Instead of writing about Christmas like many others, this week I’m writing about a band whose music is a gift to anyone who craves creative, soulful, edgy music. If it weren’t for a New Orleans – dwelling, long time friend of mine, I probably never would have stumbled upon these guys. After I looked them up, my life was never the same. Call me crazy or obsessed but you can’t knock it ‘till you’ve tried it.
The Revivalists hail from New Orleans, my second home. Many of the band’s members are native northerners with a mutual appreciation and love for the unique music New Orleans is overflowing with. It was that interest that brought several college-age musicians to New Orleans to further their musical education at Tulane and Loyola. Through the interconnectedness of the music scene and some college classes in the city, the band began coming together.
All the magic began in 2007 when guitar player, Zack Feinberg, stumbled upon David Shaw singing on his porch, befriending him. Not long after, Feinberg introduced Shaw to drummer and friend, Andrew Campanelli. From there the band seemed to form itself, growing to include a rocking saxophone player, Rob Ingram, pedal steel player, Ed Williams, George Gekas on bass, and last but certainly not least Michael Girardot on keys and trumpet, yes both.
What makes these guys so great? How do I even begin to answer that? So many things come to mind at once. Simply put, this band is a complete package of soulful, heartfelt, lyrics combined with edgy, energy-filled music that could make the dead start bobbing their heads. Their lyrics are honest, from the soul, reflecting the nitty gritty side of life but also offering positive messages in places. Lots of the lyrics leave me wondering what they mean, which I love; the meaning of a song can be different each time I hear it.
On the other hand, some of their songs literally reach through my ears and into my heart, putting words to feelings and thoughts I simply can’t. “Soulfight” is the perfect example of this. I want that phrase tattooed on me somewhere because it so accurately describes the inner fight we have with ourselves to do what’s best for us while fighting our demons. Their songs don’t paint the band as perfect, glamorous rockstars. Instead they show them as life warriors, people who have been around the block a time or two. They’re perfectly flawed and lovers of good times. Just listen to "Stand Up."
One of my favorite things about this band is the way they fuse so many different musical styles; the influence the jazzy, funky NOLA music scene has had on them is easily heard and felt in the soul. At the same time, they incorporate elements of rock, blues, and sometimes pop. That’s not exactly an easy thing to do. But they do it so freaking well. Their latest album, Men Amongst Mountains, is the perfect example of their fusion and experimentation; each song reflects a different style, contrasting with the track before.
But my absolute favorite thing about this band is that they play straight from their souls; they’re truly passionate about what they do and it shows. When I see them on stage, they give it everything they have, they just have fun. From watching shows and reading interviews, it doesn’t seem to be about fame or fortune to them. The Revivalists are up there sharing their passion, leaving audiences always begging for more.
To me, that’s the mark of a great band. Their music is more than their profession, it’s their craft, something they work tirelessly on. They present their masterpieces night after night with an unmatchable soulful, funky energy that infects every person in the audience. It’s an energy that carries through their recordings, too. It’s just so infectious. I’m nearly positive their energy and mastery of all things groovin' can only come out of a city like New Orleans.
Before I began writing this, my long time friend and fellow Rev-head and I were talking about what should be in this article. I told her their music makes me feel less distant from New Orleans. She agreed with me on that and added, “but it also make you feel distant from the world.” Both of us agreed that this was a good thing, definitely necessary when you need an escape from the world.
There are days where I definitely know what it means to miss New Orleans. On days like those, I love being able to turn on one of my favorite Revivalists songs and feel a little less disconnected from a city I love so much. The same thing happens if I’m having a rough day; I start a jamming tune like “Stand Up” to help me put on a tough face and make me feel like a bad***.
Sometimes their music takes me back to insanely humid summer New Orleans days, jamming to “Sunny Days” as we inched through traffic on Decatur. There’s also the time my friend and I were walking through the Quarter after the fireworks over the river on July 4 playing the Revivalists, using a plastic cup to make my phone’s speakers louder as we took goofy pictures of our shadows on the sidewalk. I think we also pretended to be twins or sisters that same night and tried to figure out what exactly "catching fireflies" meant.
But nothing beats the excitement I had to see them live for the first time. It just so happened to be their release party for Men Amongst Mountains at Tipitina’s. Not to mention the fact it was also my first experience at the legendary Tipitina’s. The reaction I had when they came out on stage was probably similar to a girl meeting Johnny Depp. Not literally, but it was that impact of setting eyes on the people behind something that means so much to you; listening to their music has made me feel connected to the band in a way.
If you ask me, the concert couldn’t have been better; my friends and I danced the night away in a sold out room of sweaty drunk people, jamming to this incredible group of musicians do what they do. There wasn’t a theatrical show with numerous costume changes. It was old school; they got up there, played their a**** off, and had a darn good time doing it.
One of my favorite memories of the second time I saw them live is when David, the singer, sat down in the middle of the audience up by the stage and sang “King of What.” I’d never seen a singer do that before. Still kind of jealous I wasn’t one of the lucky people face to face with such an awesome, not to mention attractive, human. But there’s always next time. And there will be a next time, likely more than one.
I truly wish I'd known these guys when I was young. The Revivalists' career is just lifting off and I'm anxious to see how high they'll fly. Music is a powerful thing, especially when it knocks clocks of the walls. Their songs have truly helped me learn about myself in ways I didn’t know I would, touched my soul, and brightened some dark days. For that, thank you and for making random dance sessions around my apartment more frequent.
If you've managed to make it to the end of this unintentionally long-winded article and haven't heard of The Revivalists before, go check them out. They might just touch your soul. You can also catch them at Hangout Fest this year!
Here's a rad video for your convenience:
And another just in case you didn't get enough. Warning: foul language for about .2 seconds.
