P is for Panda, the new imprint of Hopeless Records, has announced the signing of young Canadian singer/songwriter Andy Shauf, whose debut album 'Darker Days' will be in stores on May 19th, 2009. 'Darker Days' will also be the second full-length album released by the Cumming, GA-based label, which donates a portion of profits to charity.

Andy Shauf on amazon.com

Andy Shauf, 21, grew up like any regular kid in Saskatchewan, Canada, playing the sports that fit each season in a climate that ranges from coldest to warmest in the region. Entirely self-taught with the exception of a few drum lessons as a child, he began writing songs seriously around the age of 13 but never shared them with anyone, instead keeping them a secret hidden from even those closest to him. Over time he amassed a pile of demos, bedroom recordings he'd made based on all the harmonies, notes, sounds, and stories that would bounce around in his head every day.

'Darker Days', on which Shauf plays every instrument (mandolin, banjo, xylophone, guitar, and drums, to name a few), is a compilation of his favorite moments from that very demo collection, re-recorded and mixed during his first time in a real studio.

Whether it's the hint of old-time swing in "Your Heart," the melancholy, banjo-picked yearnings of "In Town," or the hopeful closer "You Remind Me," 'Darker Days' is a charming, romantic indie folk album, alternately wistful and moody, and all anchored by Shauf's sweet, plaintive tenor.

Full track listing for 'Darker Days':

1. Your Heart
2. Crushes
3. In Town
4. Gone
5. The Darker Nights
6. The Greatest Moments
7. Let's Be
8. Were You In Love With Me
9. How Long
10. Give Me Words
11. You Remind Me

'Darker Days' was originally released by Shameless Records in Canada only last year.

About P Is For Panda
After leaving his previous label (which he founded and operated for 12 years), P Is For Panda owner Chad Pearson ironically chose to cut music out of his life entirely. He entered into various career paths that had nothing to do with the industry, but eventually found himself returning to music. Since starting P Is For Panda in 2007, Pearson has found success selling t-shirts, thanks largely in part to support from the indie t-shirt blogging community. The idea behind P Is For Panda is to give back to the community, a portion of profit from both the shirts and music will be donated to a charity of the artists choosing. We believe it takes small steps by a group of individuals to create change in our world. This is our way of trying to do our part.

Now that P Is For Panda is entering into the realm of music, it's only natural that Pearson partner with his old friend and fellow humanitarian Louis Posen. Through the partnership with thriving independent label Hopeless Records and its philanthropic arm Sub City, the Atlanta area-based organization is launching an imprint to serve a wide variety of indie rock artists. "My goal with P Is For Panda is to be more involved in the community," states Pearson, "The mission statement is quite simple: music + art + charity."

P is for Panda Official Website

Andy Shauf MySpace