Mat & Savanna Shaw: The Mindset of Self-Grace and Strategic Pacing That Drives Sustainable Success in the Music Industry

As a part of our interview series with leaders, stars, and rising stars in the music industry, we had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Mat & Savanna Shaw.

Viral father-daughter duo, Mat & Savanna Shaw, have captivated audiences worldwide with their heartwarming and inspirational music. Growing to prominence via viral video covers of popular songs during the pandemic, Mat & Savanna have come a long way in a very short time. In her first ever social media post, a then 15-year-old Savanna Shaw shared a video singing “The Prayer” with her dad, Mat, to social media. Originally meant merely for friends and family, the video caught fire and was viewed over 100 million times across various social platforms and media outlets. Praised by Kelly Clarkson, Good Morning America, The New York Times and more for their harmonies and hopeful spirits, the father/daughter pair went on to release their debut album, “Picture This,” which debuted at #1 on iTunes pop charts, #1 on Billboard’s classical albums, and #54 on the all-genre Billboard 200. Since then, they have released an additional 6 albums, all hitting #1 on Billboard charts worldwide. Their most recent album, Dream, debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Classical and Classical Crossover Charts and hit #4 on the iTunes Pop Album Sales Chart, #10 on the US All Genre Chart, as well as in the top 50 on Billboard’s Top Album Current Sales Chart. Mat and Savanna have toured the world with the likes of Dan Reynolds of Imagine Dragons, Jim Brickman, David Archuleta, and The Piano Guys, and will wrap up the year with their Shaw Family Christmas holiday show on December 8 and 9 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Mat & Savanna’s uplifting song choices and harmonies have inspired people the world over. They have a passion for using music for good with a mission to share hope, spread joy, and provide inspiration with each performance.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?

Mat:

I grew up in Los Angeles. One of 5 children and the only boy. I moved to Utah when I was 14 and have been here ever since. I joined the Army right after High School and was gone training for a year. I came home for a few months before leaving to the Philippines for 2 years as a missionary for my church. A few months after coming home, I met my now wife and Savanna’s mom. We were married and had Savanna a year later.

Can you share a story with us about what brought you to music?

Savanna:

I have been singing ever since I was a little girl! It’s always been a big part of my life. I think watching my Dad sing is what inspired me to sing as well. I was in a children’s choir before the pandemic hit, and that was what really solidified my passion for music. The experiences I had while in that choir gave me confidence I never had before, and that’s why I created my very first social media page! When the pandemic hit and I couldn’t sing with my friends anymore, I still wanted to share music with them. I asked my Dad if he would be willing to be in my first video with me, and that’s when we posted “The Prayer.” We really only intended for it to be seen by friends and family, and were shocked by the reach it had. We decided to keep on posting videos, and we haven’t stopped since!

Mat:

I had also been singing my whole life. It was always just a part of me. I wanted to focus on music and theater, but I knew it was tricky supporting a family in that line of work. I instead started a real estate company, and between that and raising our family of 6, I didn’t have much time for singing anymore. It wasn’t until Savanna invited me to join her in that video that I returned to singing. It had been almost 15 years!

What is the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?

Savanna:

I think one of the craziest experiences in our music career was recording in a real studio for the first time. My Dad and I started our music career by recording on our iPad in a closet, so singing in a recording studio for the first time was so surreal! We are working on recording our 8th album right now and feel so thankful looking back at our music journey.

Mat:

There are so many incredible experiences we have had since starting on this music journey. One of my favorites came towards the beginning when we wanted to release an album. I didn’t think anybody bought physical albums anymore, but we were optimistic and purchased 10k of our first album to sell — thinking it would take a year or two to sell through those. We also thought it would be fun to hand address and ship each album sold ourselves. We sold out of every album before release day and had to personally package and ship all 10k of those albums out of our living room. A good problem to have, but such a whirlwind. And no, we didn’t end up hand addressing each one.

What is one of the funniest mistake(s) you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

Savanna:

I can’t think of a certain experience, but I do know that I had NO idea what I was doing. I didn’t know how anything worked in a recording studio, how to answer interview questions, and I certainly didn’t know how to perform. Sometimes I just have to look back on the early days and laugh, haha!

