William Archives | Folk Roots Radio

Shawn William Clarke Topaz – Folk Roots Radio at FMO

Jan 03 2019

Shawn William Clarke is a wonderfully quirky and engaging singer-songwriter who really deserves a wider audience. His last two solo albums “William” (2014) and “Topaz” (2017) were very well-received, and both made our long list for favourite albums of the year. A second trip to Europe on tour, another visit to Iceland for some off-venue gigs at the Iceland Airwaves festival, alongside picking up Folk Music Ontario‘s 2018 Songs from the Heart award for best instrumental for “Bellwoods Park” (from the William album) and a very well-received official showcase at the FMO conference, made 2018 a year to remember. It’s always fun to chat to Shawn about his music. We sat down with him at FMO for a great conversation and a couple of live songs, including another new song. Visit Shawn William Clarke online at shawnwilliamclarke.com. Music: Shawn William Clarke “Young In Love (At The End Of The World)” (Live), “Everybody Gets Sad Sometimes” (Live) and “The Tourists” from “Topaz” (2017, Self) CDN.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 316: Shawn William Clarke & More New Releases

Apr 20 2017

Episode 316 of Folk Roots Radio features an interview with Toronto singer-songwriter Shawn William Clarke recorded at the Folk Music Ontario conference. Shawn also plays three songs live for us, including two songs that are yet to be recorded. As always, we take a look at some of the latest new releases. Check out the full playlist below.

Shawn William Clarke - Folk Roots Radio at FMO

Apr 16 2017

Shawn William Clarke released his most recent album “William” in 2015. A lovely recording, it features some great songs with engaging lyrics and quirky titles, with Shawn’s gentle voice and harmonies resting over an understated musical accompaniment, including some fine finger picked guitar, pedal steel, accordion and some very nice use of brass. A sonic delight, it became one of our favourite albums of 2015. Since then, Shawn has been working on an ambient project Will Moor with fellow Toronto singer-songwriter David F Gluck (2016), and is now working on the follow-up to William at the Currie Brothers studio, Currie Music & Antiques, in Gravenhurst. Shawn stopped by the Folk Roots Radio mobile studio at the Folk Music Ontario conference this past October for a fun and engaging conversation, and to play three songs live – including two that have yet to make it on to disc. Music: Shawn William Clarke “I Blame The Loyalist Ghost” (Live), “Untitled” (new song about stage anxiety) (Live) and “Autumn in New Brunswick” (Live).

Shawn William Clarke – The Interview

Jun 19 2015

After spending time as a sideman for artists such as Olenka and the Autumn Lovers and Timber Timbre, Shawn William Clarke stepped into the limelight as a solo artist a few years ago. His sophomore album, “William” released in late 2014 has been praised by many, including Folk Roots Radio, for its playfulness, fine storytelling and understated warmth. Shawn will be in Guelph for a double CD release show with The Young Novelists at Silence on June 26. We reached Shawn at home in Toronto. Buy tickets for the Guelph show HERE. Music: Shawn William Clarke, “Tranzac Club” and “Ballad Of A Boorish Man” from “William” (2014, Self).

Shawn William Clarke – The Interview

Nov 27 2014

Shawn William Clarke may be one of Toronto’s best kept secrets. After spending time as a sideman for Timber Timbre and Olenka & The Autumn Lovers, he is now forging his own solo career. As much a storyteller as a singer-songwriter, Shawn strives to make the subject matter for his songs as important as the beautiful melodies that accompany his well-crafted lyrics. His first solo album, 2010’s “Like Birds Too Tired To Fly” was very well-received. He is just about to release his latest album “William”, produced by James Bunton. We reached him at home in Toronto this week. For more information visit shawnclarkemusic.com. Music: Shawn William Clarke “Ten Years Ago”, “In Conversation” & “I Blame The Loyalist Ghost” from “William” (2014, Self).