Where Do We Go?
Stephen Schijns (pronounced Skines or Skynz) seems like he’s come out of nowhere with this startling collection of new songs. This extraordinary debut album is the result of a long-simmering musical stew – Stephen, in his early 60s, has been absorbing pop, rock and folk music for decades while cooking up a batch of influence-laden yet wholly original erstwhile hit singles.
This is no concept album; each track stands on its own and the music leaps all over the record store aisles from ragtimey piano romps to chunky guitar riffs to contemplative thought pieces. Throw in some Sixties dancefloor pounders, a surf song, classic power pop, and quirky folk-rock tunes and you’ve got a true box of chocolates. I can’t think of any direct analogies to another artist, but snippets of pop history are scattered throughout. Perhaps a Venn diagram of Tom Petty, Gordon Lightfoot, and The Hoodoo Gurus would help….
The songs are carefully structured, with singalong choruses, middle eights, melodic solos, guitar codas, and easily-understood vocals. Working with skilled studio musicians and producers, Stephen has imbued the guitar-driven proceedings with stellar musical backing to create the dynamic tension and resolution of classic pop-rock singles. While many of the tunes are furiously upbeat and cheery, some quieter interventions balance the sonic palette. Stephen’s comfortable singing is calm, warm, or urgent as needed.
The lyrics are interesting and thoughtful throughout, even on the lighthearted 60s-style tunes. Stephen has a slightly detached observational perspective that more often than not aims for an approachable universal reaction, rather than that of a deeply personal “singer-songwriter”. He sings about “a man” rather than “I”. Even in quirky songs like “The Yukon Doesn’t Care”, some solid philosophical and technical points get made. The lyrical cleverness of “What Do I Know About Love” and seriousness of “What? Why?” are played against buoyant musical ideas that almost make you forget what you’re humming along to. And the gorgeous “Elegy” brings proceedings to a close with a near-epic treatment of a man looking back on the errors and could-have-beens of his long life.
Analogous, perhaps: Sam Roberts, Guided by Voices, Yardbirds, Tom Petty, Gordon Lightfoot, Hoodoo Gurus, Byrds, REM, Paul Kelly
Categories: folk-rock, 60s pop, garage rock, power pop, guitar rock, indie rock (plus one surf rock song!)
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Song by Song
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What? Why?
The first collaboration between Stephen and Andrew Smith, this bit of upbeat existential angst isn’t afraid to ask the big question….”What is life?”
Released March 27, 2020. Produced by Andrew Smith.
Recorded at Lake Studios, Kelowna, BC.
Music & Lyrics: Stephen Schijns
Lead Vocals: Stephen Schijns
Backing Vocals: Andrew Smith
Guitar: Andrew Smith
Bass: Andrew Smith
Drums: Patrick Gough
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MAP
Stirring and endlessly catchy power pop single could have been a hit in 1973! Is it a desperate search for a partner, or is it an outtake from a Project Management 101 course? Define your goal, organize a plan, execute it, keep your focus, adapt to changing conditions, and close it out when you reach the end! Hmmmm.
Released April 29, 2021. Produced by Andrew Smith.
Recorded at Lake Studios, Kelowna, BC.
Music & Lyrics: Stephen Schijns
Lead Vocals: Stephen Schijns
Backing Vocals: Andrew Smith
Guitar: Andrew Smith
Bass: Andrew Smith
Drums: Zachari Smith
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1,000 Miles From Nowhere
Something went wrong and you hit the road, ending up in a log cabin on the shady side of the mountain…..1,000 miles from nowhere and 2,000 miles from home. A fireside tale that grooves along, Lightfoot style.
Released September 1, 2021. Produced by Andrew Smith.
Recorded at Lake Studios, Kelowna, BC.
Music & Lyrics: Stephen Schijns
Lead Vocals: Stephen Schijns
Backing Vocals: Andrew Smith
Guitar: Andrew Smith & Stephen Schijns
Bass: Andrew Smith
Percussion: Andrew Smith
Whistling: Stephen Schijns
Banjo & Mandolin: Andrew Smith
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Take Your Life And Run
This song rattled around in my head for 36 years before finally recording it! A little bit of “go for it” inspiration in a punchy rock package.
