One of the more versatile and talented artists I’ve come across in my many years of writing about music is Shimmer Johnson, a singer-songwriter and musician from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Not only is she a gifted songwriter with a beautiful and resonant singing voice, she’s also a fine guitarist and pianist. She began her music career singing Country songs, but eventually branched out into adult contemporary pop, rock and even dance music, all of which she handles with ease. She’s recorded music both as a solo artist and in collaboration with other songwriters and producers, creating an impressive repertoire of outstanding songs. I’ve featured her numerous times on this blog over the past six years, and two of her songs, the terrific 2021 dance single “Starts With You” and “Essence”, a 2023 collaboration with Danish composer and producer Refeci, have reached #1 on my Weekly Top 30, the latter also ranking #7 on my 100 Best Songs of 2023 list.

5ilas, aka Shane Roberts, is a musician and producer based near San Francisco, with a diverse music portfolio ranging from rock to classical. In 2003, he met fellow musician John Preston while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, and the two became close friends who’ve been making music together ever since. Both have also worked with numerous charities and foundations for Veteran suicide awareness over the years. Shane’s wife was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer in 2021, which inspired him and John to create a project called Godmagick to help bring increased awareness for cancer. As part of the project, they produced a compilation fundraiser album God Magick in early 2023, featuring songs by several artists. He also has 10 year old triplets, two boys and a girl, who he says are a constant inspiration for his music, which he records in his home studio. More recently, 5ilas has been collaborating with Shimmer Johnson on numerous songs, which culminated with the release of their six-track EP The Colors of Impossible this past February.

Their latest collaborative effort is the new single “Vices“, which drops today, May 24th. Shimmer wrote and sang the lyrics, while 5ilas wrote and recorded the music. As with most of their other collaborations, the track was created remotely, with Shimmer recording and producing her vocals in Canada, and 5ilas recording the music, as well as mixing and mastering the track, in California.

“Vices” is an uplifting piano ballad touching on the power of resilience, and not letting one’s problems get the best of you. Shimmer elaborates “Its about not losing yourself in whatever crisis you’re in. We all live through difficult times but you can’t lose yourself. You need to own your scars and move through them. I know sometimes it can be hard to get through stuff. But you can.“

The song opens with Shimmer questioning her faith in herself “Why am I so discouraged? Why do I feel down when I’m so far up? I work so hard, found the courage. But even then I don’t feel I am good enough“, accompanied by 5ilas’ somber piano keys. The music gradually expands with haunting synths and dramatic percussion, creating an arresting backdrop for Shimmer’s impassioned, heartfelt vocals as she laments “Can’t lose myself, I’ve lived through hell. Made some choices I’m not proud of. Know my vices. Learned to stand out. Can’t lose myself.” It’s a powerful and stunning song, and I think it’s their finest collaboration yet.

Shimmer’s Socials:  Facebook / X (Twitter) / Instagram / TikTok
Find her music on Bandcamp / Spotify / Soundcloud / Apple Music / YouTube / deezer

5ilas Social:  Instagram / X (Twitter) / TikTok

Find his music on Spotify / Apple Music / Soundcloud