Savannah Conley is an incredible vocalist who was recently named to Rolling Stone’s “Artists You Need to Know,” and spent the last year touring with everyone from The Head and the Heart, Vance Joy, Anderson East, Brent Cobb, and will be opening for Ben Folds on Thursday at The Taft Theatre.
Savannah Conley was raised in the thick of Nashville’s vibrant music scene, and it shows. Born to a touring guitarist and background singer, she has inherited stunning musical ability, not to mention the tender lyricism for which Nashville artists are known.
I was delighted to chat with Savannah prior to the show on Thursday!
Tell us what to expect at a live show…
Well this one is just me solo, so it’s definitely way more relaxed than a full band set. It’s basically just me playing the songs exactly how they were written and saying a bunch of dumb shit.
Was music always what you wanted to do?
Yes. For a while I tried to act like it wasn’t, or convince myself it wasn’t rather. But, I’ve always known, whether I was admitting it or not.
Who were some of your early influences? And now?
When I was young, I loved a lot of female power houses. Bonnie Raitt, Stevie Nicks, Emmylou Harris. As I got older, the indie rock scene started forming more in Nashville where I’m from. Jack White moved to town, Kings of Leon. Then, I got super into any sad Brit rock from that point on. Right now, a couple current bands I’m into are Same Fender and The Japanese House.
You have opened for some heavy hitters, what is your favorite memory so far of being on the road?
Oh man I have a ton. I’m currently on the road with Ben Folds, and he is one of the most inspiring people I’ve ever been around. I love seeing his show change from night to night.
What’s in the works / next for you?
After this tour, I’m out with CAAMP in December. Ohio boys! Also working on new music right now with a release date pending.
