Shawn McDonald "We Are Brave" Official Music Video, Watch Here (VIDEO)

By Matt Lloyd May 19, 2014 02:02 PM EDT

Shawn McDonald "We Are Brave" Official Music Video, Watch Here (VIDEO)

Capitol Christian Music Group artist Shawn McDonald is riding high off of his first No. 1 radio hit with "We Are Brave" and he released the official music video for the song a few weeks back (watch video above).

"I'm so incredibly grateful that this song as well as the album have been received so well. I certainly didn't expect this and honestly, the news really hasn't sunk in yet!" McDonald shares. "The reality is, I'm super excited that my music is getting out there. I've been at this for so long and even though I've hit walls throughout my career, I'm just trying to make music that's relevant to the listener and music that I believe in. A lot of work and prayer went into this record, and to see it connect with people is really awesome, overwhelming and well, pretty emotional."

Shawn McDonald released his new album, Brave, from Sparrow Records on April 15th. This is his first record of brand new songs in three years. As the follow up to 2013′s unique live-to-tape re-recorded collection, The Analog Sessions, Brave takes this critically revered singer, songwriter and storyteller to a whole new level and pushing him beyond his comfort zone. He worked with producers Chris Stevens (TobyMac, Carrie Underwood, Colton Dixon), Jamie Kenney (Marc Broussard, Erin McCarley) and David Garcia (Group 1 Crew, Britt Nicole).

McDonald explains his approach on this new album. "I've been a singer/songwriter for close to 16 years now and have seen so many elements progress within my music," he shares. "I may have started with just an acoustic guitar and some simple stories, but I've since sought to create art with meaning, messages, thought and depth. This record feels like the deepest I've ever dived in that direction, all while adding considerably to my sound, which is why I called the record Brave. I feel like I'm making art with the same intentions, but there is definitely an increasingly noticeable electronic element on top of the acoustic foundation."

"As an artist, I like to listen to everything out there so I can be aware and aways stretch myself. I have been listening to a lot more upbeat music, which goes hand in hand with my season of life. I've gone through so many years of battling demons, self-discovery, finding myself and coming out stronger in my faith, which has brought me to this season of joyous excitement and energy."

"We Are Brave" is already hitting big at radio. Almost every Hot AC station is playing the song, such as Air1 Network and WBVM in Tampa, and the single debuted on the top 25 on the Hot AC chart. A music video was also filmed for "We Are Brave," set to premiere in early April.

"My goal is to never isolate anyone, but simply to meet people wherever they are at," McDonald sums up about the album. "I just want to show people a glimpse of the journey I'm on, complete with all of its imperfections and the wisdom I've learned along the way. I don't have any agenda other than to make meaningful music that comes passionately from my heart."

Shawn McDonald 2014 Tour Dates (current):

May 23 - Nashville, TN - Rocketown

May 24 - Rocky Mount, VA - Harvester Performance Center

July 27 - Grand Haven, MI - Worship At The Waterfront

Aug 08 - Midland, TX - Rock The Desert Festival

Aug 23 - Fort Smith, AR - Rock the River Festival

Brave - Shawn McDonald Track listing:

1. We Are Brave

2. End Of The Day

3. I Can't Imagine

4. Firefly

5. Hope Is Right Here