Our house was filled with a little dude who’s just starting to understand what Christmas is. What a ride that’s been. Every morning in December, Rollie woke up asking if Santa had come down the chimney yet. And when the jolly fat man finally did come…wow! Christmas morning was like a hurricane of pure excitement, noise and wrapping paper. It was incredible.

So, while there’s plenty to catch you up on, let’s not waste a moment.
Time is money, people. Time is money.

A Winter Prairie Road Swing

I’m back on stage at the end of January for the Should’ve Known Better Tour, with stops across the Prairies and into Southern BC—some of my favourite places to play.

These shows are about more than songs. They’re a chance to see old friends, family, and people who’ve been coming out to my shows, year after year. That kind of continuity means everything to me.

I’d love the Record Club’s help filling these rooms.

If you’re in one of these cities, grab your tickets now.
If you know someone who is—tell them about the show.
Better yet, buy them a ticket. Give them a gift. Tell them they can thank you later.

Tour Dates (click on the city for tickets):
Winnipeg, MB — Jan 26 SIDESTAGE
Regina, SK — Jan 27 THE EXCHANGE
Saskatoon, SK — Jan 28 THE BASSMENT
Medicine Hat, AB — Jan 29 TONGUE ON THE POST FEST
Lethbridge, AB — Jan 30 THE SLICE
Cranbrook, BC — Jan 31 KEYCITY THEATRE
Lake Country, BC — Feb 1 CREEKSIDE THEATRE

‘All My Money On Red’ Documentary

If you were at a show this past fall—or if you’ve been hanging around the Record Club—you’ve heard me talk about a new album and a documentary.

It’s all true. And it’s all happening in 2026.

This past year my head was down, writing, creating, and producing this new record—while filming as much of the process as I could. Some days it was just me, quietly working through an idea, singing a verse over and over until it finally opened up. Other days it was the band and me wrestling songs to the ground, pinning down arrangements, chasing feel.

The goal was simple: tell the real stories of where these songs come from, show the commitment it takes to make a record, and offer an honest look inside the daily push of an artist.

Recently, I sat down at Indelible Studios here in Calgary with storyteller, producer, and good friend Owen Reader. We’ve been shaping the full arc of the documentary together, and I wanted to share a few photos from that conversation. Huge thanks to Owen and his team for diving in deep with me on this.

So yes—2026 is shaping up to be a busy year from this corner of the world.

I can’t wait to see you out on the road—and to share a new album and documentary with you in 2026.

Merry New Year,

— JJ

And there’s more shows to be announced but first…

My goal is to sell these shows out!!! The Record Club is the only gang that can make that happen so don’t hesitate.

Especially the Calgary show at The Bella Concert Hall on NOV 8th. It’s the biggest show I’ve ever put on so I’ll need your help to fill the place up. Let’s go!!! These nights have always been special and this one will be no different.

JJ SHIPETT - SHOULD’VE KNOW BETTER Tour 2025

(click on your city for tickets now)

Calgary AB - Bella Concert Hall Nov 8th

Edmonton AB - The Aviary Nov 20th

Red Deer AB- D2 Bar and Grill Nov 22nd

Kamloops BC - The Blue Grotto Nov 25th

Chilliwack BC - Bozzini’s Nov 26th

Victoria BC - Lucky Bar Nov 27th

Vancouver BC - Biltmore Cabaret Nov 28th

Kelowna BC - Redbird Brewery Nov 29th

NITTY GRITY DIRT BAND SHOWS

Once again I’m pumped to be back on the road with Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Honestly, I’ve had some of the most incredible experiences on stage with them. One time we were down in California and for the encore they brought up Ramblin’ Jack Elliot and Taj Mahal to come play with us…are you kidding me? That will forever be a career highlight for me.

Come check out the shows in October in Hamilton ON, Kitchener-Waterloo ON and at Casino Rama. Go to jjshiplett.com for tickets.

Here’s a grainy, iPhone photo that I grabbed off the internet to prove that this actually happen…

Thanks everyone! Now go buy your tickets! See ya on the road.

