Antonio, Texas. Born into a music and arts loving family, Savannah’s own journey to becoming a fast-rising entertainer and songwriter was inspired by a trip to an Evanescence concert in 2009.
Not long after that, at age 11, she was enrolled into vocal and guitar lessons at GRAMMY award winning Michael Morales’ Rockstar Academy. More recently Savannah has given performances in intimate venues around Texas, all the way to the main stage of the Texas State Fair in 2016 where she opened for Jason Aldean. She’s also made appearances on American Music Awards, and on NBC’s The Voice, along with being a brand ambassador for Boot Barn, Country Outfitter, C Force Water by Chuck Norris, and Miranda Lambert’s clothing line, Idyllwind.
Throughout 2021 Savannah will release a series of new songs that she wrote with iconic Nashville songwriters Britton Cameron, Holly Lamar, and country music icon Pam Tillis.
Interview with Savannah Rae:
AIM: First of all, it is a real honor and pleasure to speak to you on All Indie Magazine! How amazing was your experience to appear on American Music Awards and on NBC"s The Voice?
SR: Appearing on the American Music Awards and The Voice with Demi Lovato was such an incredible and mind-blowing experience. Working with somebody of that caliber and of that talent that I grew up watching on tv, was a remarkable and full circle moment for me. I learned so many valuable lessons and really understood what production is like on that large of a scale. Absolutely blew my mind to think that millions of people saw those performances and I am so blessed to have been a part of it!
AIM: In all your adventures and getting to meet so many famous people, what person was your all time favorite meet up?
SR: I met Amy Lee from Evanescence backstage after a concert and she was the sweetest person ever! From the moment I said hello, I could just tell she was such a genuine person. We talked about music and had a great time and even got a few pictures!
AIM: So, let's go back to how it all started for you. When did music become the thing you wanted to pursue more than anything?
SR: I have to credit my parents for instilling a huge love for music within me. They introduced me to so many different types of music and various genres as I was growing up. When I was around 11 years old, they started taking me to concerts and I was enamored from the first one. However, I specifically remember when I decided I wanted to pursue music. Funnily enough, it was watching Amy Lee at an Evanescence concert. I just thought she was incredible and I told my mom that I wanted to be like her and give music a shot. My parents took me seriously and enrolled me into vocal and guitar lessons and after my first time performing on stage, I was sold. I decided then and there that music was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
AIM: Does music run in your family? Who can you attribute your talent to?
SR: Apart from the sheer love and appreciation of music that runs in my family, I cannot think of anybody that is musically inclined. I think I'm the first of my family to pursue it on a level more than just singing in the car! My dad did pick up bass a few years ago, though.
AIM: What music artists has had the most influence on your career?
SR: I find myself extremely influenced by George Strait, Miranda Lambert, and Koe Wetzel. George, as he is the king of country music and always will be in my book. I grew up listening to him and fun fact: I lived right down the street from him! Miranda Lambert, as she is everything I want to be as an artist! I respect her so much for always being so authentically Miranda. She is an incredible business woman and a true Texas girl, and has such great music. Koe, as he brings a new sound to country music and makes no apologies for who he is. He bridges the gap between rock and country that I hope to encapsulate myself in my music.
AIM: So, you're from San Antonio. It's such a beautiful and amazing city. How has this town been an influence on your career in music?
SR: Being from San Antonio has influenced my sound in many different aspects. Having George Strait basically be the king of Texas and right down the street from me, has given me a great appreciation for pure country music. When you think of Texas, you think of artists like him. Music like that comes from the very ground we walk on and is ingrained in us since birth. Must be something in the water! I'm also influenced by the Hispanic culture in SA. Being Mexican myself, I hope to bring a little of that flair in the coming records. Being from Texas is just a way of life and if you are from there or have lived there for a while, you know exactly what I'm talking about. It will always be a part of me no matter where I go!
AIM: Do you write your own songs? What's your writing process?
