Just a very quick update today. Our campaign closes at the end of the week and THANK YOU again to everyone who's supported us.
We have just sent the first three tracks off to be mastered and will be sharing a sneak peek with all of our backers as soon as we get the first track back.
We are well on track to have the album fully mastered by mid-June at which point we'll pop everything off to be printed. We anticipate being able to share digital download codes and ship the CDs in July, with the LPs as a fast-follow (they just take longer to manufacture).
Only 6 days to go - please help us continue to spread the word!
Thank you all so much for your incredible support. We have the first three singles from the album being mastered now and will share them with you as soon as we can.
Stay tuned for more updates as we finalize the album! We will also be reaching out to everyone to confirm shipping details, t-shirt sizes etc. once the campaign closes.
Sad news this past week as the world’s last living REAL shantyman, George “Tall 12” Frederick, passed away at the age of 79.
Tall 12 was the real deal: A whaling gunman who would set out every morning from the town of Barrouallie in St. Vincent in a 6-person row boat with a harpoon gun mounted at the bow to hunt pilot whale. St. Vincent remains one of only two places in the world with an exemption to the International Whaling Convention and the people of Barrouallie still hunt and eat whale to this day - the continuation of a necessity of survival in what was historically a town accessible only by sea.
Our conversations with Tall 12 and the time we spent in studio with him was a huge influence on 'Departure' and opened our eyes to some of the core, vital aspects of shanties.
We had the unbelievable pleasure of meeting, listening to, and singing with Tall 12 in October of 2022. We travelled to Barrouallie and spent a week filming a documentary and album with him - both of which we will release after Departure is complete.
He was an absolute live wire - full of jokes (or “antics” as he called them), stories, and of course incredible songs. In fact, James learned our version of Seven Long Years from the big man himself.
Tall 12 was also the very tail end of a long tradition of Vincentian shanties.
We spoke with his friend Vincent Reid, filmmaker and producer Akley Olton, and musicologist and shantyman Dan Lanier - all of whom knew Tall 12 for years - about his life and legacy and you can check out that whole interview here. We’ll also get an audio version posted on all podcast platforms this week.
So pour yourself a nice glass of rum and settle in for some stories and songs in memory of a true shanty legend.
it would have been really nice to have gotten anything. Even the link for the digital version doesn't work.
I paid a bunch of money for a CD and a book, and have gotten not only nothing, but never even got a response. Shame on you
Thanks so much to all who've supported. We're already half-way to our goal but need a big push to get all the way, so please do make your pledge today if you're able!
Wanted to share this little behind-the-scenes glimpse of what it's been like in the studio, recorded at Union Sound in Toronto where we recorded our very first album. You'll also notice a new face - Dave Finneran who joined us to help flesh out some high harmonies.
Wow! We're off to a great start and already one quarter of the way to our goal.
These pre-orders and pledges will give us the juice we need to finish mixing and mastering, develop the artwork, print and distribute the album, and ensure we have the right PR and marketing to spread the word far and wide - so THANK YOU to all who've pledged so far!
Early bird reward expires soon! Quick nudge to pledge in the next 24h if you'd like a special shoutout in the liner notes of Departure. That special early-bird reward goes away soon and we'd love to be able to thank as many of you lovely folks as possible by name :)
Cheers, and thanks again for your amazing support,
Hi friends! I’m Jayna Gross, and I’m so thrilled to welcome you to this growing community.
I’m a worship leader, music educator, mentor, and mom who’s passionate about raising up the next generation of worship leaders—young people who lead with confidence, skill, and hearts rooted deeply in Christ.
Whether I’m teaching in a classroom, leading from a stage, or worshiping in a church sanctuary, I’ve seen firsthand how worship music transforms hearts. That deep passion is what drew me to this project—and your support is helping turn that vision into something truly life-giving.
Over the coming weeks, I’ll be posting updates about our progress, behind-the-scenes moments, and ways you can stay involved. And we’d love to hear from you too!
💬 Tell us in the comments:
What role has worship music played in your own story?
(Or—what drew you to this project?)
🎯 One small ask: Would you be willing to share our campaign link with 10 people who care about worship, music education, or mentoring young leaders? Every share helps move this mission forward.
