The Revivalists
The Revivalists are an American rock band formed in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 2007. The eight-piece band consists of Ed Williams, David Shaw, Zack Feinberg, Rob Ingraham, George Gekas, Andrew Campanelli, and Michael Girardot. In late 2017, Paulet "PJ" Howard was added to the line-up on drums and percussion.
After The Revivalists released their album, Men Amongst Mountains, on July 17, 2015, they were named by Rolling Stone magazine as one of "10 Bands You Need to Know". In September 2016, their song "Wish I Knew You" 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.
A 2018 single, "All My Friends," from their album, Take Good Care, went to No.1 at Adult Alternative radio.
History
Early history
The Revivalists began when guitarist Zack Feinberg met vocalist/lyricist David Shaw as a young man riding his bike on a different route than usual, and rode past Shaw, recently transplanted from Hamilton, Ohio. Feinberg grew up outside New York City and has immersed himself in the jamband and funks scenes. The two struck up a conversation and got together to play music. The duo began playing with Andrew Campanelli, a drummer Feinberg had met at Tipitina's. Within a week, the earliest version of the band, now named The Revivalists, played their first show at Checkpoint Charlie's Laundromat/Bar on Esplanade Avenue. They began regular jam sessions at Tipitina's. The Revivalists, now including Feinberg, Shaw, Campanelli, Ed Williams, Rob Ingraham and George Gekas, and occasionally Michael Girardot, went on to play an average of 150 dates a year.''The Revivalists'' EP, ''Vital Signs''
The Revivalists' released their first few records independently on their own. This included the self-titled EP on May 15, 2008, which was named one of the best albums of 2008 by WWOZ New Orleans DJ Sherwood Collins.Their debut album, Vital Signs, came out on March 3, 2010, and was produced by engineer Chris Finney. The New Orleans Times Picayune said the music had "irresistible hooks, melodies and arrangements."
The band spent the time between the release of the EP and after the release of Vital Signs touring the US.
''City of Sound''
The Revivalists' second album, City of Sound was self-released in 2012 and re-released on March 4, 2014, by Wind-up Records, with a second disc containing over an hour of live tracks. On City of Sound, the band expanded their sound toward folk, pop, and soul.Singles from this album included "Criminal", "Upright", and "Navigate Below", and it was produced by Galactic saxophonist Ben Ellman.
In June 2013, The Revivalists appeared at New York City's Governors Ball, among other festivals.
''Men Amongst Mountains''
The Revivalists' third album, Men Amongst Mountains, was released on July 17, 2015. In March 2016, the band was picked as Elvis Duran's Artist of the Month on NBC's Today show hosted by Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb and broadcast nationally performing their single "Wish I Knew You".The single, "Wish I Knew You" went to #1 on Billboard's Adult Alternative and Alternative radio charts, and remained on the Billboard Hot 100 for nine weeks. The song was certified platinum by the RIAA, and Forbes magazine called it: "one of the best and catchiest radio singles of the year".
The Revivalists made performances on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Ellen, and Conan. Rolling Stone touted them among “10 Artists You Need To Know,” and they received a Billboard Music Award nomination for Top Rock Song and as well as nominations for Alternative Rock Song of the Year and Best New Rock/Alternative Rock Artist at the iHeartRadio Music Awards.
Men Amongst Mountains received more than 2 million streams on Spotify, and ended up in the Top 5 of the Billboard Heatseekers chart.
During this period, The Revivalists played New York City's Central Park SummerStage as well as Austin City Limits, New Orleans Jazz Fest, Outside Lands, KROQ Weenie Roast & Fiesta, and more.
Two months after the death of David Bowie, The Revivalists premiered their tribute to the late artist in the song they wrote called "Bowie" featuring a verse sung by saxophonist Ingraham.
The band has a partnership with NOLA Brewing Company for The Revivalists American Pale Ale. The artisanal beer debuted during the band's annual New Year's Eve residency at The Orpheum Theater in New Orleans and followed through their distribution center shortly after. A portion of the proceeds benefits The Roots of Music Foundation.
''Take Good Care''
In August 2018, "All My Friends" was released as the first single from The Revivalist's fourth studio album, Take Good Care, and rose to No. 1 at Adult Alternative radio.((citation needed|date=August 2019Philanthropy
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, Everytown for Gun Safety, National Alliance on Mental Safety, Songs for Kids Foundation, and Upturn Arts.