These songs HAD to be created. Over the years, I’ve come to understand that art isn’t about money, or success, both of which would, of course, be nice in how they might allow more of one’s time to be given over to that art. Art is about the driving need to create something, to tell a story, regardless of who in this world ultimately gets to bear witness to it. This album is a part of my story, my self-help, my legacy. It’s a piece of the journey that speaks of who I am, and an example of the genetic drive to leave something behind, to be remembered. This is often accomplished through having children, but for the artist … we bring other types of life into existence.

These songs formed in the deep recesses of my mind, most starting with a small tune, hummed or “La la la’d” out loud into a recorder, sprinkled in short order with a few words, an idea, that would later find structure. These are songs that touch on my love of fantasy, my search to understand and explore human nature, my strong moral convictions, my closet romantic (that’s perhaps not so closeted), my desire for simpler times, my love of a good party, and the struggles and doubts that, while drawn from my own experiences for these songs, I think we all universally face and identify with.

Thank you to the musicians on this album. Thank you to Murray Foster, friend and wonderful song-smith for the many hours of work and whiskeys. Thank you to Cory Tetford for swooping in like a mixing angel and John McGlaggan for his wonderful Mastering. Thank you to my long time OMFG band mates (Matti, Scot and Bexy) who understood I was tackling this album differently and more personally than ever before. Thank you to our families and friends. Thank you to our OG fans who come out to see us, buy OMFG music and merch, and help keep us engaged. I hope these songs speak to you in whatever ways they do. I hope they make you laugh, cry, love, or just…IMAGINE!

To you songwriters, never stop writing; never stop dreaming; believe that it’s worth the effort even if it’s just for yourself, or your family, or a handful of people. Love it like that first. People may be inspired to love your passion, and perhaps your music. To you non-songwriters, remember art should be cherished when it speaks to you, so support artists fairly or more than fairly, that they can keep on creating in a timely way. Artists will likely keep creating regardless, but when they can also feed themselves on it, it will unlock their potential, and the world will reap the benefits.

Pass the pint over, it’s time for it, hey!

Cheers!
Stephen

Far From Shore (2018) is the sophomore release by Old Man Flanagan's Ghost. With 11 original songs, and 1 original fiddle arrangement, it contains stories of drinking, roving, sailing, longing, fear, fun, imagination, nature, courage, cruelty, sadness, and of course, love. They are stories of Toronto and beyond, factual and fictional, yet universal in their ability to speak to us all.