Penny Shades Releasing ‘EP 2’ on June 7th!

Penny Shades, hailing from Nelson, BC, is a vibrant neo/alt-soul quartet ensemble renowned for their original music. Characterized by mesmerizing 3-part harmonies, electrifying lead vocals, and contemporary grooves infused with a touch of psychedelic allure.

Sometimes, it’s the most devastating moments that force you to consider who you are, where you stand, and where you need to go to stay true. For Penny Shades frontwoman Sarah Orton, the pivotal moment was the freak accident Nelson Flood that drowned the basement music studio that she, her partner, and four other bands shared under five hundred gallons of water.

Drummer and vocalist Ness Benamran comments:

“‘Hardlines’ was written when the band was going through changes, which probably opened us to trying out new ideas, so we started experimenting with new sounds and approaches in our jam sessions. It still sounded like Penny Shades, but it was something different; I’m glad we rolled with it.”

The band launched with their debut FACTOR-funded EP during the pandemic and have already found themselves sharing major stages, including Nelson’s International Mural Festival and the Kaslo Jazz Etc. Festival. Their latest single, “Way Back,” marked their CBC radio debut with plays across multiple programs and was featured by Exclaim! on both their Best New Canadian Music Spotify playlist and Show & Tell column.

Led by vocalist Sarah Orton, alongside guitarist Jesse Lee, keys/synth Jeremy Sauer, and drummer Ness Benamran, the group is gearing up for a Creative BC-supported second EP release in June 2024.

Upcoming Shows:

June 12 – The Royal – Nelson BC
June 13 – B&T’s Hard Knock Cafe – Rossland BC
July 7 – Starbelly Jam Music Festival – Crawford Bay BC
August 2-4 Kaslo Jazz Etc. Festival – Kaslo BC

Penny Shades ‘EP 2’ album artwork