-JJ

So it may have been a little while since you’ve heard from me. I haven’t written. I didn’t call. But like your old high school boyfriend, I’m back and I’ve got some new music…

Last year, I moved all my gear into a studio located above a farmers market to the southeast of downtown Calgary. It was a haul to get all the gear up the stairs and good thing Rebekah is in shape because it wasn’t easy and required more trips that either one of us will ever admit. Once it was all set up, lines were run and curtains drawn - I put my head down and started working each day towards something new.

A new plan and a new album.

The plan is to leave it all on the table. Put all my money on red.

If you’ve followed along on my career over the years then you know I’ve been fortunate enough to record in some incredible studios that have resulted in life changing albums for me. From The Sound Emporium in Nashville to a Lama farm in Kelowna BC, stretching over to the The Bathhouse (The Tragically Hip’s mansion in Ontario) and more. And then there have been the times when I’ve done the opposite - recorded records from the comfort of my basement all by myself.

Anything to create music…for that’s what I truly love to do.

So I made a plan and then started to put the pieces in place to make that plan happen.

It started with writing as many songs as I could muster. Leaning into the stories and lessons I’ve learned and those of the community around me. Reflections of my understanding and a world that keeps ticking, on and on. From songs about my son, my love, family and friends it is still as important as ever for me to write music that matters to the heart. Especially now in this new AI world.

I even managed to write one about time travel where I meet my Father in his 20’s and we get to have a conversation…

So I’ve got all of my money on red.

And then finally, Jay Stewart (who worked with me on ‘A Way Through Time’), bassists Brock Gieger, and long time bandmate, Ari Heinikainen got together for 2 weeks in August and hit that big record button.

And I just started singing.

And while there is so much more I’ve got to share, some things are left to happen over time…

UPCOMING SHOWS.

I’ll be performing at the final, final show of the Dream Cafe in Penticton BC. It’s a honour to be performing the last show but comes with a heaviness. The Dream Cafe has been a spot for artists from all across Canada. I’ve gone as a patron and as a performer and it was always amazing. It’s already sold out but I’m hoping we can squeeze some more folks in. TICKETS

Another great venue bites the dust here in Canada…

CALGARY - DON’T MISS THIS! NOV 8th BELLA CONCERT HALL

I’ve got a show coming at the beginning of November that you have to be at. I’m just telling you to keep your ears and eyes peeled for it because the announcement is coming soon… And then please tell your lovers and others to all come.

A HOUSE ON A RIVER WITH A GIRL IN BLACK CLOTHES

Lastly, if you’ve made it this far down the email this one is personal…Our little family is looking for a new place to call home. Rebekah, Rollie, Buffalo and I. We’re hoping to stay close to the heart of the city of Calgary but are open to new adventures also. If you or someone you know is looking for a nice family to rent their house, please reach out to me right away!

Can’t wait to share more with you.

-JJ

These days, most of my time is busy working towards a new album. It’s been just over 6 months since we released ‘A Way Through Time’ and the response from that has propelled me into writing another album. Crazy the process it takes from start to finish and sometimes you gotta pull back the arrow a bit to shoot forward.

One of the new songs that I’ve been toiling away on is tentatively called ‘Nothing Lasts Forever’ (insert Gn’R comment here…). Calling it new is a bit of a stretch, I first started working on this song in 2021 and never really got it to a decent spot. So then I took it to good buddy and incredible multi-instrumentalist, Mitch Jay and we spent some time trying to wrestle it down but alas, never found it.

Sometimes you just need to let an idea go…

Originally, as I worked through the melody and arrangement, it seemed to fit into the vein of a classic break-up song...which might be a reason why I never found the so it just never came to be.

Fast forward to a few days ago and it randomly popped into my head and a little time did us good!

As new lyrics were scribbled across the pages of my book, a new theme began to take flight, it became clear.

And stop me if I’ve written this before but ‘Nothing Lasts Forever’ is about embracing the very moment we’re in, together.

Because it doesn’t last forever. We don’t. The moment don’t. We really only get so much time here together.

And it goes by so fast.

With the ever changing chaos, uncertainty of the future and whatever will come our way, it’s best we just find the good stuff and revel in it.

Soon I will share this song and more with The Record Club so don’t stray too far!

And now that brings us to the ninth episode of The Record Club Show with JJ Shiplett.

On this show, I play a song that fully stopped me in my tracks, ‘Dusty Trails’ written by Jessica Wolfe / Holly Laessig of the band, Lucius. It’s an haunting song about that very same journey.

