Photo Credits: Danielle Blancher
Shelley Hamilton's dynamic lead vocals are on full display in the single "Carry On" with a release date October 3rd, 2024. This reconversion of the song creates an entirely new space for the historically rooted music genre of country reggae.
The new rendition of "Carry On" is produced by Canadian reggae band Reggaddiction and is featured on their latest album "Reggae Rodeo". It's an exciting collaboration and a ground-breaking part of Canadian music history. "Carry On" blends country music with Jamaican reggae to create a unique genre: Canadian Country Reggae.
Shelley Hamilton can’t be pigeonholed into a specific sound or category; her talent is all-encompassing with a sound and style all of her own.
I caught up with her manager Lynx Dean at his home here in Toronto, Canada.
“Talent like Shelley comes along once in a lifetime. Honestly, she could sing the phone book and the audience would love it.”
Lynx Dean is no stranger to success, being the lead of the popular band, Random Order, who broke into the scene in the 90’s and have a huge following to this day.
“Shelley and I met in the 1990’s, and over the years, our paths kept crossing. We stayed in touch at various stages of both our careers and in 2018 while I was at Phase One doing the cover version of the disco hit “Shame, Shame, Shame”, being self-produced, I knew something was missing in the mix. Shelley was in the next studio, so I asked if she could come in and work the background vocals with me. It was the perfect final touch and the end result was magnificent,” explains Lynx, “there was this special connection that we both felt but I didn’t know then what the future held for us both."
“June 2023, Shelley phoned me asking for advice because she had been offered to perform the Winnipeg Folk Festival with The Black Opry. I told her this is what she was waiting for and if she didn’t get ready to go I would personally go to her home and pack for her,” Lynx said laughingly, “From my experiences in the past, when the door opens - run for it. It turned out to be a career changer with standing ovations.”
Fast forward to October 2023, Lynx unofficially started to be the roadie, friend, mentor and muse. Lynx told Shelley that he would be her manager, guide and protect her from the sharks in this very complicated business we call music.
Dean and Hamilton have handpicked the team, are co-writing, now the release will be on Cat Scratch Records, Dean's label, which Hamilton is also now an active business participant for future endeavours in already vibrant careers.
Dean also shared, "I see this as a way of expanding rather than putting my own career on hold. I am still actively performing, spoiler alert: more news on Shelley Hamilton and Random Order live coming soon!
“I don’t see this new signing and active participation with Shelley Hamilton as an end to what I have established with decades of my own performances rather I see it as a refreshing way of utilizing my knowledge of what I want to do with my future business ventures. What better talent to start that with but this amazing artist.”
"Carry On" was originally written by image-laden storyteller, Stella Panacci when she and Shelley collaborated in 2018. Cut to 2024 when Reggaddiction discovered Shelley's distinctive vocals on the original version. The band was inspired by what they heard and immediately knew a fresh, new, country reggae rendition with Shelley's killer vocals had to happen.
The song captures the bittersweet emotions of leaving behind something hard to let go of, yet finding the courage to "Carry On". The reggae rhythms provide a comforting backdrop, while Hamilton's country voice adds a layer of raw, emotional honesty, making "Carry On" a unique and uplifting anthem for anyone struggling to move on from difficult circumstances.
Shelley has the unique advantage of possessing exquisite vocal talent and a sparkling stage presence. This rendition is a one-of-a-kind, multi-layered performance. Shelley sings from deep within her soul. A direct descendant of Africville, Nova Scotia, Shelley's expert knowledge about the history of the music she performs adds a distinctive layer to this rich interpretation.
"Singing 'Carry On' is very significant to me, not only as a singer but as a passionate black music historian. My hope is for the listener to be motivated to claim and stand in their own power, whatever their particular circumstance, and find the strength to move through it, and then past it. While recording this song, I felt my inner beauty and strength rise to the surface. Now couldn't we all do with a little bit of that? " - Shelley Hamilton
Named “Artist of the Year” by the African Scotian Music Association - 2020
Nominated “for Canadian Folk Music Awards – 2020
Nominated East Coast Music Awards – 2021
Previous single “Think On Me” reached Top 30 on the Canadian Indie Country Charts 2023
In 2023 Shelley joined the renowned Black Opry Revue at the Winnipeg Folk Festival to a standing ovation from a crowd of thousands.
She will be joining the Black Opry Revue again for Black History Month in St Albert, Alberta Friday Feb 7th 2025.
“No one can do what Shelley Hamilton does. She’s a raw, natural talent! Shelley makes you feel as powerful and beautiful with each powerhouse song she brings to life, with each incredible note she delivers.”
- Reshmi Nair, Host “The Rush” CFRB Toronto iHeartRadio Canada
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For more info contact catscratch@randomorder.ca
