**David Shaw Reflects on Fatherhood and Sobriety as The Revivalists Release New Album ‘Get It Honest’**
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David Shaw, the frontman of the New Orleans-based band The Revivalists, has opened up about personal transformations experienced during the creation of their sixth studio album, *Get It Honest*. This period has seen monumental changes in Shaw’s life, notably with the arrival of his daughter Tedi, now two years old, and his dedication to sobriety, both of which have deeply influenced the album’s themes.
Shaw describes the writing process for the album as being particularly significant, suggesting that both fatherhood and his journey through sobriety played essential roles in shaping the music. In a candid conversation, he recalls a vivid moment of inspiration that came to him in the early hours of a morning—lyrics for the title track emerged fully formed from a dream. “It woke me up at 3 a.m.,” he explained. “I knew it was vital, so I had to get it down immediately.”
The song “Get It Honest” offers a raw and honest look at the struggles of maturity and taking accountability for past actions. Its poignant opening lines, “I’m so bored, so bored with being sober,” set the tone for an album that Shaw believes represents the most cohesive work the band has produced to date. He expressed hope that listeners would find a deep connection with the messages articulated throughout their music.
Since their formation in 2007, The Revivalists have cultivated a strong communal bond which has only strengthened over the years. The serendipitous meeting of Shaw and bandmate Zack Feinberg marked the beginning of an exciting journey, leading to their debut album in 2010. Their popularity surged with the release of “Wish I Knew You” in 2016, which became a triple-platinum success and topped Adult Alternative charts.
Shaw shares that songwriting has always been an outlet for him, offering clarity and a means to process emotions. “I could speak these feelings to my therapist, or I could share them with the world,” he remarked. “Sometimes, it’s just more impactful to voice them publicly.” His experiences in fatherhood have significantly enriched this creative process, with the new album being composed during what he describes as a “very special” time, amidst the joys and challenges of new parenthood.
The dynamic within the band has evolved dramatically with seven of the eight members now being fathers to a combined total of 11 children. Shaw reflects that this shift has fostered a deeper sense of compassion and understanding among them, ultimately enhancing their collaboration and mutual support as they navigate the pressures of family life and music careers.
In tandem with these personal developments, Shaw has embraced a sober lifestyle since 2009, a journey spurred by a life-altering experience following a night of excessive drinking and drug use that nearly led to disaster. “You have to keep your mind busy in positive and meaningful ways, and that is precisely why I am grateful for music,” he said. “It truly saved my life.”
*Get It Honest* is a striking exploration of aging and personal accountability, with the band sifting through an impressive catalog of approximately 80 songs to curate a strong 12 for the album. Some tracks delve into private reflections, while others like “As of Now” rise from the ashes of broader societal issues, addressing tragedies such as a devastating incident on Bourbon Street that resulted in numerous casualties. Shaw believes these experiences are crucial in the realm of artistic expression. “Art, to me, is an absence of fear,” he shared. “If there’s something that frightens me to express, I know it’s vital. It drives me to say what needs to be said.”
Looking forward, The Revivalists are set to embark on an extensive promotional tour, including a unique ‘The Revivalists Present Otherside of Paradise at Sea’ cruise, scheduled to run from November 3 to 7, with performances from Miami to Nassau, Bahamas. Their journey ahead includes a mix of headline shows alongside select dates with fellow musicians, the Red Clay Strays.
As Shaw reflected on his musical career, he emphasised his commitment to authenticity. “I’ve always aimed to create music that resonates with me first and foremost. I’m incredibly thankful that we managed to stay true to ourselves. There is an undeniable heart in all of our records, and I’m grateful for the entire journey.”
With the release of *Get It Honest*, The Revivalists continue to resonate with fans, inviting listeners to join them on a reflective and transformative musical voyage.