Rustically charming, brimming with golden country-folk tones and earthy, laidback feels plus an engaging voice that envelops itself around your senses, Western Australian singer-songwriter Savanah Solomon is an emerging talent.
Formerly of indie outfit Savanah & The Strays, the last couple of years has seen Savanah forge her own solo path releasing the singles 'Lost In Love' and 'Rainbow' in 2021.2022 saw Solomon continue to evolve her live show by being a regular traveller of WA in her van she's called Shiloh, playing gigs with just her voice and guitar all across the state.
She has also been working on material for her debut EP, with the title track 'Where The River Meets The Sea' released last month. In April, Savanah plans to release another EP single, 'The Desert', ahead of a couple of shows in May and June.
Your new single is 'Where the River Meets The Sea' and is the title track of your upcoming EP... it's a heartfelt track about outgrowing your past as the future beckons; how does the song showcase your current sonic incarnation and did you know from the start it'd be the lead single of your next EP?
I wrote 'Where The River Meets The Sea' in October last year. . . two months before we headed into the studio, and I instantly knew that it would be the title track of the EP.
I can't exactly explain why I chose this song, but when you know you know. It is a powerful song that has a way of pulling you in to the story. I have a really strong emotional connection to this song – and the song signifies strength, growth and change over the last two years for me as a person.
I guess in saying that, it also signifies my growth as a singer-songwriter. My vocals sound unreal, the production is ace, and I honestly believe it's the best song I've ever written.
The track was recorded, produced and mixed by Josh Dyson at Villa Studio, and mastered by Simon Struthers at Forensic Audio Studio; what they did each bring to the final mix?
I had such a fun time working with Josh; he is so enthusiastic about music and is a pleasure to work with.
Heading into the studio I didn't necessarily have the strongest visions for the production of these songs, but Josh just understood my style and what I wanted to capture.
Josh has a way of 'enhancing' the songs without ever changing the core/ essence of the tune, which I think is super important. I honestly feel that he believes in my music – and is just as passionate about my music as I am; he played bass, keyboard and guitar on my EP.
Simon really helped to enhance the different vibe of each track, while bringing the tracks together in the context of the overall EP.
The next release you have is titled 'The Desert'; what's the song's genesis and how does it complement 'Where The River Meets The Sea' single and EP overall?
I wrote 'The Desert' about four years ago after a trip to Broome.
I had just passed the Sandfire Roadhouse heading north and was completely surrounded by semi-arid land. The red haze and blue horizon, and the nothingness that completely surrounded me just really hit me. I was born in Derby and grew up in Broome, so in some ways whenever I see Pindan it feels like I'm heading home.
'The Desert' really captures what that felt like for me, and the importance of spending time in nature. We are all intrinsically connected to nature, which can be a healing experience. It honestly took me a while to choose the second single of the EP. Each song on this album has a completely different sound, which I'm super proud of, so it was hard to choose.
But 'The Desert' is my favourite recording on the EP hands down; it is enchanting and ethereal, and totally different to any song I've ever written. It showcases my versatility as a musician and songwriter. 'The Desert' will be available on all platforms on 17 April.
How autobiographical are your songs... do you draw a lot of lyrical inspiration from your own life experiences?
I would say that the majority of my songs are autobiographical. Even the songs that aren't necessarily written about my life, are written about people I know, their life and/ or conversations I've had with them. Everything I write about I have a level of connection to.
On the flipside; are there specific artists or genres that you find yourself influenced by, even subconsciously?
I find that I am influenced by a lot of folk, country and rock music. I grew up listening to a lot of my parents' music, such as The Eagles, Tom Petty, Neil Young, CCR etc. which has been a huge influence, and I have always received great inspiration from the likes of Jewel, Joni Mitchell, and The Waifs.
You have a couple of launch shows happening in Perth and Fremantle; what can you share on that front, and do you have plans for a tour to east-coast Australia?
I'm launching my EP at the Seabird Tavern 13 May with support from roots/ blues artist Tracey Barnett. I will also be doing a second launch in June in Fremantle, which is yet to be announced.
The launch in Freo will also be a double launch with a lovely folk-indie sister duo, and also a one-off band show, which is super exciting. An east-coast tour is definitely on the cards, but for now my eyes are set on a WA tour.
'Where The River Meets The Sea' is your first new music since 2021 singles 'Lost In Love' and 'Rainbow'; creatively, what has occupied your time during the last year or so?
2022 was a quiet year for me in regards to songwriting. I did a lot of travelling throughout the year – and played some amazing shows – which gave me a chance to recharge and rejuvenate, and to refuel my creative cup.
Creativity ebbs and flows – and I feel like as an artist you have to learn to ride that flow, and to embrace it.
You used to front the band Savanah & The Strays; how important was that chapter of your career shaping your creative direction as well as building the skills required to become a full-time indie musician?
Savanah & The Strays was my first time starting out in the music industry. Like many musicians, you learn as you go – and I have always been on a constant learning curve, and still am. I have refined my skills throughout the years, and have a more assured creative direction.
An artist's sound is always ever-evolving, and you need to learn to trust your creative vision. I've also learnt to be more confident and to stay true to myself, and to not take things too personally.
You recently returned from performing at Nannup Music Festival; how was that experience and what were some of the highlights as a punter at the festival?
Nannup Music Festival was such a fun time. The highlights for me were seeing so many friends killing it on stage, discovering so many new artists, and performing at the beautiful Town Hall on my birthday. I had such an attentive audience, the sound was incredible, and at the end of my set everyone sang 'Happy Birthday' to me, which was super special.
You have been travelling Western Australia regularly with your van that you've named Shiloh. . . just back from Nannup as well as an adventure to Karijini last year – what is it about the open road and finding yourself in faraway locations that inspires your travel routine?
I love hitting the road and challenging myself to some extent – being in new environments, exploring new places and meeting new people is what it's all about. I find that I am always more open and receptive to new things when I am travelling.
As an avid traveller, what are a couple of destinations you highly rate for others to explore?
Karijini is one of my favourite places – it is such a beautiful part of the world; to think that some of those rocks are billions of years old just blows my mind.
Exmouth is another special place too – whenever I do visit, I never want to leave. Turquoise Bay and Charles Knife Canyon are a must. And Broome, they have the best beaches which I miss, and you can't beat that red dirt!
Judging by your social media, 2023 is going to be a busy year with lots of creative growth; what else do you have in the pipeline and how far advanced do you plan/ schedule your music/ shows etc?
I've got shows booked three months in advance for now – and I definitely think a WA tour is on the cards.
I'd love to do a couple of over east shows, so who knows where 2023 is going to take me. I might even record some new tunes towards the end of the year. It's an exciting year ahead.
