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Jen Schaffer and the Shiners — The Rift
Release date : Oct. 07, 2024
Label : Hanem Recordings

The Rift

We are pleased to be releasing our new song, The Rift – a musical contribution towards narrowing, not widening, the current divides.

It is being released on October 7, 2024 – intended to be a response to the dark feelings of fear, anger, and painful groundlessness that arose for so many of us after the atrocities of October 7th, the subsequent war, and exponential rise in global antisemitism.

The opening lyrics to the song came to me after reading an article in Tricycle about such Buddhist notions as karma (action driven by intention which leads to future consequences), and another article in Tablet Magazine that included the observation that Arabs and Jews are “partners in fate”. (Partners in Fate is also the first ever joint Jewish-Arab emergency relief centre).

I am finding that as we approach the one-year anniversary of October 7th, the song’s meaning has shifted for me, as my own understanding of what divides us expands. The essential sentiment, however, remains the same. Intentions matter and we can choose to widen or lessen the rifts between us.

I am grateful to my band mates for lending their talent and allied support to the creation of this recording. A special shout out to my partner Simon Law, who truly applied his deep skills to the recording, arranging, and production of this song. I’m also thrilled that violinist, Emmanuel Szeptycki, has contributed their flare and vibes to the song.

So look for it wherever music is sold and streamed, including artist-friendly platforms like Bandcamp.

And as a compliment to The Rift, I am excited to share the opportunity to bring a protective and positive energy into your home. Local ceramic artist, Ravit David, has created a beautifully hand-crafted lotus flower Hamsa to accompany the release of our song.  With each purchase of this limited-edition piece, you will get a download of the song on Bandcamp.

lyrics

Partners in fate
or partners in hate
The outcome within their control
A life that is base
or noble with grace
Determined by the deeds they unfold.They can scape the goat
And bait the hope
That blame will erase all the shame
But kamma or karma
(So says the dharma)
Will bring them
right back to the sameSo keep the light on
And veer the fright from
Hurtling you over the cliff
Intention matters
soul torn to tatters
When you choose to widen the riftPrecious or moot
Asleep or astute
Effect always starts with a cause
Keeper of gate
The burden is great
But rewards you with the power of pauseWholesome choices
Dignified voices
Guide you through
This fleeting life
They will confound you
Excite and astound you
Reduce suffering the edge of a knifeSo keep the light on
And veer the fright from
Hurtling you over the cliff
Intention matters
Soul torn to tatters
When you choose to widen the rift
When you choose to widen the rift
Don’t choose to widen the rift
Don’t choose to widen the rift

credits

releases October 7, 2024
Words and Music – Jennifer Schaffer (SOCAN)Jennifer Schaffer – Lead Vocals, Acoustic Guitar
Simon Law – Drums, Percussion, Background vocals
John Teshima – Acoustic Guitar
Hideki Kumagai – Bass
Dorothy Hwang – Mandolin, Background Vocals
Emmanuel Szeptycki – ViolinArranged, Recorded and Produced by Simon Law at Studio Wolfrey, Toronto, CanadaAlbum Art and Graphics – Dorothy Hwang

license

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