It was a winter evening a few years back in my buddy Martens garage/bar, The Bunker. We would gather to watch hockey games, then turn the music up really loud and celebrate. Anything to have some fellowship together.

At one point, Martens and another good pal, Brandon Harris start telling me about this song they’ve gotta show me, right now! And they’re the type of dudes who when they say that, you listen…

A few moments later on the big screen in The Bunker comes a performance of ‘Dusty Trails’ by Lucius. Situated in the middle of the Minnesota State Capitol rotunda are these two ladies, singing in the way Simon And Garfunkel used to - where you don’t know who’s singing the melody and who’s got the harmony. They’re voices just blend together perfectly.

We immediately played it again.

I think I went home and watched it again that night. Showed Rebekah right away.

A few days later, I was singing it every time I picked up my guitar.

(This is another one of those lyric heavy songs so settle in, take it deep and embrace the moment…).

Thanks for joining on this wild journey,

-jj

GET YET TICKETS FOR NOV 23rd JJ SHIPLETT STAMPEDE CITY SESSIONS

So on this episode - the eighth one so far - I decided to get really honest.

As I attempt to find a way to connect with The Record Club on a more personal and valuable way, I’m learning that it’s all about me opening up to you, first.

So go easy on me, eh! I’m still working on it…

SEND REQUEST/THOUGHTS TO JJ

The very last track on ‘A Way Through Time’ is called ‘You and I Will Never End’. I struggled for a long while working through what I wanted to say- and needed to say with the tune. Every time I picked up my guitar the idea was staring me in the face. I could see, I understood what I was trying to do but the lyrics were stubborn, they just didn’t wanna get done. Jay Stewart and I ended up recording the vocals multiple times because of this. I enlisted Jay, Jeremy Friesen, Ryan McAllister and along with my sister Janelle to try and help me. Finally, on the very last session of the album, I was able to sing it with the conviction I so longed for.

The day we tracked the lyrics were the last moments I would ever have with Jer. As long as my brain will let me, I’ll remember the hug he gave me as he left.

So listen to Episode 8 and hear why I wrote the song, who it was for and why getting these lyrics right was so important.

—————————

NOV 23rd - Stampede City Sessions

GET YER TICKETS HERE

We’ve got a really exciting show happening here in Calgary on Nov 23rd. It’s at Webber Academy and will be filmed for the 10th Season of ‘Stampede City Sessions’.

I’m soooooo exited to capture the show that Jimmy, Brock, Maddison and I built this year. We played so many fun shows and feel like we have something special to offer.

If you can’t make the show, it will air on KSPS/PBS Spokane right before AUSTIN CITY LIMITS on Saturday nights sometime in near the future. I’ll keep ya posted on the air date.

I’ve even seen a cool couple photos of this long haired, red head up around town…

EPISODE 8 - listen and watch now on YOUTUBE or….

LISTEN ON APPLE PODCASTS

OR SPOTIFY IF YOU SO CHOOSE

Plus making art alone isn’t any fun.

I’ve been lucky enough to have a few of those (probably even more than I realize) and that’s what has kept me going after all these years. I recently told a good friend, the people I long to impact the most are my friends and family, those who have been on this road with me, coming to shows, singing along and wanting more.

I figured if you all dig it, others will too.

SEND IN A REQUEST OR COMMENT

One of my biggest supporters and best friends from Day 1 - like the day I was born..has been my sister, Janelle.

When we were young, she knew all the best music and had the coolest friends, over time she’s designed album covers, posters, worked through marketing campaigns, covered costs when I couldn’t and occasionally makes sure I don’t fall off the deep end by always telling the truth. We’ve had our shares of ups and downs and all arounds - together.

So check out this week’s episode of The Record Club Show with JJ featuring Janelle Shiplett-Scott.

We cover the purpose of the Record Club, how everyone can get involved, singing ‘The Star Spangle Banner’ when I was a little boy and so much, much more. I sing a song I wrote for her years and years ago, ‘Brighter Skies (Little Sister)’ and a Record Clubber Request from Kyle for a Fred Eaglesmith song, ‘Summerlea’.

Keep those requests coming and enjoy the episode.

-JJ

Listen to The Record Club Show with JJ

A community supporting an artist and the artist creating for the community.

Here’s the 6th Episode! Give it a watch or listen now!

