SHAH was a familiar face around Lawrence for a while. The last time we saw the provocative R&B was performing onstage at the Granada for PRIDE. Now, he’s back in Lawrence with a new release, “Action,”  a throwback to the early 2000’s sounds. We talked with him ahead of the release, which is out now on streaming platforms.

IHLM: Congrats on the new music! The last time we saw you was at PRIDE. Where have you been?

SHAH: Thank you! I remember that show well. It was my first PRIDE. I’ve been everywhere to be honest. I left Lawrence at 19 and lived in downtown Kansas City for three years while still pursuing music. From there, I moved to LA and stayed for two years. I moved back to Lawrence a few months ago but haven’t talked much about it publicly. I feel like i’ve lived a lot of lives since we last caught up.

IHLM: We dig the vintage sound on this track. Why do you think listeners are gravitating towards that early 2000s vibe?

SHAH: That means a lot. I think that era was such an innovative, fresh time for music and media. Something about everyone’s willingness to experiment, mixed with our relationship with technology created a time period that felt very organic. I can’t speak for everyone, but I know it reminds me of when I first fell in love with music that made me want to move my body.

IHLM: So you’re based out of Lawrence now. What would you like to see more of I’m the music scene here?

SHAH: Truthfully, I can’t confidently speak on the Lawrence music scene considering it’s been over five years since I was really in the mix of it. I’d like to see more well-organized investments into the music scene in general though. Resources like the recording studios in the Lawrence Public Library are dope. People, especially the youth, deserve other cool and innovative resources that like.

IHLM: What do you hope listeners will take away form your new music.

SHAH: I hope they feel good and know their worth. Maybe leave with a little inspiration if the shoe fits.