Shane Cloutier journeys back to a simpler time in his new single and video Red Wagon — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
The title track from the Orillia singer-songwriter’s sophomore album embodies his emotive voice and unique musical hybrid, which combined introspective folk with the heavy rock influence found in his collaborations with guitarist Frank Marino of Mahogany Rush and drummer Tom Bona.
“The album Red Wagon is very much a prequel and sequel to In Light,” Cloutier shares, referring to his 2018 debut full-length. “When I wrote In Light, it was very much a cathartic response to some traumatic events in my life, facing the death of my wife and mother of my children. It is very much an album of perseverance and strength, as well as surrendering to vulnerability. When I wrote Red Wagon, I was in a much happier place, and I feel I had a much more enlightened perspective. Both albums helped me emotionally, physically, and spiritually move forward. They tethered me to real life, sort of, and didn’t allow me to sink — which was exactly where I felt like I was heading.”
Sinking has never been an option for Cloutier, who was once told he’d never ‘make it.’ “My grade 12 music teacher was a narrow-minded, mediocre teacher who only listened to classical music,” Cloutier recalls. “He told me at the end of grade 12 that I’m a great student, but I’d never make it as a musician for a living. Every day being a full-time, professional musician is me giving him the proverbial finger … Especially being asked to join Mahogany Rush and playing for Frank Marino, who is my guitar idol. It still doesn’t feel real, and might never feel completely real to me. This is important to me to hold onto because, in life, we are continuously met by individuals who doubt us. I believe everybody has an outlet that they have found — or need to find — and this is mine.”
Watch the video for Red Wagon above, listen to the albums Red Wagon and In Light below, and keep up with Shane Cloutier on his website, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
