Check out our interview with American singer/songwriter Savannah Rae who just released her latest hit single “Soft Place to Land.”
This native Texan is diverse in her talents and supports all genres, but has a great love for all things country and progressive. This young entertainer has been performing across the nation from intimate venues to main stages. Just recently, she has performed on the American Music Awards, The Voice and Roland Studio Sessions.
At a very young age, Savannah began taking vocal and guitar lessons as a way to promote herself in talent contests. She fell in love with performing on stage, and the rest as they say, is history.
Follow Savannah @thesavannahrae
Hi Savannah, please tell us a little about you?
Hi there! Thank you for having me. I am a country singer and songwriter from San Antonio, Texas.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Honest, Loyal, and Authentic
We’re sure you have been asked this million times but how did you get in the industry?
I have my parents to thank for being so influential for my love of music. Ever since I was young, they introduced me to a plethora of different genres and I have always just loved music as a whole. I started going to concerts when I was around 10 and that really cemented my infatuation with the art. I remember going to an Evanescence concert in San Antonio at that age, and I was in such awe of Amy Lee and her talent. I turned to my mom and told her that I wanted to be JUST like Amy and perform. So, my parents supported me and stuck me into guitar and vocal lessons and the rest was history! I decided music was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life!
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Upbeat, Edgy, Energetic
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
I have many influences across ALL genres. Specifically in my genre though, I am incredibly influenced by George Strait, Miranda Lambert, Gretchen Wilson and Koe Wetzel. I chose music as it has always been there for me and I am just obsessed with all things music. I cannot see myself doing anything other than music.
Do you play any instrument?
I play guitar and piano! I would also love to learn how to play bass and drums.
Do you ever get nervous?
I actually used to have very bad stage fright. I was a very shy kid growing up, so it’s pretty ironic the career choice I chose for myself. However, as the years passed and the more shows I played, I got used to performing on stage. I do however think a certain amount of nervousness is good. I am always anxious to get up there on stage and have a blast!
Tell us about your new single “SOFT PLACE TO LAND?”
Soft Place to Land was what we like to call a “happy accident”. I actually went into the studio to record a completely different song. It ended up taking most of the day but we had a little bit of time left over. So, Britton Cameron (credits like Dillon Carmichael, Jon Pardi), my co-writer, started fiddling around on the guitar and I started messing with melodies. Around 45 minutes later, Soft Place to Land was born. I had a great feeling about the song and shared it with my team and they all agreed. I went in and recorded it a couple weeks later and it was done!
What’s the story behind the song?
Britton and I wanted to convey a message of what it’s like to be a traveling musician. How you’re always on the road and never really know where you are going to end up. You sometimes never even know where you’re going to sleep for the night or what the next days drive looks like. You’re always on the go, but sometimes do dream of a place that you will stay and put down roots. Wherever and whatever that place may be, it’s always the hope it will be a nice, soft place to land!
Did you had plans/concerts planned and cancelled because of COVID? If so have you done any online concerts or interaction with your fans?
2020 was supposed to be a big year for me, as with many people in my line of work. I played the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo in February 2020, and was headed on down to the Houston Stock Show and Rodeo in March a few days later. I was about to leave for the show, and then they cancelled everything. Shortly after that, every event got cancelled across the US. I had about 84 festivals, fairs, and large shows that year and was supposed to be on the road for around 250 days out of the year. The SA Stock Show was the last show I played until December of 2020. For somebody who absolutely LIVES for live shows, 9 months was a long time! However, I filled the “time off” with writing sessions, recording sessions, and really interacting and connecting with people online and on social media. I did a ton of livestreams and virtual concerts and had a blast sitting back and perfecting my craft.
Which project is still on your bucket list?
I have SO many goals for myself. I want to play all of the fairs and festivals that got cancelled in 2020 and fingers crossed they come back this year or the next! I would love to get my songs on esteemed stations like The Highway. I would love to play to Opry. I want to collaborate with people that I have looked up to all of my life like Miranda Lambert. I have BIG dreams but I am going to work to give myself the best chance of making it all happen!
What is fun and rewarding about what you do? And what’s not?
