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Anchors Aweigh IN THE FIRST OF A NEW SERIES, MIRIAM BALANESCU PEEKS BACKSTAGE AT THE PORTLAND ARMS TO SPEAK TO VIRAL SEA SHANTY SENSATION, THE LONGEST JOHNS ON THE SCENE
hen Bristol-based musicians Andy Yates, Dave Robinson, Robbie Sattin and Jonathan
‘JD’ Darley, first met in 2012 at a friend’s barbecue commemorating the Queen’s Jubilee, little did they know that their shared sea shanty passion would swoop them to the heights of online streaming, sending them across the globe on tour. The Longest Johns’ buoyant, buzzing version of Wellerman – a New Zealand whaling song from the 19th century – has climbed to 48 million listens on Spotify alone. It was partly through the internet that the crew of four won their fame, combining music with livestreaming Sea of Thieves, an online game set in a fantastical pirate world. As the song seeped into TikTok, turning viral during lockdown, their popularity rocketed. “Every year, like clockwork on Reddit, a sea shanty resurgence happens, centred around two acts,” JD says. “A chap called David Coffin, and a group called Kimber’s Men. There’s always been this undercurrent that could explode.” The bedrock of the sea shanty genre is community. As nautical ditties were uploaded online, firing the interest of younger generations, it stoked the flames of the tradition. “The embrace of the existing sea shanty community has made it wonderful along the way,” says JD. “There are so many people that we’ve met who immediately accepted us. It’s a big and thriving community, it’s just quite niche. If you don’t already know it’s there, you’re not going to find it.” They also scout for songs through other groups. “A classic folk tradition: word of mouth,” Dave explains, snowballing their song-list through Spotify and the festival circuit. Touring their latest album Smoke & Oakum since November, the group are enjoying connecting with shanty fans in-person again. “Touring and singing to
CABIN FEVER As lockdown confined us, there was never a more apt time for the shanty resurgence
and touring talent, but the pandemic has been tough. “We have seen many venues close, adapt to new regulations or changes in consumer habits, but nothing has been as much of a challenge as the last two years,” notes custodian Steve Pellegrini. Green Mind Gigs’ crowdfunder and an Arts Council grant came to the venue’s rescue; Hayley and Steve used remaining funds to improve accessibility and safety. “During the lockdown, the sea shanty phenomenon was a highlight during an otherwise dark time, so we are thrilled to welcome The Longest Johns,” says Steve. A mainstay of the group’s shows are maritime costumes. “You can’t do a gig without at least one or two people wearing tricorns these days,” explains Robbie. The band also get creative with merchandise, recently offering 250 pay-as-you-wish signed rubber ducks. Those heading to The Portland Arms on 28 April can expect “theatrics, lots of jokes about Cambridge, a fight with some Oxford people, arguing about whether it’s best to punch from the front or the back and potentially some interesting stage props”. With their masterful arrangements, rich timbre and irresistible tunes, this is one ship you won’t want to miss.
people and having them sing back – that’s our bread and butter,” Dave says. Audiences range from long-devoted shanty disciples in Cornwall, to diverse crowds in the US. The Longest Johns deftly balance traditionalism with modernity; their repertoire stretching back up to 300 years, they update lyrics for inclusivity. “These are shared heritage songs for everybody,” says Robbie. They also write original tunes. Despite all this, the group have not attempted sailing. “The idea somewhat terrifies me, if I’m honest,” says Robbie. “If it was us on a boat on our own, we’d definitely all drown,” Dave adds, while JD claims: “One of the biggest things we’ve learned is more than half the songs are saying: I do not want to be on the sea any more. This is the worst job.” Run by a husband-and-wife team, The Portland Arms is a key venue for local
THE BEDROCK OF THE SEA SHANTY GENRE IS COMMUNITY
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