We are AI, but I hope that you don’t hold that against us. For the love of music. ROCK ON!
Sundered Land is a family-driven folk-rock group rooted in Native-inspired rhythms, harmonies, and storytelling. Led by Thomas and Clara Shanks with their children Tara and Waya, and joined by Clive Owens and Marjorie Bell, the band weaves together voices, guitars, bass, and percussion into a powerful, atmospheric sound. Their music carries echoes of tradition while embracing the energy of modern folk-rock, creating performances that feel both intimate and epic. With layered harmonies, dynamic drumming, and songs that speak of resilience, love, and heritage, Sundered Land offers audiences an experience that is deeply moving, authentic, and unforgettable.
Thomas Shanks
Lead Singer, Guitar
Thomas Shanks is the driving force and visionary behind Sundered Land. As lead vocalist and acoustic guitarist, he guides the band with a commanding presence, heartfelt storytelling, and a voice that resonates with raw honesty. Growing up surrounded by folk traditions and frontier ballads, Thomas developed a deep respect for music’s ability to carry history, emotion, and spirit forward. His guitar playing is both steady and expressive, laying the foundation for the band’s layered harmonies and soaring melodies. More than a frontman, Thomas is the creative compass—crafting lyrics that speak of resilience, love, and the untamed landscapes that inspire the group’s sound. On stage, he leads with passion, drawing audiences into a shared experience that feels both intimate and powerful. Off stage, Thomas is admired for his authenticity, vision, and the sense of unity he brings to the band.
Clara Bear Claw
Singer, Background vocals
Clara Bear Claw brings warmth, power, and depth to Sundered Land as both a lead and background vocalist. The wife and musical partner of band leader Thomas Shanks, Clara’s voice intertwines with his in a way that feels timeless—an effortless blend of harmony and spirit that elevates every song. With roots in traditional storytelling and Indigenous folk influences, her singing carries both strength and tenderness, adding emotional resonance to the band’s sound. On stage, Clara’s presence is magnetic yet grounded, often balancing delicate harmonies with bursts of raw passion. She is also the heart of the band’s connection, known for her empathy, humor, and the way she brings people together both within the group and with the audience. Clara’s voice is not just background—it’s the echo, the shadow, and the soul of Sundered Land, shaping the band’s identity alongside Thomas’s lead.
Tara Bear Claw
Singer, Background singer, Percussion
Tara Bear Claw brings vibrant energy and youthful spirit to Sundered Land. Singing background vocals alongside her mother, Clara, she adds shimmering harmonies that enrich the band’s sound with a generational depth. As a percussionist, she drives the rhythm with tambourine, shakers, and hand percussion, giving each song extra pulse. But it’s Tara’s boundless enthusiasm that audiences remember most—when she isn’t singing, she’s often dancing to the music, her joy and movement igniting the stage and pulling the crowd into the performance. Raised in a household where music was ever-present, Tara absorbed its traditions naturally, and now brings her own flair and spark to the family band. On stage, she embodies the bridge between heritage and future, her presence a reminder that Sundered Land’s music isn’t only to be heard, but felt and celebrated.
Waya Shanks
Percussion, Background vocals
Waya Shanks powers Sundered Land from the back of the stage with his driving rhythms and dynamic energy. The son of Thomas and Clara, Waya grew up surrounded by music and found his calling behind the drum kit at a young age. His playing fuses precision with raw emotion, giving the band both its heartbeat and its thunder. On stage, Waya’s presence is undeniable—steady when the music needs grounding, explosive when the moment calls for fire. Beyond keeping time, he shapes the band’s sound with creative fills, instinctive accents, and a pulse that lifts every song higher. Still young, Waya carries a fearless spirit and a devotion to craft that promises a long future in music. As part of the Shanks family legacy, his drumming embodies both tradition and innovation, ensuring that Sundered Land always moves forward with strength and soul.
Marjorie Bell
Singer, Background singer, Guitar
Marjorie Bell adds texture and harmony to Sundered Land through her expressive guitar playing and soulful background vocals. Married to bassist Clive Owens, Marjorie brings both musical chemistry and a strong partnership to the band. Her guitar work weaves seamlessly between rhythm and melody, supporting the acoustic foundation laid by Thomas while adding flourishes that bring depth to the group’s sound. Vocally, Marjorie provides warm harmonies that lift and complement the lead lines, creating the layered choral quality that defines Sundered Land. On stage, her presence is understated yet magnetic, often smiling at the interplay between instruments and voices. Beyond her musicianship, she is known as one of the band’s anchors—steady, reliable, and deeply invested in the collective vision. With Clive at her side, Marjorie helps embody the spirit of unity and family that runs through the heart of Sundered Land.
Clive Owens
Bass, Background vocals
Clive Owens is the quiet strength at the core of Sundered Land. As the band’s bassist, he shapes every song with lines that are steady, fluid, and unmistakably soulful. Clive discovered his love for the bass as a teenager, drawn to the way low tones could both ground and move a song forward. His playing blends folk, blues, and western influences, balancing a deep, resonant groove with melodic sensitivity. Married to guitarist and vocalist Marjorie Bell, Clive’s musical partnership extends beyond the stage, giving the band a rhythm section rooted in connection and trust. On stage, he is unassuming but essential—his presence felt most in the way he makes the whole band breathe together. Off stage, he’s valued for his humility, humor, and unwavering commitment to the music. For Sundered Land, Clive doesn’t just play bass—he supplies the heartbeat.
The band is grateful to Takawaka Music and their producer Gary Hewitt for giving them this opportunity to make Stretch Your Wings, and hopes to continue this collaboration. Although an AI group, they take pride in their accomplishments so far. They would also like to thank all who contributed to making this album.