Music

We Are

Written coming out of the COVID pandemic, it seems appropriate to release our song, We Are, in the depths of this latest darkness. That is, during another war, in a post-truth world and with a startling rise in ignorant, nihilistic hatred. So both the effort the song contemplates (we are trying to see the light) and the question posed (are we?) remain soundly in place. May the effort to overcome darkness win out over any equivocating.

a jeweller’s legacy

Unavoidable You

Unavoidable You was written in July of 2021, by the Muskoka River in Ontario, Canada. Originally titled The Current, the song emerged from that revealing experience of trying to swim upstream, where every forward stroke keeps you right where you started.

Only Love

Our Shiner Covid Valentine's Day love song was released on FEBRUARY 14TH, 2021. For a world and people in deep need of healing... only love will do!

This Good War

This Good War is our Shiner climate emergency crisis tune, inspired by longtime friend and Shiner fan, Seth Klein, and his book, A Good War.  The premise of the book and song is that we should mobilize with the speed and effectiveness we did during the Second World War to face our latest existential crisis - this time environmental.

The Rescue

What started out as a songwriting challenge at the outset of the Covid-19 pandemic has become this collaborative piece of art which Simon and I would like to share on this Erev Hope. 

Waltz of the Oblivious Wolves

Waltz of the Oblivious Wolves, is a wolf in sheep’s clothing… that is, a biting protest song delivered with the merino softness of a sweet country waltz.

Dedicated To Love

Recording this song during the pandemic has truly been a labour of love and a show of dedication by the Shiners to the love of our music and musical friendship.

The Other End (of the Flattened Curve)

This song was written and recorded while sheltering at home during the COVID-19 pandemic in Riverdale, Toronto with cameos from honorary Shiners, Dot Hwang and Emmanuel Szeptycki. We also created an accompanying homespun lyric video.

Games We Play

Heart of the Beast

Sunday Morning, New York City

This past Fall the Shiners recorded Sunday Morning, New York City, an original song written by Jen Schaffer and Simon Law – a love song to the city they adore. It was inspired by a Sunday morning walk through Chelsea, when the city’s manic vibrations seemed to slow to a peaceful hum.

Fate Line

The first full-length album of original and soulful roots music from Jen Schaffer and the Shiners to be released in the Fall of 2014!

Angel Ridge (EP)

Four tracks available for download here

Angel Ridge was the road I lived on just outside of Athens, Ohio during a time when many of life’s harsh and beautiful realities were laid bear to me.

When living in rural Appalachia, I was a state public defender and worked on a battered woman homicide case. This experience resulted years later in the song, “For Teresa,” and my first recording, a 4-song EP released in 2009, “Angel Ridge.”