Shortwaving, John Calvin Abney’s latest EP, pairs haunting country-rock sounds with themes of unease and persistence.
Acclaimed singer-songwriter John Calvin Abney has unveiled his new EP, Shortwaving, a reflective collection of songs that marks his return after a year-long recovery from vocal surgery. Released via Tin Canyon Records, the EP represents a pivotal moment in Abney’s career as he reconnects with his voice and creative spirit.
Shortwaving was recorded live at Secret Studio in Columbus, Ohio, with co-producer Lydia Loveless, who also contributed background vocals and engineered the project. “It’s the first time since Safe Passage that I’ve cut my songs live with a band in the studio,” Abney explains. “Having my voice back after surgery and rest, it felt like these tracks came from an ancient part of me that I haven’t spoken to in a long time.”
The EP grapples with the challenge of communicating in a world that often feels overwhelming, likening the process to sending signals into the void. The title track encapsulates this theme with lines like, “Swim the shortwave / Cutting in and out / I’m losing strength in these hills.” The music mirrors the introspective tone, with meditative slide guitar and atmospheric arrangements that evoke a sense of searching.
Despite its haunting quality, Shortwaving finds moments of hope, such as the shimmering guitar in “Supporting Actor” and the uplifting energy of “Truckee River Blues.” These brighter notes bring the EP to a poignant conclusion, highlighting Abney’s enduring resilience.
With Shortwaving now streaming, Abney will support the project with a North American tour in 2025.
