The Story

As the title suggests, A Short Story About A War is a concept album that tells a story: The story of a fictional world consumed by war, with various factions and philosophies clashing, and in the middle of it all, one character who doesn’t believe in the power of bullets. This character is convinced that everyone has simply bought into this illusion that drives them to live in fear and conflict. Is he dangerously delusional himself? Simply naive? Or perhaps right? In any case, the album takes us into these characters and their world, which in turn provides an interesting window into our own. The poetic storytelling weaves its way through themes of migration, the environment, economics, politics, and most critically, the deepest parts of our spirit.

The Music

This fictional world and all of its rich metaphors come alive musically in exciting and impactful ways, and there is room for empathy within the density and chaos of these real and imagined war zones. The lyrics are layered, the delivery is wildly varied, and the production is detailed and experimental. There are shifting moods, tempos, pitches, and time signatures. There is silence. And there are raps and singing that range from angry and impassioned to calm and even joyful.

This music was created in collaboration with dozens of musicians and engineers: from genre-less luminaries like Kaytranada, 2oolman of A Tribe Called Red, and Lido Pimienta, to crafty indie rockers Yukon Blonde, and Toronto rap vets Ian Kamau, Eternia, and DJ T Lo. Their contributions bring multiple textures and colours to the singular vision of a unique and compelling artist.

Shad A Short Story About A War

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