Five Questions with Shannon Butcher
Toronto-based musician on how jazz music is about living
in the moment
Shannon Butcher has been one of Toronto’s most prominent jazz vocalists since her time in the early 2000s as a part of the trio Swing Rosie, and has cemented her status with four albums since striking out on her own. Butcher, no stranger to standards and a true lover of jazz, as demonstrated in her 2013 album Butcher Sings Baker, brings her jazz sensibilities to the pop and rock songs written in the decades following the Jazz era. Through the safe distance of the internet, The Quarantine Review was able to ask Butcher a few questions about self-isolation
and jazz.
How has social distancing affected your singing and songwriting?
The biggest adjustment to my creative process is having my children with me 24/7. I have three daughters aged 8, 6 and 3. Having this time together is definitely a silver lining to this experience as their imagination and joy show me how all you really need in life is to be surrounded by people you love in a safe space and you can make up worlds to explore. I have also been inspired by how they have adapted to social distancing. I wish I could adapt my music practice schedule as easily! I’m having to carve out time to sing, play guitar and work on new songs whereas before the isolation I would most often rehearse and practice when I was alone. That said, I am having fun writing songs with my girls about their stuffed animals and memorizing lyrics to the latest Disney hits — perhaps it will lead to a new career twist for me!
I feel the best way to cope with this isolation is to be present and not focus on the future or past.
How do you think jazz can help listeners transcend feelings of isolation?
Jazz music has always been about living in the moment whether it is through an improvised solo or the interpretation of a phrase in a famous standard. Right now I feel the best way to cope with this isolation is to be present and not focus on the future or past. Don’t place the expectations of others on your shoulders, create your own moments with your unique voice. These are lessons I have taken from jazz over the years which have helped me feel more grounded when I’m faced with challenges. And, of course, listening to your favourite music can always lift your spirits!
Are you using social media to perform for and stay connected to your audience?
I’m so grateful that we have all of these social media platforms to keep in touch with friends and family during this time. I’ve recently spent more time creating content for my Instagram and Facebook accounts. The first couple of weeks of social distancing while I was processing our new reality, I wasn’t in the headspace to perform for my iPhone. Fortunately the switch has flipped and I’m back in the creative zone.
Last week, a project I’ve been part of for several months put together a virtual performance which was great fun and I’m working toward regular live performances on my Instagram account “shannonbutchersings” where I can connect with fellow musicians and listeners.
What is the one thing you have bought during the lockdown that you wouldn’t have purchased otherwise?
Every Christmas holiday I buy a 1000 piece puzzle to put together during our break from the usual routine. When I found out that we would be isolated at home for an extended period of time I bought six puzzles that first weekend. Little did I know how many other people would also want to use puzzles to create a feeling of order in a world of chaos. The next time I went to order puzzles online, I discovered they were sold out everywhere. Now, I’m checking websites every other day to see when puzzles come in stock and ordering the first one I see because our family burns through a puzzle in about a day. It may be time for us to move to 1,500 pieces.
Where is the first place you’ll visit when the quarantine is lifted?
If I could create the perfect first place to visit after quarantine is lifted it would be a sushi restaurant with a live jazz band made up of all of my friends and a microphone waiting for me to join them after I finish hugging my parents, sister, grandmothers and best friends who have come out with me. If I can’t get all of that coordinated, my first stop will definitely be my parents’ home.
Shannon Butcher’s interpretations of modern hits and original songs have brought her international attention. iTunes named her one of the best new jazz vocal artists following her debut recording, Butcher has toured across Canada and overseas and become a favourite on jazz radio.