Aug. 18, 2026
David Shaw (The Revivalists)
Key Takeaways
- David Shaw experiences profound songwriting epiphanies in the middle of the night that often dictate the direction of a song.
- Mishearing existing lyrics can sometimes lead to the creation of even better, more unique lines for original compositions.
- Reading great literature directly contributes to stronger vocabulary and deeper thematic development in songwriting.
- Treating songwriting as a dedicated literary craft elevates the art far beyond standard commercial music production.
Took a wonderfully deep dive into the songwriting process with David Shaw of The Revivalists. We discuss middle of the night epiphanies, how mishearing a lyric can make for a better lyric, and how reading great literature makes for better songwriting.
The latest album by The Revivalists is Get It Honest.
*photo by Tommy Moore
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is David Shaw on Songwriters on Process?
David Shaw is the frontman and songwriter for The Revivalists, who joins host Ben Opipari to discuss his creative methods and writing habits.
What album by The Revivalists is discussed in the episode?
The episode touches upon the creative process behind the band's latest album, Get It Honest.
How does reading literature affect David Shaw's songwriting?
David Shaw believes that engaging with great literature inspires better lyricism and deepens his approach to the songwriting process.
