Countrified Soundscapes: Meet Shuyler Jansen

If the picture to our left doesn't seem to say to much about the performer we are writing about below, please forgive us. It was the only image we could find to represent recording artist Shuyler Jansen. Sad to say, it was the only image provided by his record label, Black Hen. Maybe that says something about the artist.

Shuyler Jansen, who hails from Edmonton, doesn't seem to want to reveal much about himself. An obscure website with obscure images and a soundtrack of strange soundscapes that cross the boundaries of musical genres. Imagine if Kraftwerk and the Good Brothers were put in a blender and a new band was created that incorporated both of their musical visions. His official bio states that after "years of collecting primitive synthesizers and effects units Shuyler conceived of a recording that mingled country/folk songs with an ambient/electronic backdrop." That is about the best way to explain it.

Jansen recently released a CD filled with country-tinged, almost traditional songs, spread over top of soundscapes that would make Brian Eno smile. The hybrid concoction that he created is known as "Hobotron" - a definite genre-breaking departure from Jansen's previous work with Alberta favourites, a band known as Old Reliable.

Old Reliable is a legendary roots band based in Edmonton that has been a fixture on the independent music and roots scene for nine years, playing hundreds of shows and releasing 3 internationally acclaimed albums. 'Hobotron' is Jansen's first release as a solo artist.

Jansen will be holding a 'Hobotron' CD Release Show at Loplops Gallery and Lounge on Saturday, November 27th beginning at 9:30 pm.

To be as frustrated as we were with Jansen's uncrackable website, click here.

Loplops Lounge is located at 651 Queen Street East (next to the Duke of Windsor). For more information, visit www.loplops.com