Unless you’ve been completely avoiding the internet during quarantine, you have definitely seen the faces of Mat and Savanna Shaw. This daddy-daughter duo is capturing the hearts of people around the world with their uplifting musical covers. Their story is miraculous and they just released their first single on all streaming platforms. Let’s get to know them!
Related: How a Worldwide Pandemic is Bringing Family Closer Together
How did it start?
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Savanna Shaw is a 15-year-old student from the Kaysville, Utah, area who sings in her school’s choir. She only recently created an Instagram account to keep in touch with her friends during the pandemic. With school and choir practice canceled, she wanted to see what they were up to.
For her first post, she wanted to sing “The Prayer.” However, due to nerves, Savanna asked her dad, Mat Shaw, to help out. Together, they recorded and posted their cover of the beautiful song to Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook.
“After recording (‘The Prayer’) and then listening to it, we were like, ‘Wow, we really have similar voices, and our vibrato is similar. It’s this similar tone that really you can only get from genetics. … Performing with my daughter is like beyond my wildest dreams.” ~ Mat Shaw
Over the next few days, the views on their video kept going up and up. As of now, it has over 6 million views! The world was in awe of their incredible talent. Here’s the cover, just in case you missed it:
What happened next?
In less than a month, Mat and Savanna Shaw had surpassed 100,000 subscribers on YouTube. They were in shock! Your ears can now be blessed with more than 15 covers by the duo.
This father and daughter have also been interviewed by Good Morning America and “The Kelly Clarkson Show!” During another interview with executive producer Ken Davenport, they were surprised with tickets to see Phantom of the Opera on Broadway when COVID-19 is finally over.
“I think if I would’ve known how big it would get, I probably would’ve been a lot more nervous. I’m kind of glad I didn’t know that.” ~ Mat Shaw
Mat and Savanna have also had the opportunity to record and release their first single, “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” for streaming platforms everywhere. While their recording studio may just be Mat’s closet and a microphone, they still sound amazing.
Behind the Scenes
Savanna is the oldest of the 4 kids in her family. Easton is the next oldest (13), followed by Eric (10), and finally Pennie Jean (6). Mat is happily married to Brooke Shaw. They are an active family that really enjoys running. They are also faithful members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! Mat served his mission for the Church in the Philippines.
No, the duo are not professional singers. Mat always had a dream of being on Broadway but ended up getting a degree in accounting from Weber State University to provide for his family. Savanna has always been shy about the spotlight. However, this platform to share their music is something they are both very grateful for.
“I’ve looked up to my dad and his singing and what he can do with it, for my whole life. So, it’s been amazing to be able to sing with him.” ~ Savanna Shaw
Both Mat and Savanna Shaw take voice lessons to improve their skills. However, they didn’t start singing together until just a couple of months ago. To make their covers, they have a family friend who creates the piano arrangements for them. Together, they make a fantastic team.
Their Goals
With the COVID-19 pandemic and other stresses around the world right now, this daddy-daughter duo has one goal in mind: To spread hope and joy. They want to sing messages of light and love. I personally think they are doing an amazing job.
“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. 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.” ~ Mat Shaw
It really can feel dark and depressing when you read the news these days. The Shaw family hopes to brighten up the lives of their followers. They have received countless messages of gratitude so far!
As for the future, no one knows what it holds. Mat and Savanna don’t know if an album or tour will happen any time soon. Right now, they are perfectly content with blessing lives through their YouTube channel. Subscribe to them there or follow them on Facebook or Instagram to keep updated.
“I want to be able to give people hope and I want to be able to let them know that things are really hard right now but I really do think they’re going to be okay,” Savanna said. “I think if we all just work together it’s going to make things a lot better for all of us.”
Related: BYU Vocal Point Discusses Their New Album, COVID-19, and Faith
What other Latter-day Saint musicians are you loving right now? Let us know in the comments below!
Update: Fans can help Mat and Savanna make more music videos and recordings by joining TheShawFam, which is powered by Patreon. You can also contact Mat and Savanna at 447N 300W Suite #2; Kaysville, Utah 84037.