APPLE PODCASTS SPOTIFY PODCASTS

As fall starts to settle in with cold nights and leaves everywhere, we begin with Autumn's Here - a song written by Hawksley Workman off his record 'LOVER/FIGHTER'. We talk best fall songs from John Prine to Counting Crows, an update from my adventure to the CCMA's and finally,  we finish up with a story about my dog, Buffalo and how that good ole boy inspired me to write ‘A Different Kind Of Light’.

KEEP YOUR REQUESTS COMING FOLKS! I’m already working on song requests for David Grey, Fred Eaglesmith, a few of my older unreleased songs and even some Jimmy Buffett…So don’t be shy now. Send em in! USE THIS EMAIL LINK TO SEND THEM TO ME DIRECTLY!

We’ll be back later this week with another episode. And as I said in this one, it’s a very, very special guest for me. I’m off to the studio to film with them tonight!

Thanks to all you record clubbers,

-jj

On this week’s show, it's just me and my guitar, and Owen. We’re talking about a trip up to Edmonton to be on Real Talk With Ryan Jespersen, and then CCMA's, the journey of songwriting and a career in music along with a performance of The Tragically Hip's 'It's A Good Life If You Don't Weaken' and then in there somewhere, a bit of Sam Roberts 'Paranoia'.

Creating these shows has been great so far. I’m committed to continuing a conversation around my music, the journey that follows.

But we need your help!!

Questions? Song requests? Topics? Stories? You ask and I’ll do my best to make these happen…only for the Record Club.

SEND IN YOUR QUESTIONS!

See ya next week Record Clubbers,

-jj

LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:

LISTEN ON APPLE PODCASTS:

On this week’s episode of The Record Club Show with JJ Shiplett, I had one of my best pals, former roommate and bandmate, with over 20 years of friendship, Chad Thomas. We cover a lot of ground including an epic story of a lady driving her car into the The Tragically Hip’s studio and another time when I sang with George Stombolopolous (we both were out of key).

I hope you enjoy our chat as we aim to bring some insight into who I am as a songwriter, musician and human, what has shaped and guided me on this journey.

You can watch it on YouTube, or listen on Spotify/Apple Podcasts.

Your support and encouragement is what keeps this train rolling along.

Thanks Record Clubbers!! See ya down the road soon,

-jj

To listen on Apple Podcasts click here.

For Spotify, click here.

While there is still lots to learn, we.ve got plenty of time to learn…So we’re back with the third instalment of ‘The Record Club Chat with JJ Shiplett’.

This week’s super special guest is none other than Peacer (aka Greg Peace).

We’ve played music together for over ten years and counting, have stories that we’ll remember forever and absolutely love singing together. He’s one of the most charming fellas out there and oh boy, does he get Owen and I laughing. From Riviera Heist to The Wisers, and Massey Hall - we cover a lot or ground. And not once did we make fun of Bass guitar players…

Together we sing a Northcote song, ‘Goodnight’ and my favourite Lindi Ortega song ‘Cigarettes and Truckstops’.

But now here’s the kicker, you can listen or watch! The show is available on the following channels so use the links to get it in your feed. Like it, save it and let me know what songs you’d like to hear me sing.

Spotify

Apple Podcasts

Youtube

Peacer’s new band ‘Really Much’ is playing in Calgary at The Palomino on Sept 1st. See ya there - I seem to have no trouble finding fun when I go to the Pal.

Thanks for joining along on this journey as I try to build and strengthen this little club.

-jj

Welcome/Nitty Gritty/American Accent

What’s Up, Buttercup?

Look! It’s a video-blog. Or a vlog. vidlog.

Often I hear about how the live streams Rebekah and I filmed at the beginning of the Covid pandemic, really hit home with so many of you. Truthfully, I’m surprised every time I hear it. It’s crazy because when we did the streams, it was always quiet in the house after each song and clapping emojis just don’t have the same effect. It was almost a bit lonely. However, all that was out the window once Rebekah found the button for the fake-clapping sound effect…

So I recently began sitting down with my good friend, Owen Reader over at Indelible Studios to have a chat and sing a little bit (I play his favourite tune off my new album towards the end).

So if you enjoy my singing, want to hear some road stories, and a bunch more…than stay tuned!

