Shawn Maynard

For most of his 35 years living between Fort McMurray and Anzac, Shawn Maynard has been wired into the pulse of the community, both literally and figuratively. By day, he’s an electrician with Suncor Energy, keeping the mine’s massive electric shovels running smoothly. By night, he’s the lead singer and guitarist for Supermodel Taxidermy, a Fort McMurray-based crossover metal/punk band that’s making waves across Canada. And somewhere in between, he’s the driving force behind local music festivals, youth mentorship, and grassroots community initiatives that remind people they belong.

“I’ve achieved every dream I ever had as a musician,” Shawn says. “Now I just want to give back to the community that’s given me so much.”

That passion for giving back stems from both gratitude and experience. About eight years ago, Shawn went through what he describes as a “pretty traumatic experience” that left him feeling isolated and unsure of his place in the world. “I couldn’t seem to find a way out of it on my own,” he recalls. “After finally overcoming it with the help of others, I realized how important it is to have people and community to lean against. Since then, I try to give back wherever I can, because nobody deserves to feel like they’re not a part of something.”

That conviction led him to volunteer with the Canadian Mental Health Association, organize Fort McMurray’s Party in the Park music festival, and take on leadership roles with Scouts Canada. He’s also been a steady volunteer for community events like Winterfest. In every role, his goal is simple: to create moments of connection through shared experiences—especially for youth who may not yet have found their outlet.

“As a kid growing up here, I didn’t really fit into sports,” Shawn says. “But I remember seeing my first concert—a band from Edmonton called The Smalls—and it completely changed my life. I realized the world was so much bigger than I thought, and that music could be my way of exploring it. Now that I’m the one in a position to bring excitement to youth who haven’t found their calling yet, I’m paying it forward.”

That spirit of paying it forward has become something of a personal mission. Recently, Shawn took his community involvement to the next level by starting a non-profit organization to support live music events in Fort McMurray. His vision is to make music more accessible to local youth, giving them a chance to see where creativity can take them. “Music is one of the healthiest outlets out there,” he says. “It teaches discipline, builds confidence, and brings people together. As long as I have anything to do with it, our youth will have that chance.”

Shawn credits his family for keeping him grounded and motivated. “They’re 100% my support network and always involved in whatever I take on,” he says. “When things get overwhelming, they help me stay focused. I try to lead by example, so between my family and the music community, giving back doesn’t feel like work—it’s just part of life.”

When he’s not performing or volunteering, Shawn can be found troubleshooting electrical systems with his team at Suncor, a role he finds deeply fulfilling. “The team environment is the best part,” he says. “I get to work with friends every day, solving problems and keeping the operation running.”

Looking ahead, Shawn hopes to continue building Fort McMurray’s cultural scene while exploring more of the world with his family. He’s also passionate about seeing local revitalization efforts take root, particularly downtown. “Rent is too high, and local shops are closing their doors because of it,” he says. “The RMWB needs to step in with rent caps and help bring our economy back.”

Whether he’s on stage with Supermodel Taxidermy, volunteering somewhere in the community, or setting up amps for the next Party in the Park, Shawn Maynard is living proof that one person’s passion can electrify an entire community.

As he says, “You’re either in, or in the way.” And for Shawn, there’s no question—he’s all in.