With Departure, Pressgang Mutiny is redefining what sea shanties can be. The album blends a cappella field recordings, 21st-century production, guest musicians, and their signature four-part vocal harmonies, creating a bold reimagining of the tradition.
Pressgang Mutiny are thrilled to present our latest project: The groundbreaking new shanty album 'Departure' and we're asking for your support to get us over the finish line! 'Departure' is a vision for the future of shanties featuring guest musicians, historical samples, rich harmonies, and never-before heard lyrics and arrangements. It's by far our most ambitious project, and it'll arrive just in time for summer.
We're Pressgang Mutiny and we've performed shanties on stages around the world from our home port of Toronto to the US, UK, Poland, the Caribbean and beyond. We've sung with and learned from the best shanty singers performing today - legends like Jim Mageean and Tom Lewis, new stars like The Longest Johns and Seán Dagher, and even the world's last living real shantyman George "Tall 12" Frederick.
That, together with the countless hours spent discussing shanties with practitioners, performers, and academics on our podcast The Shanty Show, has given us unmatched insight into the real roots of shanties - as well as a clear vision for their future.
Departure is our third - and by far most ambitious - album. It takes everything we've learned and deeply explores the forgotten history of shanties and connections to other musical genres to present an entirely new take on what shanties could be. We invited a who's-who of incredible musicians from across the musical spectrum - from reggae to hip hop to blues and more - to collaborate and give their own spin on things. We dug up historical shanty samples, composed and uncovered brand new lyrics, and (as all true shanty singers must) improvised and played to create something completely unique. Departure breathes new life and vibrancy into shanties - but it also stays completely true to the tradition itself.
Departure is a must-listen for anyone with any interest in shanties and maritime and traditional music. It's also an amazingly accessible entry point for any music lovers who haven't yet caught the shanty bug.
You can pledge any amount, and get some awesome loot while supporting us! Highlights include Signed Limited Edition double-vinyl, early bird discounts, bonus tracks, and even a private house concert!
Shipping will be calculated and charged after the campaign. Shipping within Canada for a CD typically costs around CA$10. Shipping costs to the US or overseas will vary. Larger and heavier items such as vinyl and t-shirts will cost more to ship.
We will communicate estimated shipping costs to all donors as soon as we have the product and addresses in-hand. If there are any difficulties, we'll work directly with you to ensure you get your rewards in a cost-effective way!
We're also happy to arrange a pickup for anyone local to the Toronto area.
Pressgang Mutiny are Toronto's Shantymen, dedicated to traveling the globe to discover shanties, works songs and the people who sing them. A quartet of dynamic musicians and tall ship sailors, they have performed extensively in Canada and the US and recently returned from a festival tour of France, Poland, the UK and the Netherlands. They were most recently selected as an Official Showcase artist at the 2023 Folk Music Ontario Conference.
Whether performing a rollicking set of shanties from around the world, leading educational workshops for new and experienced shanty audiences, or interviewing other artists as part of their ongoing podcast The Shanty Show, the lads of Pressgang Mutiny are guaranteed to entertain, educate, and delight.
Pressgang Mutiny are Richard Kott, James McKie, Tim Pyron, and Stefan Read.
