Pressgang Mutiny is back with a fresh, heavy-hitting take on maritime tradition. Their latest release, “Old Mick,” serves as a high-energy preview for their most ambitious album to date, Departure (arriving March 13, 2026). This isn’t just a folk revival; it is an exploration of the shanty as a global, living art form.
The track—and the upcoming album—highlights the historical synthesis of African-American and Afro-Caribbean rhythmic call-and-response with gritty Irish folk vocals. By fusing these archival roots with modern drum machine production and contemporary textures, the group is “stretching the tradition without breaking its spine.”
What Sets This Project Apart
A Modern Synthesis: The project treats the shanty as a living global form rather than a museum piece. The album features collaborations with reggae and dancehall legends like Carl Harvey (Toots and the Maytals) and Sunray Grennan, alongside Toronto hip-hop artist Matt Somber.
Authentic Pedigree: The quartet—Richard Kott, James McKie, Tim Pyron, and Stefan Read—bring a “lived-in credibility.” They are actual tall ship sailors and researchers who have handled lines and sails across the Atlantic, ensuring the music never loses the “salt and sweat” of its origins.
Archival yet Alive: “Old Mick” pulls from capstan and railroad song roots. While the arrangement nods to versions encountered across the ocean, the energy is unmistakably modern—delivered with a hard-hitting North American attitude meant to be sung “shoulder to shoulder.”
About Pressgang Mutiny
Across twelve years together, Pressgang Mutiny has evolved from Toronto pub sessions to headlining major maritime and folk festivals in the UK, Europe, and the Caribbean. Whether they are hosting their ongoing podcast The Shanty Show or leading workshops at Folk Alliance International, they approach the music with equal parts scholarship and swagger.
Following the successful 2025 reissue of their first two records, the group is entering 2026 with international tour dates across Canada and the United Kingdom, marking this as their busiest and most ambitious year yet.
“Old Mick” is out now via Slammin Media. Pre-order Departure and browse exclusive merchandise here
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Pressgang Mutiny Live
January 4, 2026 – Another Bloody Folk Club, Toronto, ON
January 25, 2026 – Tranzac (Shanty Sing), Toronto, ON
February 22, 2026 – Tranzac (Shanty Sing), Toronto ON
March 14, 2026 – Album Launch, Toronto, ON (Tentative)
March 22, 2026 – Tranzac (Shanty Sing), Toronto, ON
March 26-28, 2026 – Spring Tide Shanty Fest, St. John, NB
March 29, 2026 – Cuckoo’s Nest Folk Club, London, ON
April 12, 2026 – Departure CD Release,
July 31-August 7, 2026 – Sidmouth Folk Week, Sidmouth, UK
August 15, 2026 – Morecambe Maritime Festival, Morecambe, UK
August 21-23, 2026 – FolkEast, Suffolk, UK
August 24-28, 2026 – Whitby Folk Week, Whitby, UK
August 30-31, 2026 – Shrewsbury Folk Festival, Shrewsbury, UK