Mat:

I have made so many mistakes. When we were starting I was so rusty on performing. Every time we performed I was learning new songs. It wasn’t easy and I messed up the lyrics so many times. During one of our interviews with Kelly Clarkson on her show, I asked her if she ever forgets the lyrics. I was relieved to hear that it happens even to the great Kelly Clarkson. She said you have to learn to be easy on yourself and understand that mistakes are part of progress in any area of life. And mistakes can be endearing to an audience if handled right. So now, I give myself more grace which allows me to have more fun on stage. If I mess up, which I do frequently, it just shows the audience that we’re real and we laugh it off together.

What are some exciting projects you are working on now?

Savanna:

Our newest album, Dream, just came out! I have been dreaming about creating an album like this since the beginning. It is a true passion project!

Mat:

Like Savanna said, we just released a brand new album of adult lullabies, called Dream. Savanna has wanted to do a lullaby album since the day we started music. Not a nursery rhyme lullaby album, but an album that you can relax to and unwind to with or without kids. It’s for all ages, and for all ages to enjoy together! It turned out absolutely beautiful and we are really proud of that one.

What are “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why?

Mat:

I have 5 wrapped up into one. The biggest one for me. Make sure you slow down to speed up. You don’t have to chase every opportunity, but if you’re strategic, you can be more effective and avoid burnout. Music is a wonderful industry, but like any business, it requires a lot of hard work. Emotionally taxing work. And sometimes in order to speed up, you must first slow down.

Which tips would you recommend to aspiring artists to help them to thrive and not “burn out”?

Savanna:

I would recommend involving yourself in things other than music! Whether that’s a job, family, or school it’s important to take time for other things so music doesn’t burn you out. I also am such a big believer in self care, whatever that means to you!

Mat:

The old saying is true — the harder you work the luckier you get. But included in that statement is working hard at taking care of yourself and your relationships too. It doesn’t matter how successful you become, if you lose yourself and those closest to you in the process. Stay grounded, and keep your loved ones close. Keep it fun. Build a team. Love yourself and your people.

If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be?

Savanna:

Our whole mission is to share hope and spread joy. We love seeing people do that in their own way, and want to encourage it as much as we can! Whether it’s posting a video, reaching out to a family member, or participating in a service activity we believe everyone has something special to contribute.

Mat:

Savanna nailed it. Hope and joy — that’s our mission with our music. And doesn’t the world need a lot more of both hope and joy.

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?

Savanna:

The first people that always come to mind are our family! They truly have carried us throughout our music journey. They have supported us in any and every way they can, and we are so thankful for them!

Mat:

It’s the family, number one. We love to involve them whenever possible because they make the music happen. My wife, Brooke, is the glue that holds the family together. She is an incredible attentive mom and wife, and makes sure the family is being taken care of in our absences. I couldn’t (wouldn’t) do what we do without her.

We have also been mentored by some very generous and talented artists along the way. Peter Hollens reached out and mentored us with our business early on. Jim Brickman has also taken us under his wing and helped our music tremendously. Our management team of Ryan Michaels and Danny Strick has been incredible to us. We feel extremely fortunate to be working with such talented and invested people.

Can you share your favorite life lesson or a favorite quote? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?

Savanna:

One of my favorite quotes/speeches is “The Man In The Arena”.

Mat:

Same! I have this quote on my wall in my office. It talks about being a do-er. About trying even though you know that failure is a part of the process. In this business that can be so scary because failure is public and seen and judged, but we try anyway. “The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena…who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly” — Theodore Roosevelt

If you could have a meal with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?

Mat:

Past or present? Past — Jesus. I have so many questions. And my dad, who passed away when I was 14. I would just like to chat again.

Present — Taylor Swift. I’m not a big “swiftie”, but you have to admit that she has accomplished something monumental. Once in a lifetime kind of success and I would just love to see how someone like that ticks.

How can our readers follow you online?

You can follow us @matandsavanna on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Youtube. Or head to our website at matandsavannamusic.com.

This was very meaningful, thank you so much! We wish you continued success!

About the interviewer: Guernslye Honoré, affectionately known as “Gee-Gee”, is an amalgamation of creativity, vision, and endless enthusiasm. She has elegantly twined the worlds of writing, acting, and digital marketing into an inspiring tapestry of achievement. As the creative genius at the heart of Esma Marketing & Publishing, she leads her team to unprecedented heights with her comprehensive understanding of the industry and her innate flair for innovation. Her boundless passion and sense of purpose radiate from every endeavor she undertakes, turning ideas into reality and creating a realm of infinite possibilities. A true dynamo, Gee-Gee’s name has become synonymous with inspirational leadership and the art of creating success.