Last month, Shad shared the announcement that his forthcoming album, Start Anew is out on October 31 (via Secret City Records) – with the first single, “Bars and BBQs.”
Today he has shared two singles from his pcoming album – both of which continue to connect with Start Anew’s central premise of reflection and renewal – one that Shad has wholeheartedly embraced himself, addressing social inequality and the inner strength to succeed. In addition, 2025 marks Shad’s 20 years in music.
“K.I.S.S.” connects to the album’s theme of embracing the basic realities of life: “Keep it simple stupid. This is music. Give your 2 cents. Then keep it moving”. This song features esteemed Toronto lyricist, Jon Kabongo, additional vox by Grace Marr, and production by Dom Dias (Snotty Nose Rez Kids, Cartel Madras, Just John, produced “Body (No Reason)” from Shad’s 2021 project, TAO). While “Islands” is inspired by a concept a friend introduced Shad to called “Islands Of Sanity,” referring to communities that model new, alternative ways of being and caring for one another during times of crisis or collapse. The beat is by Windsor’s own, Datsunn – a prolific, well-known and respected producer/ drummer/ singer, with scratches by Shad’s touring DJ T Lo, and additional production by Dotan Bergman.
