Throughout this record, Becky Shaw exclaims
“Things are changing, and I’m choosing it”
New music Cast Off the Lines
Full solo album out on October 9
“… hypnotically beautiful, present in every word she delivers, emanating strength one moment and fragility the next” (Offbeat Magazine)
Celebrating the release with a show at Eddie’s Attic in Decatur, GA on 11/14
Becky Shaw is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist based in Decatur, Georgia, with the grit and tenderness of a well-worn troubadour. She crafts intimate, emotionally resonant songs touching on themes of longing, separation, loss, and connection. Her second solo album, Cast Off the Lines, was co-produced by Shaw and longtime collaborator Rob Gal at his studio at Lovejoy Farm and will be released on October 9, 2026.
The tracks on this album range from the cinematic anthem of “Angels & Outcasts,” with its Celtic violin riffs and Scottish drums, to quiet ballads (“Fly,” “Lazy River,” “Stay With Me”), to upbeat Americana and country-influenced stylings (“Makin’ Me Smile,” “Round & Round,” “Simon’s Thunder Shirt”), and the moody groove of “Hey Lady.” And a subtle cover of Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You” will leave listeners hanging on every note.
Becky recorded this album in the wake of several losses — family, friends, a beloved dog, and the end of an 18-year run with her Americana band Roxie Watson/Just Roxie — leaving her looking back, looking forward, and asking “what’s next?” Over 9 original tracks and 1 cover, she reclaims several songs from her past bands alongside new material, exploring themes of breaking free from expectations, loving through relationship challenges, and moving forward without knowing exactly where you’re headed.
“Shaw’s interest in experimentation and pushing boundaries is present.” – Rachel Cholst/No Depression
In the studio, Shaw’s sister Dawn Shaw Patrick contributes violin and harmonies on nearly every track. Paul Shaw, an Atlanta singer/songwriter, jazz drummer, and multi-instrumentalist, plays drums. Lauren Spence (Crooked Roots) plays upright bass, and Allen Broyles (Josh Joplin) contributes piano on two tracks. And special guest Abbie Gardner (Red Molly, 2025 Kerrville New Folk Finalist) adds Dobro to “Simon’s Thunder Shirt.”
For “Angels & Outcasts,” Shaw assembled a choir of over 30 queer singers including the Indigo Girls, Katie Dahl, and many friends she’s connected with throughout her musical career — hailing from Atlanta, Seattle, New Orleans, New York, Wisconsin & Savannah — to sing the chorus of “Amazing Grace” on the track “Angels & Outcasts,” lending the song its anthem-like feel.
Some background stories of the songs:
“Angels & Outcasts” – I wrote the lyrics to Angels & Outcasts in the mid-90s in response to anti-gay rhetoric and hate aimed at making my LGBTQ sisters and me and brothers feel like we didn’t belong here, and we should not be allowed to live our lives out in the open. I felt a fierce need to write a song about standing together alongside those who stood up in the past, giving the message “you are not alone.” I co-wrote the music for this song with Steve Dixon, Jeff Norem & Mike Poteet of Reversing Hour. We released it on the album Life Without Television on Amy Ray’s Daemon Records label, but I wanted to put it out now because the message is for today, more than ever. I gathered 30+ queer singers/musicians to record a chorus of Amazing Grace in the solo section. Emily Saliers (Indigo Girls) says of her participation on this song, “I jumped at the chance to sing on Becky’s newest release, Angels & Outcasts. I’ve always loved Becky’s voice and music, and this particular song is one we need right now.”
“Lazy River” – I grew up in Seattle, and my heart will always be drawn to water, boats, clouds… What has saved me here in this land-locked Georgia town is being able to spend time on my favorite north Georgia lake, Lake Nottely. None of the lakes in this state are “natural” – they’re all dammed rivers. So even in what appears to be still water, there is a subtle current, and it slowly takes you where it wants to take you, if you let it. It reminds me of the mysteries in life and death – there are forces we can’t see, just below the surface. A few years ago, I was out on my boat on the lake; I had recently lost my sister, and there was something about being on that boat, on that lake, alone, that gave me both a keen awareness of disorienting separation, and also, strangely, a feeling of peace. The album title, “Cast Off the Lines,” comes from this song – it embodies the theme of moving forward, even if you’re not completely sure where you are going.
“Makin’ Me Smile” – A couple years ago I had a show in Decatur after a hard, stressful day. I walked in to play the show and caught a glimpse of a friend of mine across the room, and I remember it simply made me feel better, seeing his smiling face. He and I got to chat at the end of that show, too, and it really lifted my spirits. I got to thinking about a few people like that who I’m lucky to have in my life, who can make me laugh, make me see things a different way, pull me out of my head for a minute, help me see the light when things seem to have gone dark. This song is for them.
About Becky:
Growing up in the Northwest, Becky’s musical roots are deeply rooted in Americana, classical, and old-country gospel. Her love of singing began at a very early age, influenced by her musical family and singers like Karen Carpenter and Patsy Cline. However, once Becky became the proud owner of her own transistor radio and discovered rock and roll, her life changed forever. The world was her oyster.
Becky is a musician who has spent a lifetime refusing to be pinned down. Armed with guitar, harmonica, drums, flute, accordion, lap steel, and more, she’s built a career on curiosity and craft and has been a long-time member of Atlanta’s vibrant music scene for 30 years. These days, she’s diving into jazz standards with pianist Allen Broyles, still fronting the 70s cover powerhouse Susi French Connection (a gig she’s held since 2000), and just finished out an 18-year run with Atlanta Americana band Roxie Watson/Just Roxie. But it’s her solo singer-songwriter work—intimate, powerful, and achingly honest—that’s now taking center stage.
Over the past 30 years, Becky has shared stages with Indigo Girls, Suzy Bogguss, Caroline Herring, Michelle Malone, and Shawn Mullins. She was also a cast member in “Jesus Christ Superstar: A Resurrection,” featuring Amy Ray & Emily Saliers. She has performed at legendary venues including The Bluebird Café in Nashville, New York’s CBGB’s and the Bitter End, Eddie’s Attic, and The National in Richmond.
As a seasoned artist, Becky engages her audiences with wisdom and restraint. Her songs are happy and sad, lush and sparse, coalescing around her soulful voice and reflecting her gifts as a poet, wordsmith, and vocalist. Whether commanding a storied stage or a living room house concert, Shaw brings a simple but profound motto to every performance: “Be the Song.”
