Name: Shawn Hall aka The Harpoonist
Nationality: Canadian
Occupation: Vocalist, songwriter, harmonica player
Recent release: The Harpoonist's new single "Show Me The Green" is out via Tonic. His debut solo full-length Did We Come Here to Dance will follow October 4th 2024.

Tool of Creation: Harmonica
Type of Tool: Free reed wind instrument
Country of origin: Europe
Became available: Early 19th century.

If you enjoyed this interview with The Harpoonist about the Harmonica and would like to explore his music in more depth, visit the official website of his band The Harpoonist & The Axe Murderer.



What was your first encounter with the harmonica? What was it about it that drew you in?

My grandma gave me a harmonica for Christmas when I was 13 or 14. At that time I played the cello in an orchestra and was fascinated by this simple pocket instrument that was played by the likes of Dylan & Sonny Terry.



I was drawn to its magnetic existence in all of my parents' records from Zeppelin to Marley, to folk music. The folk element of the harp seemed to transverse all these music stylings.

Just like any other instrument, the harmonica has a rich history. What are some of the key points from this history for you personally?

I love the crossover of folk blues into the Canadian landscape of the 70s, the endless touring of Sonny Terry and Brownie Magee got me really turned on to the dang thing.

Like I said I’m not a traditionalist, so this question is best for those cats.

What, to you, are some of the most interesting harmonica recordings and -performances by other artists in terms of your personal development?

Without a doubt, Sonny Terry and Brownie Magee self titled, Buddy Guy and Junior Wells - "Snatch it back amd hold it", I love a good chunk of Stevie Wonder Innervisions and Fullfullingness first finale.



Those are some for sure.

What are some of its stand-out features of the harmonica from your point of view? How would you describe its sonic potential?

Its tonality and hi reeds allow it to stand out on top of most arrangements and bands and soar into the heavens high above.

Instrument design is an ongoing process. Are you interested in recent developments for the harmonica in this respect?

Yes it is and I constantly admire a lovely man from Kingston Ontario named Andrew Zajac who’s been customizing harps for me for over 10 years.

This cat is amazing and always builds me better more robust harps that can withstand the level of abuse I place on them daily.

In the light of picking your instrument, how would you describe your views on topics like originality and innovation vs perfection and timelessness in music? Are you interested in a “music of the future” or “continuing a tradition”?

Music of the future or sounds of the future rooted in some form of familiar discourse or simply singing something that's relatable is more my game of interest than simply continuing tradition.

I spent a great chunk of my younger years covering the old blues world standards to the best of abilities and quickly realized that I would have greater impact in moving the sounds forward while honouring past traditions by sticking to my harmonica and pushing it through technologies pushing boundaries.

Tell me about the process of learning to play the instrument and your own explorations with it.

I mainly learned by ear off of records and old blues bars and speakeasy in Toronto in the 90s. Those were my formative years for sure.


The Harpoonist Interview Image (c) the artist

What are specific challenges in terms of playing the harmonica?

Seeing as it sits in one's mouth, it’s hard to explain to other folks whats going on in there … lol.

Also keeping up my Embouchure is always on the back of my mind.

What interests you about the harmonica in terms of it contributing to your creative ideals? How do you see the relationship between your instrument and the music you make?

I do not ever write music with my harmonica. I write with piano, or drums and synth and work on strong melodies which I then transfer to the harmonica from other voicings.

Some see instruments merely as tools towards creativity, others feel they go hand in hand. What's your take on that?

Yeah, they’re both. Ya know ...

Taking a shot at picking up an instrument you're not familiar with can spark creativity in any which direction, both rhythm wise and melodic. Pulses can leads to lyric hooks etc ...

How would you describe your personal style of playing the harmonica?

Like a Jamaican rhythm section wandering, dancing and jumping through a jungle of lasers.

What does playing your instrument feel like, what do you enjoy about it, what are your own physical limits and strengths?

Currently I’m in a renaissance period with it and exploring new realms using really cool gear and synths.

Could you describe working with the harmonica on the basis of one of your pieces, live performances or albums that's particularly dear to you, please?

Lee Dorsey is my favourite right now, as I get to explore the life of analog worm or Moog type sound with my mouth and a synth pedal. This allows me to have expression that I could never deliver without these cool technologies.

The Song is called “Dorsey Star” about the life and love of a famous singer from New Orleans.



How, would you say, does the harmonica interact with other instruments from ensembles/groups you're part of?

It stands out as either a rhythmic aid, or lead synth, or classic Chicago blues type of voice closer to a saxophone.

I'm able to intuitively adapt to a lot of situations and styles of music and that's right where I feel most comfortable.

Are there other harmonica players whose work with their instrument you find inspiring? What do you appreciate about their take on it?

Currently I’m not really inspired by harp players at this particular moment, more so singers and melodies from singing harmonies together and blending technologies with this sweetness or vocalizing.