Shane Pendergast Explores the Passage of Time and Fading Relationships in “Only Drifting By”

Shane Pendergast has folk music in his blood. Growing up in Prince Edward Island, he has always been surrounded by the sounds of storytelling and musicianship that have defined his lineage. With roots steeped in the rich traditions of the Maritime provinces, Shane draws inspiration from the stunning landscapes and folklore of his home, combined with experiences from his university years in Toronto, where he honed his craft performing at local pubs. Over the years, his songs have taken shape, resonating with themes of community, history, and the ever-present sea that has shaped the lives of countless individuals in the region.

In 2020, Shane returned to PEI, where he sought to foster a sense of community and connection through music. He founded the Jack Pine Folk Club, a monthly gathering inspired by the coffeehouses of the 1960s. This intimate venue showcases a mix of traditional music and poetry, allowing artists to share their stories in a warm and inviting setting. The club quickly became a hub for local talent and a cherished space for audiences to experience the magic of live performance.

Shane's dedication to his craft and his passion for storytelling have not gone unnoticed. His 2021 album, Second Wind, won the Contemporary Roots Album of the Year at the Music PEI Awards, further solidifying his place in the Canadian folk music scene. Following this success, his 2023 live album, The House Before the Bridge, received a nomination for Roots/Traditional Recording of the Year at the East Coast Music Awards, highlighting the depth and resonance of his work.

Nestled beside a river, Shane's home serves as a constant source of inspiration. The ever-changing landscape outside his window shapes his songwriting, influencing the themes and emotions he captures in his music. His latest single, “Only Drifting By,” reflects on the complexity of relationships that fade over time and the bittersweet feelings that accompany such transitions. “I was contemplating the people I have drifted away from over the years,” Shane explains. “It was one of the rare songs for me that was written in one sitting.” The song captures the essence of life’s fleeting connections and the nostalgia that comes with them.

The lyrics of “Only Drifting By” evoke vivid imagery and emotions, capturing the essence of shared moments that eventually slip away:

Little lives we chart

Broken bread and hearts

Clutching weathered maps

Holding on to scraps

From the very start

The truth was you and I

We're only drifting by.

Through these lines, Shane poignantly expresses the fragility of human connections, emphasizing the shared experiences that bind us while acknowledging the inevitability of change.

In addition to his songwriting and performances, Shane has graced stages at renowned festivals such as the Celtic Colours International Festival and Small Halls Australia, bringing his music to audiences across the globe. His ability to connect with listeners through his heartfelt storytelling has earned him a devoted following. Currently residing in Corran Ban, PEI, Shane is set to release his fourth album, Winter Grace, in January 2025. This upcoming project promises to showcase his continued growth as an artist and storyteller, reflecting the insights and experiences he has gathered along his journey.

As Shane Pendergast continues to navigate the ever-changing landscape of life and music, he remains committed to crafting songs that resonate with the human experience. Through his work, he invites listeners to reflect on their own relationships and the passage of time, reminding us all of the beauty and complexity of the connections we forge along the way. With each new release, Shane solidifies his place in the folk music tradition, ensuring that his voice—rooted in the heart of the Maritimes—will echo for years to come.