Released March 9, 2022. Produced by Andrew Smith.
Recorded at Lake Studios, Kelowna, BC.
Music & Lyrics: Stephen Schijns
Lead Vocals: Stephen Schijns
Backing Vocals: Carol McCartney
Guitar: Andrew Smith
Bass: Andrew Smith
Drums: Zachari Smith
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Friday Saturday Sunday O’clock
A catchy original ode to the weekend (“52 times a year just waiting to happen”) cloaked in an affectionate homage to 60s garage pop.
Released July 1, 2020. Produced by Andrew Smith.
Recorded at Lake Studios, Kelowna, BC.
Music & Lyrics: Stephen Schijns
Lead Vocals: Stephen Schijns
Backing Vocals: Susan Harvey-Schijns, Rebecca Schijns
Guitar: Andrew Smith, Stephen Schijns
Bass: Andrew Smith
Drums: Patrick Gough
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Round We Go
Capturing the spirit of a wild dancefloor circa 1963! Complete with an awesome sax solo and a surfy guitar break, you’ll be singing along in no time. Hard to believe this is a 2021 original!
Released April 2, 2021. Produced by Andrew Smith.
Recorded at Lake Studios, Kelowna, BC.
Music & Lyrics: Stephen Schijns
Lead Vocals: Stephen Schijns
Backing Vocals: Susan Harvey-Schijns, Rebecca Schijns
Guitar: Andrew Smith, Stephen Schijns
Bass: Andrew Smith
Drums: Zachari Smith
Saxes: Craig Thomson
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What Do I Know About Love?
A ragtime-style jaunty, upbeat, catchy short ditty about the eternal mysteries of the heart.
Released September 14, 2020.
Recorded at Lake Studios, Kelowna, BC.
Music & Lyrics: Stephen Schijns
Lead Vocals: Stephen Schijns
Backing Vocals: Andrew Smith
Guitar: Andrew Smith
Bass: Andrew Smith
Drums: Zachari Smith
Piano: Andrew Smith
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Hard Edged World
“Hard Edged World” is a lament of sorts, commenting on the way that the crushing forces of commerce and conformity and fear have nearly obliterated the human qualities of wonder, belief, and acceptance of the unknown. The song uses the examples of Easter, Hallowe’en, and Christmas to make its point. The song suggests easing back on consumerism and rediscovering a more open and natural view of the world – softer and less harsh.
Released October 20, 2020.
Recorded at Lake Studios, Kelowna, BC.
Music & Lyrics: Stephen Schijns
Lead Vocals: Stephen Schijns
Backing Vocals: Andrew Smith
Guitar: Andrew Smith
Bass: Andrew Smith
Drums: Zachari Smith
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The Yukon Doesn’t Care
Written on a rafting expedition down the Alsek River in 2014, this catchy alt-folk-rock song explores the dichotomy of the North, whereby a visitor or resident can have a great personal experience and be in awe of the magnificent natural surroundings, while the land itself is timeless and everlasting. Our presence is but a tiny blip in the Yukon’s environment and geologic time span. The Yukon will be there long after we pass through, so it is indifferent to our presence. Meanwhile the verses celebrate the experience of a rafting trip down one of the mighty rivers of the north. The middle eight offers a relaxed contemplative view of the rafting life.
Released June 5, 2020. Produced by Andrew Smith
Recorded at Lake Studios, Kelowna, BC.
Music & Lyrics: Stephen Schijns
Lead Vocals: Stephen Schijns
Backing Vocals: Andrew Smith
Guitar: Andrew Smith
Bass: Andrew Smith
Percussion: Patrick Gough
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Trans-Pacific Beach Bum
Catchy and fun original featuring classic 60s Dick Dale style surf guitar married with lyrics daydreaming about Hawaii, California, and Australia. “If it all collapses, it’s San Andreas’ fault and not mine”!
Released January 27, 2022. Produced by Andrew Smith
Recorded at Lake Studios, Kelowna, BC.
Music & Lyrics: Stephen Schijns
Lead Vocals: Stephen Schijns
Backing Vocals: Carol McCartney, Jesse Collins Jr.
