Shawn Hewitt & The National

Imagine for a moment, if all your love, courage, will and compassion became scattered fragments of a heart once mighty. With his debut full-length release, the Scarborough, Ontario native, Shawn Hewitt, has crafted 11 songs to define the pieces and replace the once bruised and broken heart. Spare Hearts, recorded by Dave Newfeld (Broken Social Scene) and Stephen Murray with Malik Worthy was mixed at Electric Lady in New York City by John O'Mahony (Coldplay). “Making this album was an intense renewal process for me and my song-writing method,” explains Hewitt, “It's like the facade of a historic building was kept while the inside was gutted, making it fresh and new on the inside while the outside was kept as a gateway to the future.”



Spare Hearts is rooted in exploring human relationships, blurring the lines between pop culture and art. The track "Keep them at Bay" for example, is an inspired narrative about politicians and the sacrifices they make for their loved ones. It's about protecting love from harm. "This song is dear to me as it’s the first one I wrote for this record. It represents the beginning of the process where you feel like you can conquer anything and anyone. The bookend to this song is "Hollow the Leader," says Hewitt. “The song is a call to arms that reprise the theme of conquering those that stand in the way of destiny. Where Keep Them at Bay” challenges, “Hollow the Leader” fulfills” says Hewitt. The records emotional centerpiece, the title track, “Spare Hearts” soars with guitars and lush strings that provide the rock bed for this epic track of yearning for a restoration of a tarnished heart.



Hewitt is an artist with great rhythmic sensibility and a natural knack for musical dynamics; Spare Hearts is a journey through theatrical pop music, showcasing Hewitt's distinct emotional vocal delivery, which has been described as Rufus Wainwright with Stevie Wonder aspirations, though drawing influences as diverse as Elvis Costello, Joe Jackson and Radiohead.

Hewitt was raised in a family where music had a constant presence. ““Music was the cornerstone of my household because it echoed the emotions that bonded us together.” he explains. Introduced to music by an inquisitive mind, Hewitt began writing songs and performing in local open stage events 2002. Which was quickly replaced by sold out venues. “This journey has grown new wings to soar higher than it ever has before and these songs represent the change I went through to grow these wings”.



Hewitt was awarded the Fan's Choice Award at the 2004 NXNE music festival and conference in Toronto, resulting in major industry and media excitement in his hometown. Glowing reviews of both his recorded music and his live performances quickly followed. "Performing for an audience is where I feel most alive, it's where the songs get to show their teeth.” Hewitt quickly gained support from musicians and media circles with the release of his 2005 Ep The Soft Society on SCH Music/Universal Canada.



Spare Hearts is an album inspired by love and passion, that will instill the very same in each listener. For Hewitt, this is true beauty, what music is made for and why we listen.