Read our interview with Shiny Joe Ryan here!
Image: Duncan Wright
Pond multi-instrumentalist Shiny Joe Ryan has unveiled his highly anticipated sophomore album, Shiny's Democracy. After seven years since the release of his debut album, the musicians sophomore record, Shiny's Democracy, arrives with the previously released singles Ketamine, Pub Boat and a visual for A Stitch In Time.
Written and recorded at Tunafish Studios with his band The Sky Dolphins in Western Australia, the album was mastered by fellow WA musical alumni, Kevin Parker, with Ryan taking on mixing duties alongside his Pond bandmates, Jay Watson and James Ireland.
Creating his own unique genre-bending soundscapes that traverse country, pop and rock, Shiny's Democracy cements Ryan's place as one of Australia's most formidable acts.
Speaking of the record, the musician shared with MILKY: "I’ve had the name Shiny’s Democracy for years and years. Probably had it back when I was doing the first record even. Anyway, Jay Watson was saying I couldn’t let it get to ten years between records, otherwise I’d be getting up there into Gun’s n’ Roses time periods. 2020 was looking to be a big year of work for me (pre pandemic) so I figured I’d better make this album or I wont have any time again for years. I had the bones of Ketamine and H2O already leftover from my first record and I had a lot of demos so I chose the songs I felt were the best at the time, developed them and taught them to the band. I booked in the recording time knowing it would force me to cop on and finish writing the songs."
Shiny's Democracy is a welcomed return from the musician, with Ryan taking on mixing duties alongside his Pond bandmates, Jay Watson and James Ireland. Creating his own unique genre-bending soundscapes that traverse country, pop and rock, the album is describes as a record for 'for anyone and everyone and a sign of a musician who wants to try everything once (or twice) with no plans of slowing down.' Written and recorded at Tunafish Studios with his band The Sky Dolphins in Western Australia, the album was mastered by fellow WA musical alumni, Kevin Parker.
To celebrate the release, Shiny Joe Ryan and The Sky Dolphins will take to the stage at Perth's The Bird on Friday 6 August, following a performance at Fremantle’s Hidden Treasures Festival this month.
Shiny's Democracy is out July 23! Watch the visual below and read our interview with the musician here.