David Shaw – Got Me Feeling Good

By starrymag | May 24, 2021

By: Jennifer Vintzileos

 

 

 

Q) How would you best describe your sound?  

 

A) That’s a really tough one for me, but I will say that I usually just let the song guide the way and whatever style happens to fit the vibe for that particular song I’m good with. I like all kinds of different musical stylings so when it comes to the music that I make I’d say that anything is on the table and up for grabs.

 

Q) Who are your greatest musical influences?  

 

A) I really love Leonard Cohen and Bill Withers. Their artistry has always been a bit of a North Star for me when it comes to my writing and melody. I love how Bill Withers can take a simple phrase and turn it into something that’s deep, pure and cosmic all at the same time. The same thing goes for Cohen, but his mastery of the lyric always kept me pushing and digging deeper for the right way to portray what I’m trying to say. In the process, sometimes the right way becomes the wrong way also, but then you realize that you like getting lost and you find your way back the wrong way and that’s really what it’s all about for me. I love getting lost in the world that I’m creating.

 

Q) Tell us a little bit about your latest single “Got Me Feeling Good.”

 

A) I was actually out in California, doing a lot of songwriting and I was just getting into the lifestyle. I was listening to a lot of Beck, Bowie, Sublime and I think the intersection of these artists mixed with where I was geographically made me want to make a song that incorporated all of these things in a way that was unique to me – who I am and what I’m going through, and also where I’m going. This song is like medicine to me and I hope it’s that way for fans as well.

 

Q) Which topics because some of your biggest go-tos during the songwriting process?

 

A) It really is inspired by whatever is going on in my life at the time, those are the topics that I gravitate towards. Whether it is something dramatic or whether I’m feeling really good about something happening in my life or if I’m going through a really rough patch. I kind of use music as a way for me to bridge the gap with how I’m feeling and to basically get on the other side of that emotion of feeling bad and feeling good.

 

Q) Your upcoming album will be released through your imprint, Yokoko Records, in partnership with C3 Records. What made you want to decide to work with them for this project?

 

A) C3 has always been really good to me. I love my managers and I love Charlie and we’ve always just had a really great working relationship. I also wanted to learn a little more about the record business and felt like that was the only way for me to learn about that. Plus, I own my masters, so that’s a really good thing!

 

Q) Listening to a few of your recent song releases, I found that your lyrics are very soulful and poetic. During the songwriting process, were there any specific lyrics that you wrote that really resonated with you?  

 

A) They would probably be the bridge to “Shaken.” I know, I know, I know, I’m okay with the seeds I’m sowing / I know, I know, I know, I’m all right because they keep on growing / I see, I see, I see a part of me that I want to be showing / I shine, you shine, we shine a light for the world and we won’t be turning down. 

Also, the chorus of “Promised Land” is a big one for me and the second verse of “Got Me Feeling Good” – I love more than I judge, I laugh more than I cry / I’m living everyday like it’s the last before I die. Those lyrics really ring true to me and they mean a lot to me.

 

Q) I absolutely love your work with The Revivalists! Why did you decide to record a solo project and what has been the biggest benefit of getting to work on something of your own?

 

A) I knew at some point that I was going to make a solo album but didn’t really know when I was going to do it. I also just realized that I needed to grow in ways that a band culture didn’t really foster. I’ve been able to really start trusting my inner intuition and compass more throughout this process because every decision is basically on me. I’m not necessarily the type of person to say, “I want to do it my way, that’s it.” I’d rather outsource and get everybody’s vibe on something, but for this project it was that I’m the decision maker. It has really helped me grow in the ways of just making decisions, sticking to it, and owning it.

 

Q) Will there also be any upcoming projects with The Revivalists?  

 

A) Yes, we are actually currently working on demos for a record to be released at a later date. We’re also doing two nights at Red Rocks on June 10^thand 11^th!

 

Q) In 2019 you and your bandmates established Rev Causes, which helps to fund and support organizations dedicated to reviving and investing in their communities, health, and environment. Why has it been important to you to give back in such a profound way?  

 

A) Since we are able to do that now, it’s pretty much our duty as artists and just human beings. If you’re able to give back, you definitely should. The causes that we support are causes that are near and dear to our hearts and I just think it’s the right thing to do.

Q) During the last year, what were some of the songs and/or albums that sustained and inspired you?  

 

A) I was definitely listening to a lot of soul. I’ve really gotten into the band Bleachers with Jack Antonoff, I love the new song that he just put out with Bruce Springsteen. I’ve also been going back to Arlo Parks. I’ve been listening to her a ton.

 

Q) What would you like to say to your fans and supporters of your music?  

 

A) I would just like to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of the support. You are really the reason that I’m able to continue doing this and that thought is not lost on me. I’m just very grateful for it all!