JJ Shiplett - A Way Through Time (2024) Hi-Res

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.

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.