MusicOntario Member Spotlight: Pressgang Mutiny's Departure

Posted on
March 5, 2025

Get ready to embark on a bold new musical adventure with Toronto’s shanties, Pressgang Mutiny. If you love the harmonies of Kimber’s Men, The Longest Johns, She Shanties, or Fisherman’s Friends, then Pressgang Mutiny absolutely deserves a spot on your playlist.

For over a decade, this group has been captivating audiences across North America, Europe, and the Caribbean, breathing new life into one of the world’s first musical traditions.

About Pressgang Mutiny

Pressgang Mutiny are Toronto's Shantymen, dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what sea shanties and work songs can be. Their performances take audiences on a journey through traditional a capella arrangements, thoughtful instrumental accompaniment, and inspired use of sampling and production - all guaranteed to get the crowd singing along. Over the past ten years, they've performed at festivals across the US, Canada, UK, and Europe. Pressgang Mutiny are currently producing a documentary film exploring the Caribbean roots of shanties and will release their third album, Departure, in Spring 2025. Whether they’re leading workshops, captivating festival audiences, or diving deep into maritime history, Pressgang Mutiny is dedicated to keeping this rich musical legacy alive.

Departure: Pressgang Mutiny’s Bold New Album

With Departure, Pressgang Mutiny is redefining what sea shanties can be. The album blends a cappella field recordings, 21st-century production, guest musicians, and their signature four-part vocal harmonies, creating a bold reimagining of the tradition. By connecting shanties to other musical forms with shared roots, the group expands the genre’s possibilities while remaining deeply faithful to its history.

Inspired by Ashley MacIsaac’s Hi, How Are You Today?—an album that challenged assumptions about Cape Breton fiddle music while celebrating its essence—Departure pushes sonic boundaries while staying true to the heart of shanties. And just like that album, it’s a joyful, high-energy listening experience.

Pressgang Mutiny believes that shanties belong far beyond specialty sea music festivals. Departure aims to break down barriers and introduce new audiences to the power and vitality of this genre.

To bring this vision to life, they’ve launched a crowdfunding campaign, inviting fans to join them in making Departure a reality. Supporters can help fund the album while gaining exclusive perks and behind-the-scenes content.

Join the crew and support the album here: Crowdfunding Teaser Page

Get a sneak peek of Departure with their exclusive demo EP

Listen to Their Music

Immerse yourself in the energy of sea shanties by listening to Pressgang Mutiny’s music. Check out their music below:

Follow Pressgang Mutiny

Stay up to date with their latest performances, projects, and shanty adventures by following them on social media:

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