Parvati Shallow, known as reality television’s “Black Widow,” has ventured into the music scene with her new punk song “Nice Girls Don’t Win.” The track, created in collaboration with fellow Survivor alumnus Ben Katzman, serves as the unofficial theme for Shallow’s debut memoir of the same name, which is now available.
The song is a brisk two-minute anthem that captures a spirited punk energy. It was written, recorded, and filmed all in one afternoon during the taping of Katzman’s podcast, Masters of Reality, which is set to launch on July 14, 2024. In the accompanying music video, Shallow is seen leaning out of a silver convertible, delivering the bold lyric, “Don’t be a fool, don’t be anybody’s wife,” while Katzman plays guitar in the backseat. The visual style of the video evokes elements reminiscent of classic films like Fast Times at Ridgemont High.
Shallow’s Journey and Musical Influences
Shallow’s memoir, titled Nice Girls Don’t Win: How I Burned It All Down to Claim My Power, outlines her transformation from a “villain-edited” contestant on reality television to a mindfulness teacher and empowerment advocate. This personal evolution is reflected in her new musical endeavor, where she embraces a punk persona.
Before recording the track, Shallow and Katzman engaged in a ritual by lighting a prayer candle, expressing their reverence for the rock gods. Despite identifying more with hip-hop, Shallow has a deep appreciation for rock music, citing bands like The Darkness and No Doubt. Notably, she has mentioned Gwen Stefani’s “Hollaback Girl” as her motivational song while training for Survivor: Australia vs. the World.
Katzman, whose artistic work often melds music and reality television, is set to release his upcoming album Tears on the Beach in 2024. This project features collaborations between indie rock artists and reality stars, including pairings like Marisa Dabice from Mannequin Pussy with Dee Valladares, the winner of Season 45.
Masters of Reality and Future Performances
On Masters of Reality, Katzman interviews musicians and reality television alumni, exploring themes of creativity and personal reinvention. His approach emphasizes the cathartic power of art and the unexpected directions that careers can take.
In addition to his work with Shallow, Katzman is scheduled to perform select shows across the United States this summer. He will open for Def Leppard in July and participate in the Mile of Music festival in August.
For those interested, the full episode of Masters of Reality featuring this collaboration can be viewed online or streamed on platforms such as Spotify and Apple Podcasts. This latest venture marks an exciting chapter for both Shallow and Katzman, blending their distinct backgrounds into a fresh musical experience.
