Savannah Rae is an all-American country singer-songwriter who proudly hails from San 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 in 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.
This year has been one for the books for the fast-rising artist, performing across the U.S. and releasing music along the way. Her latest release “Little Soldier” beautifully honors our armed forces and sheds light on the struggle of the family members left waiting while their loved ones are gone.
We caught up with Savannah in the midst of her tour to ask her more about herself, her music and what lies ahead for the future star…
Bridge: Tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re all about…
SR: Hi y’all! My name is Savannah Rae and I’m a country singer-songwriter who proudly hails from San Antonio, Texas. My parents introduced me to music at a very young age and started taking me to concerts every weekend. I fell in love watching people perform and was extremely intrigued to try it myself. My parents enrolled me into vocal and guitar lessons and the rest was history! I had my first performance at age 12 at a place called Sam’s Burger Joint and haven’t stopped performing since. I’ve had some amazing opportunities touring intimate and small venues, to performing on main stages like the Texas State Fair (opening for Jason Aldean), and appearances on the American Music Awards and on NBC’s The Voice. I’ve been lucky enough to be a brand ambassador for Boot Barn, Country Outfitter, C Force Water by Chuck Norris, and Miranda Lambert’s clothing line, Idyllwind.
Bridge: Give us some musical heroes in your life…
SR: I am inspired by so many different artists! Some individuals that have greatly impacted my own personal sound are George Strait, Miranda Lambert, Koe Wetzel, Clint Black, and Cody Johnson. I’d like to think I have an interesting mix of those in my music.
Bridge: Where do you find inspiration from as a songwriter?
SR: I find inspiration as a songwriter from my everyday life. From things I have been through and different experiences that I’ve had, to something I see on TV or hear in a conversation. Inspiration is everywhere and I try to stay cognisant and open to it.
Bridge: You absolutely killed it recently at Country Fest, what was your favorite part of that experience?
SR: Country Fest was an absolutely incredible time! Especially opening and closing the show for one of my favorite artists, Jason Aldean. There were so many people there and they gave us the BEST energy. As performers, we often feed off the energy of the crowd. The audience we had that night were so excited and sang every word to every song! They even knew some of my own songs which is one of the best feelings in the world as a songwriter. We can’t wait to go back next year!
Bridge: We have to know all about your latest single, “Little Soldier” – Tell us everything!
SR: My last single called “Little Soldier”, is a sentimental military ballad paying homage to our armed forces and the struggles the people back home go through while their loved ones are away. I’ve been touring all around VFW’s, appearing on military podcasts and radio stations, and speaking to veterans and active duty military. The response has been overwhelming with how the song has touched so many people. I feel so blessed and humbled to be able to support my troops through music.
Bridge: You released the official music video recently as well, was that an emotional shoot for you?
SR: It was definitely an emotional shoot! I tried to focus on the task at hand and not think too much about the sentiment behind it otherwise I definitely would have lost it like I did on the recording. We even had the main actor cry to lend to the story, but she told us they were real tears. Safe to say it was an emotionally charged day!
Bridge: What’s next for you and what big goals do you have for the second half of the year?
SR: I have a lot on the horizon for the last half of the year that I am super excited about. I will be getting back into the studio and writing as much new music as possible. I can’t wait to really hone in on my sound and work on some material that is completely me. I also have some pretty awesome shows coming up for the rest of the year like opening for Jon Pardi, and playing Lake Ozark Music Festival. Touring is my favorite part of my job so I’m ecstatic to get some big shows!
Bridge: We gotta end on a question that we might judge you for…what’s on your playlist when you’re on the road in between shows?
SR: I listen to everything but I do have a few playlists I created that I love! Besides my favorites (George, Miranda, Koe, Clint, Cody), here are some of my most listened to tracks: Trailer Park – Jackson Dean, Yesteryear – Pecos & The Rooftops, 24-7-365 – Josh Abbott Band, Bad Habits – Giovannie & The Hired Guns, Dead Man Walking – Jelly Roll, Met The Devil In Oklahoma – Josh Meloy, Gasoline – Whiskey Myers, Don’t Tell Me – Read Southall Band, 2 Words- Kolby Cooper, and West Texas Rain – Wade Bowen.
