Silver Wolf Band, out of Happy Valley-Goosebay, Labrador, want to set something straight about nearby Lake Melville: it’s not a bay, it’s an estuary and probably even a metaphor. The curiously named body of water has been a matter of some debate, and in a pique of accurate hydrological pedantry, Silver Wolf Band have either laid matters to rest with the matter-of-factly titled single “Estuary,” or else stirred up a new seven-day wonder for the people of Labrador to sort out.
“I always thought it was funny that everyone around here refers to it as ‘the bay’, but it’s actually an estuary,” says Jamie Jackman, Silver Wolf Band’s singer and guitarist. “I’m no hydrologist, but I think that’s what it is when a river system reaches the ocean and freshwater begins to mix with the saltwater of the ocean.
“I think it’s a pretty cool phenomenon and lends itself well to some great imagery in a song. Also, the word ‘estuary’ itself is beautiful, I think.”
It’s not the band’s first water-themed song. Both “Butter and Snow” and “A Thousand Years” from their previous album, Pockets Filled With Rocks make reference to the wet stuff as an homage to the place they live. Being presented with the cellar door situation and a chance to educate on the finer points of hydrological nomenclature through the magic of pop music sounds like the makings of a perfect storm.
“I like to work in pieces of where we come from into most of our songs, and thought this would be a subtle and interesting way to do so. To pay respect, essentially, to a body of water that has shaped the land and the people around here so much. It’s very important to the folks who call this place home,” says Jackman.
For anyone who lives in either St. John’s or Saint John there’s no further need to explain.
To put together a video during quarantine took a little doing. Originally planning to work with Tom Cochrane, that prince of Newfoundland drone photography, they had worked out a full storyboarded video that included shots of the band along with the titular estuary. Well-known for photographing the bays and inlets all across Newfoundland, Cochrane was the obvious choice, given the song’s subject matter.
“That was supposed to happen in March actually, right at the beginning of everything being turned upside down. Fortunately for us, however, Tom was willing to reach into his impressive catalogue of film footage he’s taken and pieces together this lyric video for us, and honestly we’re thrilled with it,” says Jackman.
“Given all the restrictions placed on us logistically, we came out with what I think is a beautiful visual representation for our single. Tom was excellent to work with and we have a chance to help showcase some of the incredible work he’s doing.”
The band have a shoot planned with Cochrane later this summer (or whenever it’s safe), along with a video for their next single. So, as the band points out, they’re not quite done with him yet.
“It’s a treat to work with Silver Wolf Band, for sure,” says Cochrane. “Their new record is really good and really feels like it comes from a strong sense of place. While I’ve only spent a little bit of time in Labrador, I tried to bring out strong images of both the land and ocean (and of course, where they meet) in the video for ‘Estuary’.”
Silver Wolf Band are currently gearing up for an Autumn release of their second full-length album.