And we’ll take the input. Got an idea or a suggestion? Maybe a song you wanna hear me sing…Let’s work together to make to worth your time and attention!

Next week we’ve got a guest...Greg Peace!

After playing together in a band for almost a decade, I’m a bit nervous about where that conversation may go.

A little game of catch up.

It was so awesome to play Country Thunder here in my hometown of Calgary. I’m grateful for everyone who was there, sang along and made as much noise as ya could. It was the type of gig I'll remember as long as there’s breath in my lungs and songs to be sung.

Once all of that wrapped up (meet and greets, interviews, debriefs and other things) the band and I set up at the King Eddy a few blocks away from Fort Calgary and played an after-party for one of the good guys, Craig Syneck. When we finally got on stage (a few minutes past midnight) it felt like the good old days when we would pack the Palomino for the late set - that late August sweat, some loud music and just the right amount whiskey…but now the hangovers are brutal and last for days.

I’m so very grateful for the support of my hometown and this community especially after all these years. It means more to me now than ever…

-JJ

Recently we returned home from a great ten-day road trip through the Rockies and down to the West Coast. Packing the van, Rebekah, Rollie and I visited some of our favourite spots along the way, had a few van troubles and even got snowed on...

The trip's highlight though was our time in the Lower Mainland. I had the opportunity to record a few songs at Fort Records with Jay Stewart for something special I have coming your way (more details to come!). We also spent several days at Ryan and Amanda McAllister’s Five Acres Flower Farm. and they had us working the fields in no time —planting flowers, running water lines, and even checking the generator. The beauty of the land and flowers is only matched by their warmth and hospitality. Chances are you’ve heard music I’ve created at Ryan’s studio, heard me talk about their greatness or you know them (in which case you already know how great they are). If you like really big flowers, check out what they’ve got going - Five Acres Flower Farm

Remembering Loz

Ultimately the road trip was a chance to do some reflection and to remember our dear friend, Tim Lozinik - who we lost at the beginning of the month. I sat around the fire many nights thinking about the man who constantly lifted me as an artist, inspired me as a human and was a major pillar of our community. He made you feel like the very moment you were in, was the best moment ever. He was a red headed older brother to me and was the inspiration behind my song Bad Feelings. I still don’t have much to say, just really, really gonna miss the guy. Big time. Life just happens so fast…

Upcoming Gigs.

Most of the shows this summer are around Alberta. Grateful to have the opportunity to play in front of my friends and family on some big and small stages.

A few that are coming up quickly that I’d love to see you at so pay attention Calgary!

• June 29th: Join my trio and me at The Palace in Calgary, along with Devin Cooper and Mariya Stokes for The Ride To Remember, benefiting The Alzheimer Society of Calgary. This event starts early for those who prefer an earlier night. This Saturday!

  Ride To Remember Tickets

• July 6th: I'll be at Yahoo Buckaroo's Cabaret - Live At The Pioneer, alongside The Denim Daddies & Elliot C. Way. We're replicating last year’s good time and tickets are currently on a flash sale right now so get pick up a couple eh!

  Yahoo Buckaroo's Tickets

For more shows and information, visit SHOWS HERE!

That’s the update for now. Looking forward to see you on the road this summer.

-JJ

Oleander is a slow burner over there on the CBC Music TOP 20. Last week it jumped up 3 spots to 15 which leaves us with some work to do. It’s rather tiring having to ask for votes but they do count and I need all the help I can get! So please dig deep with me and give it a couple votes before you move on with your day. I’m so thankful for all your help with this.

VOTE HERE AND VOTE OFTEN - OLEANDER CBC TOP 2O

Mother’s Day - Modern Drugs (acoustic)

I feel really fortunate for all the great women in my life. I’ve been extra lucky with the strength, love and encouragement they’ve shown to me. Rebekah, my Mother and Sister are all constant in their support as I push forward trying to make music for our community.

So yesterday I mainly stayed off social media and just hung out with Rebekah and my Mom. There were lots of walks, conversations about past and present, what comes next, and lots of playing with Rollie. A day well spent in my books.

I’d be lost without my mom. Rollie would be too!

So I just wanted to tell all you mother’s out there, Happy Mother’s Day - we’d all be so lost without you…up a creek, no paddle and no way home.

Love you ladies!

