Formerly New Orleans’ best-kept secret, word of rock band The Revivalists is spreading. From local, to regional, to national stages, their platforms are only getting bigger.
The Revivalists are playing a two night run at Varsity Theater on Feb. 19 and Feb. 20.
Since their formation in 2007, The Revivalists have slowly grown a dedicated fanbase due to transparent lyrics and originality. Since the release of their self-titled debut EP in 2008, the band has toured extensively, building a reputation resulting in sold-out live performances.
Each production of new material has only brought the band more well-deserved success.
The Revivalists’ fourth studio album “Men Amongst Mountains,” was released in July 2015. It debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Alternative Albums Chart and Top 10 on the iTunes Alternative Albums Chart.
Lead singer and guitarist David Shaw said audience reception to the record has been overwhelmingly positive, with people at shows singing the new material word for word.
Shaw said many of the recordings on “Men Amongst Mountains” were done as a one-take in the studio, a rarity in contemporary music.
The vocal take heard on “Fade Away” was the third take he ever performed on the song and was originally intended to be a scratch vocal.
“It has that feeling that you really can’t take away. Once that magic happens, you gotta make sure you preserve it,” Shaw said.
Although The Revivalists have adapted to their new status, the increased exposure hasn’t changed the dynamic within the seven-member group.
Shaw said maintaining an egoless environment is essential to working together effectively and each member’s ability to contribute to the sound.
“You have to check your ego at the door,” he said. “We try to stay as far away from that type of stuff as possible, with myself and anyone else.”
The band is known for its conglomeration of sound — an overlap of funk, rock and soul. Undefined by one genre, The Revivalists mix elements and find a distinct sound.
“Everybody likes different stuff and we find the best way to gel those inspirations together into some kind of cohesive sound that sounds like us,” Shaw said.
While the band stays close to its roots, evolution is unavoidable after being together nearly a for decade.
“I’m a different singer, a different songwriter,” Shaw said. “My brain is changing, we’re all changing, and I think our music is only going to reflect those changes.”
Although none of the members are New Orleans natives, they say that the city has taken them in as one of her own. Shaw said the Big Easy has boosted up the band in times of need, and their aim is to keep the name in high regard.
While Louisianians know the band and its material well, playing in other states is different, Shaw said.
“It’s something that’s still growing across the country,” he said.
Shaw said The Revivalists’ live performances have been instrumental in increasing popularity — this is where fans become believers.
“We find [the energy] from the crowd, we find it from the music,” he said. “We find it from the atmosphere.”
The Revivalists’ tour includes several festival appearances, including the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and Gulf Shores, Alabama’s Hangout Music Festival. Shaw said the group loves playing large festivals and intimate shows equally, as both venues have appealing aspects.
The Revivalists performed at the Varsity in September 2015. Shaw said the band has something different planned for their return this weekend.
As for future endeavors, Shaw said the group is always making music. Another album is in the future, but how long and far into the future is to be determined, he said.
“Hopefully, the stages just keep getting bigger and the crowds do too,” Shaw said.
Tickets for the show are $22.
David Shaw of the local band The Revivalists performs at the Gentilly Stage Saturday, Apr. 25, 2015 at New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.
