Shawn Mendes announces new music + mini tour
by Abhilasha Bhattarai | August 13th, 2024
Photo by Connor Brashier | @connerbrashier
Shawn Mendes, the celebrated pop sensation, turned his birthday into a special event for his fans on August 8, 2024, with a significant musical surprise. Marking the occasion, Mendes unveiled not one but two brand-new tracks, “Why Why Why” and “Isn’t That Enough,” both of which are set to feature on his eagerly awaited fifth studio album, Shawn. This dual release has sparked immense excitement and anticipation among his global fanbase.
The song "Why Why Why" comes with a visually captivating music video that adds a deeply personal layer to the listening experience. Directed by Anthony Wilson and Connor Brashier, the video portrays Mendes in a series of poignant scenes that blend the natural and the introspective. We see him strumming his guitar and singing in a picturesque barn and by a peaceful river, which perfectly captures the song’s reflective mood. Interspersed throughout the video are shots of Mendes performing alone on a dimly lit stage, which creates a stark contrast and enhances the emotional depth of the song. The visual elements of the video echo the song’s contemplative nature and emotional weight.
In “Why Why Why,” Mendes explores the intricate emotions associated with a past relationship, weaving a narrative that is both personal and universal. The lyrics provide a raw glimpse into Mendes’s inner world, as he sings, “Visions of her naked in my head / But I went off and chose myself instead.” The song also touches on the profound impact of a life-altering revelation, with Mendes reflecting on the possibility of fatherhood and its emotional repercussions: “I thought I was about to be a father / Shook me to the core I’m still a kid / Sometimes, I still cry out for my mother.” These lines reveal Mendes’s vulnerability and the depth of his introspection, making the song a powerful exploration of personal growth and self-discovery.
In a recent interview with Zane Lowe for Apple Music, Mendes shared his emotional connection to “Why Why Why,” describing it as an anthem-like cry that resonates deeply with him. He explained that the song’s lyrics possess an almost cathartic quality, transforming the song into both a beautiful and intensely felt piece of music. Mendes’s insights into the song’s impact underscore his personal investment in the music and the authenticity he brings to his art.
Photo by Connor Brashier | @connerbrashier
As fans eagerly await the full release of Shawn on October 18, Mendes is generating further excitement with the announcement of a special tour. This tour will see him performing the entire album live, offering fans an exclusive opportunity to experience the new music in its entirety. The tour will feature six shows at iconic theaters across various cities, including Woodstock, London, Nashville, Brooklyn, Los Angeles, and Seattle. The tour commenced on Thursday at Bearsville Theater in Woodstock and will soon continue at Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London. This series of performances is expected to be a remarkable showcase of Mendes’s new work, providing an immersive experience for fans and adding an extra layer of anticipation to the album's release.
With his new music and upcoming tour, Shawn Mendes continues to captivate audiences and solidify his place as one of the most compelling artists of his generation. The dual release of “Why Why Why” and “Isn’t That Enough” marks an exciting new chapter in his career, promising a rich and emotive journey for listeners and concertgoers alike.
See Shawn’s upcoming tour dates below:
Woodstock, NY - August 8th
London, UK - August 13th
Rock In Rio - September 22nd
Nashville, TN - October 14th
Brooklyn, NY - October 18th
Los Angeles, CA - October 22nd
Seattle, WA - October 24th
Corona Capital - November 16th
Listen to Why, Why, Why & Isn’t That Enough Here