Last week I filmed ‘Modern Drugs (acoustic)’ with Mitch Nybo down in the basement. I wanted to share it with you this Mother’s Day as I wrote for Rebekah and her journey to becoming a mother - and how in awe I am of her.

Please give it a watch and a listen. I believe it has some of the best lyrics I’ve ever written…but don’t take my word for it.

SHOWS, SHOWS and a few more SHOWS!

(Especially if you’re in Calgary)

Gigs are slowly coming in this summer. It’s been unusual with how it’s all unfolded but one by one, they’re trickling in. Here are some that I wanted to tell you about and a ticket link so you can come see Brock, Jimmy and I give it everything we got.

June 29th - The Palace Theatre Calgary AB. ‘A Ride To Remember’ Fundraiser. TICKETS

July 6th - Backaroo’s Calgary AB. A great party during Stampede that we had some much fun doing last year, that we’re doing it again! TICKETS FOR BUCKAROO'S

July 30th - Wide Skies Music Festival Lethbridge AB . TICKETS FOR WIDE SKIES

AUG 4th Big Valley Jamboree Camrose AB. BVJ TIXS

Aug 17th Country Thunder Calgary AB. CT TIXS

Check out my WEBSITE for more info about all shows!!

See ya soon,

-JJ

“This is quality roots music with a leg in each of rock, folk and country."

"This short release serves as substantial notice that there’s a new kid on the block, making a significant contribution to the ‘from-the-heart’ singer-songwriter camp”

Not bad eh???

ALREADY THERE (Acoustic)

I’ve continued to work with Mitch Nybo at DogDriverMedia. We’re gaining steam and looking forward to creating more. We’ve got a few things in the making and are planning on moving out of the basement soon too!

Take a listen to this acoustic version of Already There.

A little softer, a little more gentle.

This is what it sounded like when I wrote it.

OLEANDER

HEY THIS TUNE STILL NEEDS YOUR VOTE ON CBC MUSIC!!

We haven’t been able to get it over the hump and onto to the actual list so let’s give it one more go eh? Give it 40 votes tonight. And/or this morning! Whatever time it is for you. ha.

VOTE OLEANDER CBC MUSIC TOP 20

Thanks everyone!! See ya soon with some more videos and shows.

JJ

So to start it all out, Reckless Heart - live in the basement (a working title but it’s working). A special thanks to Mitch for all the time and energy put into helping create these and for being such a great hang.

I hope this draw you in even more to a song about loving with reckless abandon, giving it all and finding a deeper connection - ‘You gotta give it all away to make it count for something’.

So it’s been a month since I’ve released ‘A Way Through Time’. As I’ve said before, I’m so grateful to everyone who’s listened, passed it along and sent me a message. There’s been over 240k streams so far and counting! Which is just so cool to know that people can still find their way to my music. So I wanted to share a couple cool things that are rolling along…

CBC Music has added Oleander to their TOP 20.

Now it needs your help climbing up the chart (Just like we did a few months back with Bad Feelings)! This chart does matter in Canadian music so please give it a bunch of votes and tell your CBC music listeners to vote this tune to the very top. Let’s get CBC’s attention and hopefully the rest of Canada too!

VOTE FOR OLEANDER HERE

AmericanaUK had some incredibly kinda things to say about ‘A Way Through Time’. They’ve even used some big words that I had to look up just to make sure it was actually a good thing. I’m very grateful to Jonathan Smith at AmericanaUK (I owe him a beer for sure). Reading reviews like this really help solidify in my heart the approach I took to writing these tunes, and then how Jer Friensen, Jay Stewart and I recorded them…It was all about intention and focusing on each song as a piece.

READ AMERICANA-UK JJ SHIPLETT

Also, last week I sat down with Andrew Shaver from When We Wake in Halifax on Cove FM. We had an extensive chat about the album, life and a little hockey talk... I dive deep into some topics here so worth checking out.

LISTEN TO WHEN WE WAKE WITH ANDREW SHAVER

That’s it, that’s all folks! At least for now…

-JJ

Since then I’ve been on a wild journey for a career. Releasing music in all different ways, with all different people, in varying degrees, and, playing shows all over the world (I can say that now ha).

In 2017, I released Something To Believe In - that was a pretty big high! 2020’s Fingers Crossed, released right at the start of covid - not so high!