Guitar: Brian McLennan, Andrew Smith
Bass: Andrew Smith
Percussion: Zachari Smith
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Fooling Yourself
“Fooling Yourself” is an upbeat, driving rock song with dynamic guitar and piano interplay and a cool coda; lyrically it’s about a person who can’t see in themselves what is obvious to everyone else.
Released December 6, 2020. Produced by Andrew Smith
Recorded at Lake Studios, Kelowna, BC.
Music & Lyrics: Stephen Schijns
Lead Vocals: Stephen Schijns
Backing Vocals: Andrew Smith
Guitar: Andrew Smith
Bass: Andrew Smith
Percussion: Zachari Smith
Keyboard: Andrew Smith
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I know A Man
“I Know A Man” is a driving, rhythmic, tuneful outing riding on a fluid bass line and propulsive drumming. The dynamic production drops in female backing vocals, organ washes, fuzz guitar, and a melodic solo to form an instant sixties-inspired classic. The verses observe the actions of archetypical men with empathy, not judgement. There are several non-recorded verses available.
Released May 9, 2017. Produced by Glenn Domina
Recorded at Domina Studios, Toronto, ON.
Music & Lyrics: Stephen Schijns
Lead Vocals: Stephen Schijns
Backing Vocals: Bonnie Sears
Guitar: Glenn Domina, Stephen Schijns, John Delo
Bass: Glenn Domina
Percussion: Patrick Gough
Keyboard: Dave O’Brien
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Say Goodbye To the Sad Man
Things didn’t work out and you’re moving on….ever have that experience? Say goodbye, and don’t look back. Stirring guitar work highlights this moody, evocative ballad.
Released August 30, 2020. Produced by Andrew Smith
Recorded at Lake Studios, Kelowna, BC.
Music & Lyrics: Stephen Schijns
Lead Vocals: Stephen Schijns
Guitar: Andrew Smith, Stephen Schijns
Bass: Andrew Smith
Percussion: Zachari Smith
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Fully Committed
Short, sharp, and punky, this is the rockiest tune in Steve’s repertoire. When you take on a job, you’d better be “fully committed”!
Released April 16, 2020. Produced by Andrew Smith
Recorded at Lake Studios, Kelowna, BC.
Music & Lyrics: Stephen Schijns
Lead Vocals: Stephen Schijns
Backing Vocals: Andrew Smith
Guitar: Andrew Smith
Bass: Andrew Smith
Percussion: Patrick Gough
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I’m Coming Over Tonight
We chose a simple party rock tune for my first trip into a recording studio, and it turned out great! “We’re gonna have a party, all right right right” is still a catch phrase in our house!
Released February 21, 2016. Produced by Glenn Domina.
Recorded at Domina Studios, Toronto, ON.
Music & Lyrics: Stephen Schijns
Lead Vocals: Stephen Schijns
Backing Vocals: John Delo Bonnie Sears
Guitar: Glenn Domina, Stephen Schijns
Bass: Glenn Domina
Percussion: Patrick Gough
Keyboard: John Delo
Tambourine: Glenn Domina
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I Met Her Yesterday
The classic folk-rock jangle and catchy simplicity of the tune sets it firmly in 1965-66, when it would have been a hit if recorded by somebody like The Hollies, Gary Lewis and The Playboys or Herman’s Hermits.
Released December 5, 2021. Produced by Andrew Smith
Recorded at Lake Studios, Kelowna, BC.
Music & Lyrics: Stephen Schijns
Lead Vocals: Stephen Schijns
Backing Vocals: Stephen Schijns, Andrew Smith
Guitar: Andrew Smith, Stephen Schijns
Bass: Andrew Smith
Keyboard: Zachari Smith
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You, Me, Love
Written for my wife on her birthday, the song is universal in the way it celebrates the joys and accomplishments of many years together, founded on a foundation of love and respect, and how an unconditional love is freeing, rather than constraining or limiting. Musically, the arrangement hearkens back (in a good way) to the orchestrated pop of the late 60s.
Released August, 2022. Produced by Andrew Smith.
