Helen Shanahan's colourful Canvas
Western Australian, singer-songwriter Helen Shanahan is patiently counting down to the drop of the latest edition to her discography, Canvas, the follow up to her 2017 debut album ‘Every Little Sting’. With the album set for release on the 4th of March and the special launch show at Night Owl Studio in Morley, WA to debut ‘Canvas’ to her local loyal fanbase on the 5th Helen is in for a big month, so before she gets super busy, we took the chance to talk to Helen about the new ‘Canvas’ album, her desire to tour the East Coast and playing with Missy Higgins at a Perth Prison.
For those that haven’t heard your music before , how would you describe your sound?
I would describe my music as heartfelt folk-pop, with a strong acoustic feel!
Tell us about your new song Canvas? What does the song mean to you?
The song ‘Canvas’ came about from a prompt in an online songwriting group (I Heart Songwriting Club), which was ‘lessons’. Essentially the song is about how I learnt to make myself smaller for a particular group of people, and how I let myself be walked over. The song was cathartic to write and bittersweet to sing!
What are you hoping the listener takes away from listening to Canvas?
I hope it resonates with anyone who has ever felt like they couldn’t stand up for themselves, it is definitely hard to do when you are an introvert. I think although it focuses on a negative relationship, there is an element of taking the power back by calling it out in the song - and hopefully in that way, it can also give the listener hope.
Who came up with the concept for the video? Any memorable moments during the making of it?
The video was written, directed and produced by one of my oldest and dearest friends (since pre-primary!), Jane Tionowidjaja. She is Melbourne based, but due to the pandemic had moved back to Perth for a short stint. During this time, she listened to my album and said she would love to come up with an idea for ‘Canvas’. She had the idea of emotional abuse happening over a period of time, and how we ‘learn’ to accept this from the people we love. We filmed the clip at my parents house, so it was nostalgic for us both to be there considering our school history! Jane was professional from the get go, and had turned my parents house into a legitimate film set. It was memorable for me to have not only Jane, but my best friend Catherine Chirarelli in the starring role - it was a real close knit affair and special to me on so many levels.
Your new album is out on the 4th of March, what can fans expect from the new release?
Fans can expect what they have come to know from my music, however this album takes on heavier themes- while still keeping complimentary instrumentation and memorable melodies. They can expect some beautiful string arrangements from Chris Carmichael (who has worked with Taylor Swift nonetheless!), and some thoughtful production by Brad Jones (Nashville).
“ ‘Canvas’ is a special one for me, as when I wrote it - it felt complete”
What’s your favourite song from the new album and why?
It’s hard for me to think of my songs as favorites, as I don’t often listen back to myself! I think the title track ‘Canvas’ is a special one for me, as when I wrote it - it felt complete. It also summed up so many themes on the album in one.
You’re launching the album with a live show at Night Owl Studio, are you excited to hear the feedback from your fans and peers?
I am both excited and nervous! I haven’t released a new album since 2017, so I hope that people will like the songs and enjoy the evening.
Are there any plans to tour for the album once WA opens its borders?
I really hope to! I would love to get to Victoria especially, as my sister lives there (and is waiting to get married after 3 postponements!!).
How did you get your start in music?
I started performing at open mic nights at a bar in Fremantle called ‘Mojos’. As a shy performer, it took me a while to hone my skills, although after attending WAAPA in 2010 I felt confident to record my EP ‘Driftwood’. On the back of that EP I entered a competition called The Telstra Road to Discovery and I was lucky enough to win it. The prize included a trip to Nashville, and it was there that I was inspired to record and release more music. I am now published with Mushroom Music, and Bill Page (who is the creative director and my mentor) was a judge in the very same competition.
Your music and songwriting ability have been compared to greats like Joni Mitchell, Kacey Musgraves and Missy Higgins, whilst being a huge compliment does it add a layer of pressure for you to always write deep and poignant songs?
That is a massive compliment!! I really look up to those artists, yet I don’t think I am even close to their level. They inspire me to continue to be the best writer I can be, and to stay true to who I am as an artist.
Do you play a part in the production side of your music?
On this record, I gave Brad Jones full creative control of the production side. That is because I trusted him wholeheartedly after working with him on my debut album Every Little Sting in 2017. If anything, I have ideas about vocal lines, but that is also shared with my husband Matt who arranges all the backing vocals.
Who do you credit as your musical influences?
Joni Mitchell, Missy Higgins and Patty Griffin
Where was your first gig? Was it a success or flop?
My first gig was an open mic night at Mojos Bar. I was clinging to the microphone for dear life, I didn’t look up at the crowd once - and sat down! However I think it was a success, as from that moment on I never gave up on music and kept going. Now at least I can look into the crowd without fear of passing out!
Who would be your ultimate Collab Partner be?
My ultimate collab partner is between Taylor Swift and Paul McCartney, haha! Why not both??
“Supporting Missy Higgins last year at the Fremantle Prison was definitely a personal highlight”
What’s been the highlight in your career so far personally? And why?
Supporting Missy Higgins last year at the Fremantle Prison was definitely a personal highlight, as she is one of my biggest inspirations. She was so down to earth and watched my set from the side of the stage. It was so encouraging, and I will never forget it!
Who in your crew or team deserves a shout out but never gets one? And what is it they do that keeps your world turning?
My husband Matt is amazing. Not only is he my husband (unfortunately tied to me legally, haha!) but he helps me with DIY tasks like album design, photos, liaising with venues, radio stations etc and is my biggest champion. Thank you Matt!
What can we look forward to from Helen Shanahan in 2022?
I hope to perform my new album live as much as I can, it’s going to be an interesting one due to life right now - but I will do my best to get out there, even if it’s live streaming! I am also running a monthly songwriter event in Perth called ‘The Songwriters Cafe’ which is based on the ‘in the round’ Nashville format - showcasing WA’s best songwriters.
HELEN SHANAHAN ‘CANVAS’ LAUNCH SHOW
SAT 5 MARCH | NIGHT OWL STUDIO, MORLEY WA
Tickets available from trybooking
Interview by Michelle Symes
February 2022