Yet, whichever path the records took, it always felt like the beginning of the end. Without commercial success, or a grand North American Tour, hit single songs  - it sort of meant I’d need to start working on something else now while getting as many shows as I could to promote/sell a few albums.

But this time, I have to admit, it feels a bit different. While I still hold realistic expectations, I also know what I have. Through time spent in the water, working away on these tunes -  there’s a confidence that has been built. And it was built with people whom I respect, love and have been able to put my full trust with this songs.

So sure, things have changed, but now it’s about all about building momentum. It’s about getting some speed going up the hill, pushing it forward and getting these songs heard.

It’s been just over one week since I released A Way Through Time. And your response has been felt. I’m very grateful and I hope the songs bring value to your ears. A few of you have told me your favourite songs so far, American Accent and Reckless Heart keep showing up - if you haven’t yet, let me know which songs you like and want to hear me perform live. It’s nice to actually hear that people like the songs…

We’re working on building momentum on our end but we could sure use your help! Starting here, right now - we’re giving away 10 free copies of A Way Through Time on vinyl. That’s right! 10 free LP’s!!!

If you share A Way Through Time on your socials, telling all your friends how badly they need to listen to this record, what song they need to listen to then tag @jjshiplett with the hashtag, #jjrecordclub. We will randomly choose 10 lucky Record Club members to win and they will get the record for free on vinyl. So get spreading the word!

Enter as many times as you want, keep sharing and sharing the album. Help get these songs out there!

(Contest ends April 15th).

Reckless Heart

The song we’re focusing on right now is Reckless Heart.

I wrote this song in the Cariboo Region of BC with good pal Dustin Bentall. When we recorded it I remember Jer leaning over with a head full of confidence saying something like, this song is a good link between where you’re going and where you’ve been - I feel that big time. There’s a familiarity to it for me in my writing. There’s comfort there. I’m not always sure if that’s a good thing or just lazy but I’ll let tomorrow JJ figure that out.

I made this little video to show off the lyrics. It’s of good pal Loz’s red ’77 Dodge Sportsmen. It’s a super sweet rig. We were driving around BC, maybe on the Vancouver Island and I just filmed as we followed his tail lights down the winding roads. Rebekah was driving, Buff was out cold in the back from playing fetch all day at the beach. Tough life for a dog.

Check it out here!

Reckless Heart Lyric Video

See ya soon! Remember to share the song to get a chance to win a FREE VINYL of A Way Through Time.

-JJ

It’s a piece of work that I’m incredibly proud of, built with intention and stories that matter to me. I feel so lucky to have created it while we had the time. This feels like the closest I’ve ever been to the sound I’ve searching for so long.

Soon you’ll have a chance to win a special edition vinyl and some other cool, new, shiny things from this corner of the world - so keep your eyes out to learn how!

Oleander

This is one of the most important songs on this new album to me. It took a long while to write and for me to fully make sense of it but when it finally did, I could feel it right away.

I wanted to create a video for the song that allows the lyrics to be the focal point. So I made, well…it’s a lyric video crossed with a normal music video but mainly just a bunch of footage of me singing and playing with some good pals.

Filmed by Shane Dueck from Fire Canvas Media at Five Acres Flower Farm and Studio. Thanks to both of them for helping make this happen.

So far the lyric ‘when the Leafs win the cup’ has gone over well at shows…okay maybe not with everyone. ha.

Please keep an eye and ear out for more coming your way over the next few weeks! And then please pass it along to your friends and family.

-jj

‘A Way Through Time’

Available March 15, 2024

Save/Add it right now!

There is a picture in my mind, it’s of my father, he’s just a kid sitting on the couch in front of some speakers listening to music with his guitar in hand.

It’s so clear I can almost feel it, and when I zoom in with just enough imagination, I can see the cover of the album he’s listening to.

So sometimes I put that record on and picture myself sitting right next to him, strumming along.

Music is the best form of time travel there is…so far.

I’m so excited to tell The Record Club first that the full album will be available for you to listen to on March 15th.

A Way Through Time was written throughout these past few years, in and around my house here in Calgary. These were the songs and melodies I would hold tightly to, something inside screaming that 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 first.

As a thread began to weave itself through each song, it became clearer and clearer that each song had purpose, a story to tell and something to work towards.

