The Revivalists are an American rock/soul band formed in New Orleans in 2007.The 7-piece band consists of Ed Williams (Pedal Steel Guitar), David Shaw (Vocals), Zack Feinberg (Guitar), Rob Ingraham (Saxophone), George Gekas (Bass), Andrew Campanelli (Drums), and Michael Girardot (Keys/Trumpet). The group’s freshly interesting sound is best described by David Fricke of Rolling Stone as “a Crescent City-rhythm spin on jam-band jubilee.”
The Revivalists got their start during jam sessions at New Orleans club Tipitina’s Sunday Music Workshops where guitarist Zack Feinberg and drummer Andrew Campanelli first met.
The band found their frontman David Shaw by pure luck when Feinberg rode past Shaw singing a song called “Purple Heart” on his front porch. The two struck up a conversation and got together later that day to jam. Eventually they got their shot at Checkpoint Charlie after passing an open mic audition at that Esplanade Avenue dive bar/laundromat, forming an early version of the band within a week when they decided an official name was needed for their kickoff show at Tipitina’s in New Orleans. With The Revivalists, it’s like Pearl Jam met a New Orleans funk/soul/jazz band and had a beautiful child.
Their 2016 album, Men Amongst Mountains with “Wish I Knew You” as the lead track and video was massive. They were named by Rolling Stone magazine as one of “10 Bands You Need to Know”. In September 2016, their song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Adult Alternative Songs chart, and in May 2017, the song reached No. 1 on the Alternative Songs chart. On September 11, the single was certified platinum by the RIAA.
In August 2018, “All My Friends” was released as the first single from The Revivalists’ fourth studio album, Take Good Care, and later went to No. 1 on the Adult Alternative radio chart at Billboard. The album, released November 9, 2018, is the band’s first release with the indie label Loma Vista Recordings. For the first time, The Revivalists recorded and co-wrote with multiple producers and writers, enlisting the talents of Dave Cobb (Sturgill Simpson, Chris Stapleton), Andrew Dawson (Kanye West, Fun., Sleigh Bells), and Dave Bassett (Elle King, Vance Joy) for sessions Nashville’s RCA Studio B. Additionally, it would be the first record with drummer/percussionist PJ Howard joining the band in the studio.
Over the years, The Revivalists have made efforts to raise money to help various causes. Feinberg, Gekas and Ingraham joined members of Naughty Professor and Cardinal Sons as well as RumpelSTEELskin at The Howlin’ Wolf in New Orleans for a show that contributed financial support to Emily’s Entourage, a non-profit dedicated to finding a cure for cystic fibrosis. The group also worked with the Roots of Music, an after-school music and tutoring program for over 150 local children. One of the fundraisers included The Roots of Music presents Band Together, a concert with many of the kids and local bands including The Revivalists. The band also donated money from some of their own shows to the program.
In the fall of 2019, The Revivalists established Rev Causes. Rev Causes is a fund that supports the essential work of organizations dedicated to reviving and investing in their communities, health, and our environment. By donating a portion of ticket sales, and through fan donations and a variety of fundraising efforts, Rev Causes aims to assist these organizations in building a better future. Organizations include The Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP), Everytown for Gun Safety, National Alliance on Mental Safety (NAMI), Songs for Kids Foundation, and Upturn Arts.
“Kid” is the advice single from their June 2, 2023 release, Pour it Out Into The Night