The earliest iteration of "Shark Party" was performed live online during an episode of Nerd Rock Radio on
8bitx.com in early 2013. The first time I ever played it in front of an audience was at PAX East 2013. I've loved sharks since I was in pre-school, have watched all "Shark Weeks" that my cousins recorded onto VHS for me, read countless books on sharks, go to as many aquariums I am able to, sleep under a shark blanket, wear two shark suits occasionally, have at least 5 shark hats, a shark guitar, and an unknown number of other shark items in my possession. The idea for this song came from a text file I keep on my computer that was initially a log of potential band names, but when I decided to just record and perform under my real name turned into a good mine for song ideas. "Shark Party" was on that list. So was "Donut Slayer". "Sam Mulligan and the Sleeping Ninjas" is one of my faves from that list. I imagined it would be fun to play shows by myself and have friends dress up as ninjas and just lay around on the stage, pretending to be asleep. Hasn't happened yet though.
I played "Shark Party" at one of my shows in 2017 and someone asked if it was referencing the Anthony Jeselnik skit. I was clueless as to what they were referring to, but I looked it up after and I know about it now. It's not about that. I don't think anyone should celebrate when someone is killed by shark attack. I also don't think people should kill sharks. They are an integral part of the ecosystem of our oceans, and our world. $1 of every pre-order purchase and release day purchase of this album will be donated to Project AWARE.
Project AWARE is a global movement of scuba divers protecting our ocean planet – one dive at a time. Focused on the critical issues of Sharks in Peril and Marine Debris, Project AWARE empowers thousands to work together for a clean, healthy and abundant ocean planet. Project AWARE Foundation is a registered non-profit organization.
Thanks for your support!
from
Shark Party,
released April 6, 2018
Additional background vocals:
Jane & Jim Mulligan
Shauna Mulligan & Mark Rutkowski
Claire & Grant Henry
Brandon & Erin Hood
Renee Pepin & Dave Richardson
Mastered by Grant Henry