Six Pack: Shanon Watkins

“When you work for $8 and hour and live in Whistler staff housing, after boarding all day there isn't much else to do at night but sit around in the common room with a guitar.” Watkins recalls. “Before you know it you are jamming, drinking cider and Kokanee beer and strangers are playing rice shakers and ice-cream buckets, which kept a lot of us broke staff members entertained.”

From skint, humble beginnings Watkins has taken big steps in a short period of time. In his most recent incarnation with the four-piece Scattered Vision, Watkins has put down his second EP Laugh Til' It Hurts. It's a record full of honest tales, including the on-point ditty Fuck You Cloudland. “Everyone should be equally accepted and not discriminated against because their shoes aren't leather or whatever other rules they choose to make up at the time, like no tattoos, collared shirts etc. I think everyone can relate to this song at some point in their life.”

Perpetually stoked with music and the world around, nothing is grey with Watkins. By putting his cards in full view, he's given himself the vital ability to bond with the masses.

“I think people connect better with the song if they can relate to it and understand the pain or the happiness of what I'm singing about,” he tells. “It's a big buzz for me when someone comes up after a gig and says that they really felt what I was singing about and got into the moment, 'cause that's what it's all about, telling stories and feeling the music.”

Shanon Watkins playsSunday 6 May, Caxton Street Seafood and Wine Festival