SR: Yes, I write my own songs! Every songwriting process is different for each song which definitely keeps things interesting. Sometimes I come up with the entire thing and take it to another writer or producer for some minor tweaks. At times I co-write with another person and we write something based off an idea one of us brings to the table. Occasionally, I'm given some music from my producer that I will write around. I'm so lucky to be able to work with such talented people! We all feed off of each other and always have so many different ideas floating around and various writing styles. It always keeps things fresh and new!
AIM: How about your recordings. Who have you worked with to record your music? Do you travel to a studio outside of Texas?
SR: I have worked with many people in and outside of Texas. Most recently I have worked with Britton Cameron (Jon Pardi, Dillon Carmichael), Kelly Shoenfeld (Collin Raye, Kenny Chesney, Sara Evans), Bill McDermott (George Strait, Tim McGraw, Martina McBride) and Jeff Huskins (Clint Black, Carrie Underwood, Shania Twain, Toby Keith). Working with producers of this caliber has helped me learn so much about the craft, and my music itself.
AIM: You recently released a trailer for your upcoming music video, "Typical Texas Girl" and it already has over 21 thousand views and growing. Tell us about this video. Who is your director and when can we all finally see the full video?
SR: Across all the platforms, the trailer has passed 174,000 views already! This blows my mind! Very excited to get the full video out there on Monday, August 9th, premiering on The Country Network. Without giving too much away, this video shows me working a farm and all the various aspects of it! I wanted to visually represent what I think of when I say, 'Typical Texas Girl". This was shot and directed by award winning cinematographer, J.B. Lawrence and was such a blast to film! Can't wait for everybody to see it.
AIM: You haven't released a whole lot of music. What has been the best part of your journey so far?
SR: I have been professionally doing music since I was 12 years old, and I am 22 now. It has been a decade of pursuing this love of mine. In this time, I was finding my sound and finding who I was as an artist. I actually have a ton of music out there in different genres from rock, alternative, pop, even show tunes! I just love music in all forms. Throughout this decade, I was also growing up and my interests were constantly changing, hence all the different genres. I have always been a red dirt country girl at heart, it was just fun to experiment as those formative years of mine were the perfect time to explore. My favorite part of my journey so far is that in itself: the journey. While I still love all music, all that traveling around really helped me hone in on who I am as an artist and what that sounds like. I think I really landed on my true sound and the music that I want to make, while staying authentically myself.
AIM: Can you share some of your plans with us? What can we expect in the coming months?
SR: I hope to get back out on the road again! I had about 250 days out of 360 days of 2020 that I was supposed to be on the road that of course, got cancelled. However, I am itching to get back to touring as that is my favorite thing to do. I always say that if I could be on tour every single day, I totally would. While everybody is still a little hesitant, we're definitely getting some shows booked for the remainder of the year. In addition, I hope to continue writing all the time and getting into the studio as much as possible. I plan to release some more material before the end of the year.
AIM: When you're not creating new music, what is your favorite pastime?
SR: I love cooking, photography, diy'ing, thrifting, and netflix!
AIM: Give us your Top three all time favorite movies?
SR: Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and Warm Bodies!
AIM: Who are your top three favorite music artists of TODAY?
SR: Koe Wetzel, Carly Pearce, and Cody Johnson.
AIM: Name your top three ALL TIME favorite country artists?
SR: George Strait, Miranda Lambert, Clint Black
AIM: If you could open a major act or be on a festival circuit, who would you want to share the stage with?
SR: I would love to share the stage with anybody previously mentioned! I would die a happy woman if I ever got to share a stage with George. I also think that my style of music would mesh really well with Miranda and Koe.
AIM: Thank you so much for coming on All Indie Magazine. We can't wait for the release of your music video and see what happens next!
SR: Thank you so much for having me and thank you so much for the support!
Events
September 14, Showcase
Nashville, TN
September 17-18, New Mexico State Fair
Abq, NM
September 24, Ozona Grill, KORA Radio
College Station, TX
Find more of Savannah Rae at:
https://www.instagram.com/thesavannahrae/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYHbR5W_d0IECn31rAphSTw/featured
No comments:
Post a Comment