The Revivalists frontman David Shaw has released his first solo songs.

The tracks, titled “Shaken” and “Promised Land,” will appear on Shaw’s upcoming debut solo album, due out in 2021. You can download both tunes now via digital outlets.

Shaw wrote “Shaken,” which is the lead single from the project, initially as an “exercise in self-care.”

“It became bigger than that,” Shaw explains. “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.”

“Promised Land,” meanwhile, is a commentary on the ongoing fight against racism in America.

“I was thinking about how I love my country, but America is not a promised land for so many people,” Shaw says. “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,” Shaw continues. “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.”

The Revivalists released their latest album, Take Good Care, in 2018.

By Josh Johnson
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