The best part about what I do is the live shows and getting to meet the people who enjoy my music. Live shows are my bread and butter. There is nothing I love more than being on tour! If I could tour all the time, every day, I totally would! I am obsessed with it. I think the hardest thing about what I do is the work that I have to do behind the scenes. It’s not just the actual “music”. I sometimes have to be my own booking agent, graphic designer, social media manager, promoter, marketer, and roadie. There are many hats that I wear but luckily I have a great team that help me out as much as they can to take some of those smaller tasks off my hands so I can just focus on the music!
What’s next for Savannah Rae in 2021?
I hope to continue promoting and sharing this new single “Soft Place to Land”. Like I said before, I have been doing a lot of writing and recording over the past year and I would LOVE to get some of that music out there into the world and show everybody what I’ve been working on. Definitely going to be releasing some new videos as well. With things now opening up more, I am really vying to get back out on the road! I can’t wait!
What is you favorite song? And why?
One of my favorite songs of all time is “Run” by George Strait. Being from Texas, George is the king and will always be the king. He is one of my absolute favorite artists of all time, if not my absolute favorite. “Run” is just one of those tracks that spoke to me ever since the first time I heard it. Whether it’s the melodies, the slide, the lyrical context, even just the key of the song, I have been absolutely in love with it ever since I can remember!
Any loves other than music?
I love the outdoors, fishing, hiking, netflix, photography, traveling, and food!
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
George Strait! Hands down! He is the king. I’d love to pick his brain about music and the industry. That kind of wisdom would be priceless! And then I would ask him if he would sing “Run” with me!
Best advice ever given?
”Commit”. Just that word! A random guy in an elevator was telling his friend who was struggling to pick a floor, “just pick one, commit!” As little and miniscule that may seem, he completely changed my life with that. It may have been how he said it, or what he said, but I took it to heart. Don’t waste time lollygagging around. Pick something, commit, and see what happens! After all, you never know what could happen. So commit!
How’s a typical day in your life?
A typical day in my life is filled with the many hats of music! From sharing my new music, to finding places to play, to making connections, to sharing on social media, all the way to practice time, there is always something music oriented to do!
Name one your strengths?
Determination! Once I set my mind to something, I will do my very, absolute best, to get it done!
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
A perfect sunday would be going fishing for the day, coming back home to a football game on the tv or a movie, and grilling some steaks!
What is you favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
I have been absolutely obsessed with Morgan Wallen’s most recent album. I have been listening to it on repeat and always crank those up in the car!
What is your own definition of happiness?
Happiness varies for every person, but I think happiness for me is being content with where I am in life. When you know that life is good and you just can’t help but smile. You give thanks for all your blessing and opportunities in your life. You’re making a positive difference in not only your life, but also in the lives of others and doing some good in the world.
Do you support any charities?
I have supported many anti-bullying charities like the Teen Nation Tour and various hospices in and around Texas and great organizations like the Ryan Seacrest Foundation in hospitals.
What is your favorite healthy food?
I love smoothies!
And your favorite cheat food?
PASTA! I could eat fettucine alfredo for every single meal and I would never get tired of it!
What would be a deal breaker on a first date?
Honesty is the biggest thing for me! If I found out somebody was disloyal or dishonest, that would be a deal breaker for me.
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
I hope that I will have accomplished many of the goals I have set for myself in 5 years, such as large tours, opening up for great acts, performances like the Opry, having my songs on the radio, and making music that people can connect with.
How would you describe your fashion style?
My style is very western and edgy country. I love anything with black leather, studs, cowboy boots, Wranglers, and a Stetson cowboy hat!
What do you think of Social Media?
I think social media is a great tool to help push my music and really connect with the people who listen to my songs. It helps me reach new audiences that I would not be able to reach without it and even opens me up to working with awesome brands like Boot Barn, Country Outfitter, C Force water by Chuck Norris, and Idyllwind by Miranda Lambert. There are of course downsides to social media such as spending too much time on it, or getting too involved in the metrics of everything but I think I can keep a good balance.
Where we can follow you?
You can follow me on any social media @thesavannahrae
Quote: “Happiness can be found even in the darkest of places, if one only remembers to turn on the light” – Albus Dumbledore
Movie: Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Warm Bodies, Gone in Sixty Seconds
Travel Destination: Scotland
Sports Team: Dallas Cowboys
