Savannah Rae – Typical Texas Girl

By starrymag | December 16, 2021

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) I would describe my sound as rockin’ country. Country music with an edge! Miranda Lambert meets Gretchen Wilson meets Shania Twain with a sprinkle of Koe Wetzel. I was definitely more pop country previously; however, we are really gravitating towards a more organic, guitar driven sound. My two favorite genres have always been rock and country, so finding a way to mesh the two has been a blast!

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) As mentioned before, I love Miranda Lambert and Koe Wetzel. However, George Strait is my favorite artist of all time. In terms of rock I love Motley Crue, Van Halen, and Def Leppard.

 

Q) How did growing up in Texas shape you as an artist?

 

A) I lived down the street from George Strait…enough said, ha! As far as country music goes, there’s just something in the water down there. It’s a different way of life and is pretty much in my blood. If you’re from Texas, you know exactly what I’m talking about. It’s really like its own little country. Some of the most talented people I have ever met, and the best music has come out of Texas. I am so grateful to be from the Lone Star state!

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Typical Texas Girl.”

 

A) “Typical Texas Girl” was inspired by some of the stereotypes Texas girls can often face, and how some people may underestimate us. People see the big hair, the rhinestones, the dressed to the 9’s and automatically assume we are less than. But what they don’t see is how hard-working, resilient, capable and smart Texas girls actually are. Take Miranda Lambert for example, she is all glitz and glamour on stage, but is one of the most down-to-earth and savvy businesswomen. While “TTG” is a fun and energetic song, it does have a deeper rooted meaning. It’s a wise reminder to never judge a book by it’s cover!

 

Q) How did you come to work with Pam Tillis to come up with the song?

 

A) Working with Pam Tillis was a dream come true! I have been listening to Pam ever since I can remember, so to be able to work with somebody I have looked up to all my life was such a wild and humbling experience. When I had the opportunity to collaborate with her through my management, I jumped at the chance! I am very blessed and honored to have her as my mentor as I have learned so much and gained such valuable life lessons and experiences. Writing “Typical Texas Girl” with Pam was inspiring on many levels. Just having her as a co-writer is surreal in itself. She added so much to the song and came up with some of the best lines that really helped shaped the song into what it is! It would not be “Typical Texas Girl” without her! We had a blast writing it and I’m fortunate to have her be a part of a song that means so much to me.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

A) I think this song is extremely relatable to not only Texas girls, but any girls that feel underestimated or judged just by how they look. It’s also a reminder to others to never judge a book by its cover. It’s extremely catchy as well and will definitely stick in your head all day!

 

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

 

A) The video shows exactly what the song is in reference to. It pictures me on a farm, gettin’ down and dirty, doing all the “Typical Texas Girl” things, but showing you can do it all while your hair is up high and with a cute outfit on. It shows we are not limited to either side of the coin, but we can do both!

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) Every song is different. Sometimes I start with lyrics, sometimes with music. It really depends on the song and what I am trying to say. Oftentimes I take a few general ideas, pick out a few chords that I like and just throw some lines out there and see what works. I mostly write about what is going on in my life at the time which does make it easier to really capture those feelings and details.

 

Q) How much of hand do you have in the production of your music?

 

A) I am the main overseer of the production of my music. Between writing the music, I am in the studio every band tracking day, making sure the seven plus different instruments are all combining in a way that reflected what I was hearing in my head when I penned the tune. Even during vocals, if I’m not producing the sound I want, I get out of the booth, listen back to the tracks and try to implement different mechanics within my voice to achieve my desired outcome. So, I think it’s safe to say that I have a large hand in the production of my music, ha!

 

Q) Will there be a full album or EP coming in the near future?

 

A) I am actually working on that as we speak! Not sure whether it will be a full album or EP, but I have been hard at work in the studio recording new material. Got a lot of new songs that I hope to release very soon!

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

 

A) Performing anywhere in Texas, especially San Antonio, is very special to me. It’s always like a hometown show and my fellow Texans are so supportive of me and my music. Very blessed to be from the greatest state!

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) My dream collab would of course be George Strait. I would have succeeded in life if I ever got to sing with him! But on a more realistic note, I would absolutely love to collaborate with Miranda Lambert, Koe Wetzel or any fellow Texas artists!

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

 

A) I have been listening to the latest Cody Johnson album on repeat. My favorites off the album definitely have to be “Human” and “Til’ You Can’t.” They are both incredible pieces of art and so well written. I am SUCH a huge fan of Cody, his music and what he stands for. It’s been a longtime goal of mine to open up for him, so fingers crossed!

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

A) Social media gives me such easy access to anybody that follows me. It’s been great to chat and communicate with the people that support me and my music. It helps me get to know them on a more personal level, and they get to know me better as well. It’s like a big family!

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) Thank you SO much for all the endless support. I wouldn’t be where I am without y’all. From coming to the shows, to grabbing a piece of merch or just leaving a kind comment on my page, it means the world! I am so glad my music resonates with you, and I hope I’m making y’all proud out there! Endlessly thankful for y’all. I can’t wait for this new music and thanks for sticking along for this wild ride.