It is 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 love recklessly.

Armed with the songs, I went to Fort Records in Fort Langley BC with Jay Stewart at the helm. His positive mental attitude, attention to detail and willingness so 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. Which is the goal for me with every song I write - put it all together, with intention.

It was extremely important that these songs be recorded with Jeremy as he was in a battle with stage 4 cancer that took him this past summer. With each session I could see him fading away and we knew to make the most of each moment. The very last session we did on this record, finishing vocals for You and I Will Never End, was the last time I saw him. I’ll cherish those moments for the rest of my days revisiting them each time I play these songs.

Music is time travel.

‘A Way Through Time’

BERLIN/TEXAS/TORONTO

In other news, I’ll be headed to Berlin to play C2C Music Festival at the beginning of March. Never been before so do ya have any tips? Does anyone know how to speak German? I only know Beck’s song ‘Loser’… Sprechen sie deutsch, baby?

After I’ll be headed to SXSW in Austin, Texas. I’ll have the trio with me and I’m so excited to turn it up extra loud and then sing sad songs for all the cool kids.

Then a trip to Toronto to celebrate the album and a little bit of press.

There’s just so much happening right now.

Please presave/add the album now and then keep your eyes out next week for some special stuff just for The Record Club.

Thanks for following along and supporting me on this journey everyone.

-jj

PRESAVE/ADD A Way Through Time

I’m currently sitting on a flight high about the Atlantic Ocean en route to play Americanafest UK and there are a few things I wanted to pass your way in a timely matter. So I paid for internet on the flight. Twenty bucks. Hey hey big spender.

Alright, CBC Music Top 20 currently has Bad Feelings at Number 3!!! I honestly didn’t expect this but now it’s pedal to the metal time. Can we actually get it to number 1? Do ya think? I must say that I’m so grateful for this community of people (the record club) who continue to push me forward. Without you, I’d be stuck. And no one would listen to my music. VOTE HERE.

Okay so you’re response to Bad Feelings has been so cool and the momentum continues to build that we’re gonna release more music this Friday Jan 26th.

Oleander and Modern Drugs.

Two brand spankin’ new tunes of my forthcoming album and I can’t wait for you to hear ‘em. Both these songs really matter to me and I put heart and soul into them. I really hope you love ‘em.

PRESAVE OLEANDER

PRESAVE MODERN DRUGS

I wanted to give the Record Club something just a little different. A little outside of my comfort zone and something that just doesn’t go on typical ‘social media’. Earlier today I made this little video. It’s nothing special but just this dude talking about his new songs, a little back story/context and why we made them sound the way they do.

It’s important to me that I bring value to your everyday. It’s my goal that my music will do that and hopefully the Record Club also. As close pal Owen Reader always reminds me, ‘tell a story worth telling’…Here is it - the back story of Oleander and Modern Drugs. Plus I leave ya with a little sampling at the end too. Gotta watch all the way.

Thank you and enjoy the new music this Friday!

-JJ

VOTE BAD FEELINGS CBC Music Top 20 Link

In early December, I spent a few days at Five Acres Studio with Ryan McAllister and Jay Stewart. Good pal Shane from Firecanvas was busy filming as much as he could, documenting so many laughs and take after take. On the first evening, as we were making noise, Shane was busy coming in and out the door on the far side of the studio. At first I was distracted but then he explained to us what he had been working on…

A dark, dense layer of fog had settled over the lower mainland in BC late that night.

Americanafest UK/THE SHEEPDOGS

I’m off to play a showcase at Americana Music Festival UK on Jan 23rd. It’s a whirlwind trip for me and also my first trip to London. When I get back, I hit the road across Alberta and parts of BC with The Sheepdogs. I’m really excited about this. We’ll be playing as a three piece band and I can do as many guitar solos as I want! It’s their ‘Backroads Boogie’ Tour and you can go to the LIVE page on my website to get tickets.

There’s so much more coming including a brand spankin’ new music video for Bad Feelings, and two new songs later this month!

Lastly, Bad Feelings needs your vote for one last final push to the top. Right now it’s number 4 which means we gotta get that baby to the top but we got some stiff competition….whoa. Thank you to everyone who has continued to help push the song forward. I’m so very grateful.

VOTE CBC MUSIC HERE.

Later Skater!

-JJ

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