Recorded at Lake Studios, Kelowna, BC.
Music & Lyrics: Stephen Schijns
Lead Vocals: Stephen Schijns
Backing Vocals: Carol McCartney
Guitar: Andrew Smith
Bass: Andrew Smith
Percussion: Andrew Smith
Synthesizer and String Arrangement: Chris Taylor
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Elegy
This six-part rock “epic” takes a clear-eyed and unsentimental look back at a man’s life, his regrets, his missed opportunities, and the toll that time has taken on his enthusiasm. With tempo changes from contemplative acoustic to driving rock moods, brilliant guitar work, controlled vocals, and a descending note motif running through the song, Elegy rewards repeat listening. A tasteful guitar solo at the end of the song provides space for the listener to contemplate the message of Elegy. It is contemporary yet timeless.
Released July 31, 2020. Produced by Andrew Smith.
Recorded at Lake Studios, Kelowna, BC.
Music & Lyrics: Stephen Schijns
Lead Vocals: Stephen Schijns
Backing Vocals: Andrew Smith
Guitar: Andrew Smith
Bass: Andrew Smith
Percussion: Zachari Smith
Non-Album Singles
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Mother’s Day
Everybody’s got one! This is a rockin’ reminder of what your mother went through to raise you, and for you to pay appropriate tribute to her not just on Mother’s Day, but every other day too. A non-album track.
Released May 1, 2023. Produced by Andrew Smith.
Recorded at Lake Studios, Kelowna, BC.
Music & Lyrics: Stephen Schijns
Lead Vocals: Stephen Schijns
Backing Vocals: Andrew Smith
Guitar: Andrew Smith
Bass: Andrew Smith
Percussion: Zachari Smith
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Oh Nahanni
An acoustic pleasure – an ode to a woman, an infant, or a wild northern river? Written while rafting down the South Nahanni River in Canada’s Northwest Territories in 2023, the song takes you on a wonderful journey – through life, or just downstream.
Released March 8, 2024. Produced by Andrew Smith.
Recorded at Lake Studios, Kelowna, BC.
Music & Lyrics: Stephen Schijns
Lead Vocals: Stephen Schijns
Guitars, Mandolin, Banjo, Percussion: Andrew Smith
Fiddle: Chloe Davidson
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Down At The Fife & Drum
Something different! A rousing toe-tapping Irish pub singalong, full of friends, music, beer, and good times!
Released March 8, 2024. Produced by Andrew Smith.
Recorded at Lake Studios, Kelowna, BC.
Music & Lyrics: Stephen Schijns
Lead Vocals: Stephen Schijns
Guitars, percussion: Andrew Smith
Fiddle: Chloe Davidson
Drums: Zachari Smith
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I Don’t Want To See You
This guitar-driven original rocker touches on break-ups, anger, reconciliation, and confusion – all the usual stuff!
Released June 5, 2024. Produced by Andrew Smith.
Recorded at Lake Studios, Kelowna, BC.
Music & Lyrics: Stephen Schijns
Lead Vocals: Stephen Schijns
Guitars: Andrew Smith
Drums: Zachari Smith
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Women & Girls
An uptempo rockabillyish tune with a full horn section drives this cheery tribute to the female sex.
Released August 2, 2024. Produced by Andrew Smith.
Recorded at Lake Studios, Kelowna, BC.
Music & Lyrics: Stephen Schijns
Lead Vocals: Stephen Schijns
Guitars: Andrew Smith
Saxophones: Craig Thomson Drums: Zachari Smith
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It’s All About Love
In the spirit of “All You Need Is Love” and other 60s classics, this is a new original orchestrated pop song that reminds us – again – that It’s All About Love..
Released September 22, 2024. Produced by Andrew Smith.
Recorded at Lake Studios, Kelowna, BC.
Music & Lyrics: Stephen Schijns
Lead Vocals: Stephen Schijns
Guitars: Andrew Smith
Featured Vocals: Carol McCartney, Andrew Smith
Additional Vocals:Ariel Smith
Orchestration / Synths: Chris Taylor
Drums: Zachari Smith
I’ve got lots of great videos on YouTube but this is my current favourite! Enjoy!
