Acclaimed singer-songwriter and The Revivalists frontman David Shaw has released his second solo album, Take a Look Inside, via his own Yokoko Records. To celebrate the release, Shaw also shared the official music video for album track “When You Love Somebody” directed by Texas-based graphic and motion designer Andrew Knives.
The album’s arrival on Friday was preceded by the release of three singles including the fearlessly optimistic “Arms of the River”, which came out with a behind-the-scenes video of Shaw and his band recording at Esplanade Studios. Before that, Shaw shared the intensely personal title track, “Take a Look Inside“, a dreamy and vulnerable pop ear-worm replete with uplifting harmonies and simplistic but shimmering instrumentation.
In addition, the album includes the powerful “Alabama”, Shaw’s heartfelt response to the ongoing battle against women’s reproductive rights as well as this spring’s Alabama Supreme Court ruling that embryos created during IVF fertility treatments should be considered children.
“When You Love Somebody”, whose Andrew Knives directed video is out today, shares a strand or two of musical DNA with The Revivalists’ biggest hit, “Wish I Knew You”, with introspective lyrics that examine the complexities of affection but ultimately decide it’s worth holding onto.
“’When You Love Somebody’ came out of some relationship troubles,” Shaw admitted in a press statement. “Lyrically, it speaks for itself. We tend to hurt the ones we love the most because we think they’re always going to be there. It’s a bit of a paradox. On the other side, the people you love the most can f—ing hurt you the most. Love is tough, man. It can make you feel so good like you’re on top of the f—ing world, or you’re down at the bottom of the well.” Watch the music video for “When You Love Somebody” by David Show below.
David Shaw – “When You Love Somebody” (Official Music Video)
The singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist spent much of the past few years writing and recording the album in bursts of inspiration amidst an unceasingly busy schedule—not only as frontman The Revivalists but also as a new husband and dad. Produced by Shaw at Esplanade Studios in his adopted home base of New Orleans, LA, Take a Look Inside distills the sounds of Shaw exploring life and love against a backdrop of hazy acoustic guitar, ethereal piano, blues grooves, and folk sensibility into a highly listenable, insightful, and honest collection of pop songs.
“It’s easy to run for your entire life,” Shaw said. “As you get older, there are always emotions and thoughts you don’t want to touch. Much of Take A Look Inside was about sitting down for even five minutes and asking, ‘What is this feeling? Why is it being brought up now?’ I chose to face these feelings, ask what they needed, and use them. By shedding some of this shit, I didn’t have as much anxiety. I was happier all around too.
“I hope people can listen to this album when they need some kind of medicine,” he continued. “I want it to be like a trusted friend you can lean on who never judges you. I’ve realized I’m forever a student of life. I love learning about myself, my friends, and my family. Having a child has profoundly shifted my perspective and how I approach life. I wish I’d started this process ten years ago, but life happens when it happens. I’m thankful to be growing more than ever.”
Stream/purchase Take a Look Inside, the new album from David Shaw, on the platform of your choice here or listen via the Spotify player below.
David Shaw – Take a Look Inside – Full Album
Shaw will mark the arrival of Take a Look Inside with a series of headlining tour dates. The Take A Look Inside Tour is due to begin on Halloween night at New Orleans’ famed Tipitina’s and work its way around the country through late November. Following a run of shows in the U.K. in December, Shaw and his band will head back out on the road in the States from February 22nd through March 2nd. Support on select dates includes The Crowe Boys (October 31-November 13), Leah Blevins (November 15-24), and Angel White (February 22-March 2).
VIP packages for the David Shaw Take a Look Inside Tour will be available featuring an exclusive pre-show experience with Shaw including an acoustic soundcheck performance, personal photo, and more. Additional dates are also due to be announced. For complete details and ticket information, head here.
Shaw is also slated for top-billed solo appearances at Austin, TX’s Austin City Limits Music Festival on Sunday, October 6th and Sunday, October 13th. In addition, The Revivalists have a wide range of festival dates and headline shows slated through mid-October. For more information on The Revivalists, head here.
Click below for a full list of upcoming David Shaw tour dates.
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