The Revivalists frontman David Shaw is stepping out on his own with the release of his first-ever solo singles, “Shaken” and “Promised Land”. Both of the new singles are set to appear on his debut solo album, due out via Yokoko Records/C3 Records in 2021. In addition to the two new singles, Shaw has shared an accompanying music video for “Shaken”.
“Shaken”, the defiant rocker that leads the new crop of tunes, was the first song to come into existence as Shaw began exploring his rock n’ roll impulses as a lyricist, poet, and storyteller. While it reflects his inner dialogue as he penned the song, “Shaken” eventually takes on a broader theme—a plea to confront your fears and insecurities, learn to listen, trust your path, and embrace the unique qualities that may you you. All of these themes are illustrated via the eyes of young kids in the new “Shaken” music video, directed by Kevin Johnson of Hometown Crew. Watch the music video for David Shaw solo track “Shaken” below:
David Shaw – “Shaken” (Official Music Video)
[Video: DavidShawVEVO]
Alongside “Shaken”, second single “Promised Land” stands as a stark statement on the ever-growing divide between the haves and the have-nots, reflecting the nation’s current reckoning with racial and systemic injustice as the COVID-19 pandemic further exposes the inequities in health outcomes along racial and socioeconomic lines. Steeped in soul, the track serves as a powerful b-side to “Shaken”.
As Shaw explains of the new releases in a press release, “I was going through some tough times, and ‘Shaken’ came out when I first sat down to write a song knowing I was writing for just me this time which was a strange and different sort of feeling. At first, writing this song was an exercise in self-care, but it became bigger than that. This song is for anyone who feels different, left out, misunderstood, or insecure – I want you to know that the things that make you feel that way now can be the same things that can lead you to your purpose or passion, to your happiness or success. On ‘Promised Land,’ I was thinking about how I love my country, but America is not a promised land for so many people. Land of the free – sure, if you’re white and privileged. If you’re Black, you are walking around with a target on your back. Just ask George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and so many others – you can’t, because they aren’t here anymore. The song is talking about the divide we have with race and class in this country. We need to act to dismantle systems that oppress and dehumanize people of color in this country.”
To stream the two new David Shaw solo singles on the platform of your choice, head here (for “Shaken”) and here (for “Promised Land”). You can also stream audio of both tracks via Spotify below:
David Shaw – “Shaken”/”Promised Land”
On Saturday, October 3rd, David Shaw will join 50+ other artists for Democracy Comes Alive, a one-day virtual music festival aimed at promoting voter participation in this year’s elections and beyond presented by Live For Live Music in partnership with HeadCount.
Other performers include Phil Lesh (Grateful Dead), Warren Haynes, Bruce Hornsby, DAWES, Melvin Seals & JGB, Trampled By Turtles, Robert Walter, and more. Democracy Comes Alive will also feature discussions about the history of voting rights featuring members of the Grateful Dead, Phish, Dave Matthews Band, and more.
To secure your ticket to Democracy Comes Alive on October 3rd, check your voter registration status or donate to HeadCount at DemocracyComesAlive.com.
