Songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jonas Shandel recently made the move from Vancouver to Chemainus so that he can focus on writing songs, and he’ll formally introduce himself to his new neighbours this Sunday (July 20) when he performs with his band Headwater at Concerts in the Park.
Headwater is described as a band that plays music that is freewheeling, fierce, sentimental and sexy — music that is “like listening to the West Coast of Canada in song” — and is considered one of the finest acoustic roots groups around.
Shandel formed the band in 2003 with his childhood friend Matt Bryant. In the past two years, Headwater has gone through some transitions after Bryant left to pursue more music production. More recently, Shandel has been collaborating with a variety of accomplished musicians, such as violinist Raquel Rawn, who also contributes backup vocals.
“I like having these excellent musicians I can call up,” he said. “It keeps things fresh and exciting.”
Shandel started out playing drums, and just after high school, he played a lot of rock music. He played in a lot of what he calls “bad punk bands,” and then he started listening to John Hiatt and Old Crow Medicine Show in the mid-2000s, marking a shift to more roots/folk-influenced music.
“That kind of got me into roots/Americana music, and I just identified with that,” he said. “I started working with my guitar playing and singing and really tried to hone in my vocals as much as possible. Now, I consider myself a pretty decent vocalist and songwriter through a lot of hard work. It’s coming together, and it’s constantly evolving. I think my songs have personal meaning and also appeal to a wider audience.”
These days, Shandel is spending a lot of time in Nashville. He has a publishing deal there and goes down a couple of times a year.
“It’s really cool,” he said. “I do co-writes with all kinds of songwriters and artists and write for other artists and for my upcoming album. It’s been very inspirational getting to write with super talented people. The whole experience has improved my songwriting quite deeply. And it’s a real hub of country and Americana music. I’m hoping to record my next album down there.”
Shandel just moved to Chemainus, and he’s currently building a home studio.
“It’s time to leave the city and focus on writing songs and getting back in touch with creativity,” he said. “As soon as I’m done refinishing my hardwood floors and putting new windows in my house, I’ll write more.”
Shandel lived in Vancouver before making the recent move to the Cowichan Valley.
“I just found Vancouver to be a bit hectic, and I was, I guess, missing some of the subtleties and nuances for all the noise,” he said. “I lived in Ladysmith the last four months, and I found it’s quiet and the pace is slow, and I can just focus better. I think I’m more of a country, small-town person, at least for now. And I’ve been doing tons of writing there, so Ladysmith’s been really good to me.”
Shandel says he’s met a lot of really nice people in Ladysmith, and he’s excited for the chance to meet people more formally during Concerts in the Park.
Shandel performs with Headwater Sunday, July 20 from 6-8 p.m. at the Transfer Beach Amphitheatre. Admission is by donation, with proceeds going toward the Ladysmith Resources Centre Association’s community programs.
