‘Shoulders’ takes an expansive look at where we stand at this point in history and how we can use our collective energy to make the world a more peaceful and sustainable planet. Koyczan urges us to reflect on how we’re treating Mother Earth, and how we can evolve to make smarter choices.
The video for ‘Shoulders’ was uploaded on YouTube early Thursday and at the time of publication has attracted more than 4,200 views.
The poem has been making the rounds across Canada long before it debuted on YouTube. Koyczan performed the poem during the Blue Dot Tour, a Canadian stage event led by well-known activist and TV host David Suzuki. He enlisted several performers and personalities to accompany him on the Blue Dot Tour to raise awareness “that all Canadians should have the right to drink clean water, breathe fresh air and eat healthy food.”
During his October 3 stop in Toronto, Koyczan shared the stage with Canadian luminaries such as the Barenaked Ladies, Chantal Kreviazuk, Raine Maida, Danny Michel and Stephen Lewis.
The release of ‘Shoulders’ follows another video-poem Koyczan brought to our attention in September. Troll, taken from recent album Silence is a Song I Know All the Words To, looked at how cyber-bullying has tormented many young lives today.
‘Shoulders’ was directed by Johnny Jansen and Amazing Factory Productions, and included music by Koyczan’s long-time band The Short Story Long.
Shane’s next major project is the opera adaptation of his novel Stickboy, debuting at Vancouver’s Playhouse Theatre October 23.
