Shawn Lidster is a singer/songwriter from Brigus, Newfoundland and Labrador. Like bards from the past, Shawn has traveled the road (as far away as Australia) writing and performing a wide range of original material for more than 20 years.

His time away from Newfoundland combined with his experience playing and singing with a number of international musicians, honed his skills as a songwriter and musician. In 2006, he released a new CD, entitled Legends on the Baccalieu Trail, which brings to life the characters and history of the Baccalieu region.

He is currently showcasing his music at a number of venues including the St John's Folk Festival, the Cupers Cove Soiree, Cupids and the Brigus Blueberry Festival.

Lidster’s Hill

In July 1994, Shawn formed Lidster’s Hill with his sister Juanita, cousin Audrey and friend Jim Wheeler. Lidster’s Hill entered the Big Break Blast-Off Competition that was held in St. John’s and stole the show.

They took top spot from more than 20 acts by performing six original songs written by Shawn. The prize was 100 hours of studio time that led to the release of Swally Dis, a cassette containing an eclectic mix of all original songs.

As a result of the recording, the band opened for Canadian Country Music Artist Charlie Major when he was in St. John’s. In addition, two traditional songs from SwallyDis, The Sealers Song and Newfoundland Summers Day, received extensive air play in Newfoundland and Toronto.

In 1995, Shawn attended Music West in Vancouver. He checked out a showcase that featured the Australian band Pale Riders. They quickly became friends, exchanging CDs and tapes and vowing to keep in touch. In 1997, Pale Riders invited Shawn to be their opening act for the launch of their new CD and tour of Eastern Australia and Tasmania. Shawn jumped at the opportunity, sold just about everything he owned packed up his guitar and made the move to “the land down under.”

While in Australia, Shawn crafted his song writing skills. He entered a theme song competition for Sydney’s rock station Triple M and won $15,000 worth of Sammy Hagar’s (Van Halen) gear when his song the Ratso Man was chosen as the winner.

Shawn also had the opportunity to play with Randall Waller who is now Shania Twain’s guitar player. Randall liked the Sealers Song so much he used to get up on stage and jam along with Shawn.

Shawn also toured with the Pale Riders when they were the opening act for Midnight Oil’s1998 Redneck Wonderland Tour. Shawn says: “What a year!”

Newfoundland Roots Music

Shawn matured as a performer while in Australia. His songs about Newfoundland went over really well in Australia. He continued to write songs about his beloved home, calling his creations “ Newfoundland Roots Music.”

Newfoundland Roots Music
"I try to capture a balance between all of the Celtic influences passed
down to me from both sides of my family roots, then mix it with my own interpretations
and come up with something that is old - but with a new edge.”

 Silver Dollar

In 1999 while still in Australia, Shawn formed an acoustic duo with Scott Mainwaring (ex Pale Riders) called Silver Dollar. Silver Dollar played a wide mixture of songs for all ages and was a huge success in Sydney and on the Central Coast. Silver Dollar’s first gig was opening act for Mark Evans (original bass player for AC/DC).

Back Home in Brigus

Like most Newfoundlanders who are separated from their homeland, Shawn dreamed of coming home. He packed up and took his family back to Newfoundland. Since arriving, Shawn has undertaken a number of recording projects.

In 2003, Avondale Music asked Shawn if he would like to re-record The Sealers Song for Homebrew 4, and Newfoundland Summer's Day for Homebrew 5.

Shawn produced a remix of his Sealer Song for the Homebrew 4 CD and in 2004 his song Newfoundland Summer’s Day (recorded in Great Big Sea ’s studio) was released on Homebrew 5 CD. Both songs have had extensive play on traditional radio stations in Newfoundland.

Legends on the Baccalieu Trail CD

Shawn’s new project the Legends on the Baccalieu Trail CD has been years in the making. He has done extensive research into the history of the Baccalieu Trail towns of Cupids, Brigus, Bull Cove, Harbour Grace and Carbonear. In addition to telling stories about the history of each of these towns, he has tried to capture the mood of each time period. The songs get right to the heart and soul of the characters he is reflecting upon, bringing the listener back to the era in which he is singing about. His ability to evoke the past of these towns illustrates his maturity as a songwriter.