Mat and Savanna Shaw are busier than they’ve ever been.
Several months after going viral for their version of “The Prayer,” the father-daughter duo from Kaysville has released a debut album and an original song. They’re also preparing for two big concerts.
“The last 6 months have been a whirlwind and a dream come true — and it’s all because of YOU,” the Shaws recently wrote on Facebook. “We are so grateful to everyone who has believed in us and embraced our music! Thanks to you, our first album release day was more than we could have ever hoped for.”
The Shaws released their album, “Picture This,” on Oct. 23. It hit No. 1 on the iTunes pop and classical charts, No. 3 on the iTunes all-genres chart and No. 3 on Amazon, according to a news release sent to the Deseret News. As of Wednesday, the album sits at No. 24 on the iTunes Top Album chart — five spots ahead of Taylor Swift’s “Folklore.”
“Picture This,” the Shaws’ original song off the album, tells the story of their unexpected rise to fame. Before going viral, Savanna was a shy singer in a local choir building her confidence. And Mat was a busy father of four who had put music on the back burner.
“You wonder how many talented, undiscovered people there are out there that just need somebody to be their support and encouragement, and help them be brave enough to just put themselves out there,” Mat Shaw previously told the Deseret News. “And you wonder how many wonderful messages we’re missing out on just because people are worried that maybe they won’t be accepted, or they’re too shy or they’re worried about criticism.
“To break out of that shell and just say, ‘Here I am. This is my voice, take it or leave it,’ … it’s just amazing to be able to have the courage to do that,” he continued.
With their first album out, the Shaws are now turning their focus to two upcoming shows: a virtual concert directed by Broadway star Sierra Boggess — well known for her role as Christine in “The Phantom of the Opera” — and an in-person performance at West Valley City’s Maverik Center.
The Shaws initially met Boggess in May, when they caught the attention of Ken Davenport — Andrew Lloyd Webber’s executive producer in North America. Knowing Boggess was one of Savanna Shaw’s inspirations, Davenport chatted with the Shaws virtually and brought the Broadway star on the call.
He also offered the Shaws a free trip to Broadway to see “The Phantom of the Opera” when Broadway eventually reopens.
Davenport will produce the virtual concert on Nov. 28. Titled “What the World Needs Now,” the concert will have the Shaws performing Broadway and holiday favorites, as well as songs from their most-viewed videos — including “The Prayer” and “Picture This,” according to the release.
“The first time I saw Mat and Savanna, I was so blown away by their talent, blown away by their passion for performing ... and blown away by the fact that a teenage girl wanted to spend so much time with her dad,” Ken Davenport said in a statement. “I am honored to be able to present their first concert, and thrilled that it will be virtual ... so more people around the world can experience their infectious optimism.”
Tickets for the concert can be purchased at matandsavannamusic.com. The Shaws will also join the Utah-based band Gentri for two socially-distanced holiday shows at the Maverik Center on Dec. 5, the Deseret News previously reported.
The duo is also working on a Christmas EP for the upcoming holiday season, according to the release.
“It means a lot just to be able to be in a position now — especially in the times that we’re experiencing with this pandemic — to be able to share these messages of hope and encouragement through music,” Mat Shaw previously told the Deseret News. “Never in a million dreams would we have ever thought that our music would have this kind of impact. That’s been the best part.”