The Albany Shantymen

The Albany Shantymen are a folk and shanty group from Albany, Western Australia. They formed in 2016, after Gary "Grizz" Greenwald moved to town looking for a local shanty singing group and found there wasn't one. He gathered a core crew of singers himself, and the group quickly grew to 15 members on the premise of good mates meeting weekly for a rousing singalong. Their relaxed performances invite audiences to sing and tap their feet along.

The group's profile rose when Scottish postman Nathan Evans heard their rendition of the maritime classic The Wellerman and covered it on TikTok. His cover went viral, Rolling Stone covered it, and the Shantymen were mentioned. Calls for their feel-good music then came from across Western Australia and beyond.

Their albums are Old Rope and Wet Canvas (2017), recorded at the historic Albany Convict Gaol, and The Men of the Cheynes (2020), named for those who worked at the Cheynes Beach Whaling Station. Are You With Me Lads? (2020) was recorded during COVID-19 isolation. Live at the Town Hall (2022) was recorded before a live audience. Sailors Die Quite Often (2026) is an album of originals by Mal Hatwell.

Several members have written their own songs, and several have chosen to separate their art from alcohol. Their performances remain rambunctious, with a penchant for simpler, rowdier times.