipse Coffee Roasters on November 22nd (tickets), followed by Medicine Hat's Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre on November 23rd (tickets). More dates to be announced soon!
The new singles have garnered some amazing buzz, including SiriusXM's North Americana, 11 Apple Music playlists such as "New Music Daily," "New In Americana," "New in Rock," "Today's Acoustic," and "Back Porch Country," the cover of Amazon Music's "Brushland" playlist, features on Spotify's "New Music Friday Canada," "Folk & Friends," and "Renegades," and support from Americana UK, Great Dark Wonder, Red Guitar Music, CFMU, CKUA, Canadian Beats, Indie 88 "The Sunday Show," SlowCity and many more!
"Bad Feelings" Single Credits
WRITTEN BY: Jason Shiplett
PRODUCED BY: Jay Stewart
MIXED BY: Jay Stewart
MASTERED BY: Brock McFarlane
MUSICIANS:
Jason Shiplett - Lead Vocals, Acoustic Guitar
Jeremy Friesen - Bass Guitar, Electric Keyboard
Jay Stewart - Drums, Other
For Bookings, Please Contact:
Jeremy@paquinartistsagency.com