An Interview with Savannah Outen
Savannah Outen | Press
From stripped down guitar covers to heartfelt original songs, Savannah Outen has captured many with her powerhouse vocals. She has amassed over 129 million views on her YouTube channel, where she first started growing her fanbase. Over the years, her fans have grown with her as she began to let them into the intimate parts of her life through her songwriting.
In her most recent single, “What Are We,” she contemplates the state of her relationship asking, “But if we’re holding hands in public / And too scared to call it somethin / Then what are we?” This is a question many millennials in undefined situationships can relate to. She interrogates the complex dance that those in the dating world often perform, when we de-prioritize communication and in Outen’s words, “When we feel but never say it.” She truly shines in this song, both vocally and lyrically, validating her own frustrations while showing the listener that it is okay to ask for answers and seek clarity.
We recently got to chat with Savannah and talked about her creative process, her experience as a woman in the music industry and of course, situationships.
How would you describe the evolution of your voice, writing, and overall artistry since first starting on YouTube?
I’d like to think a part of me has stayed the same since the beginning, but I've grown SO much- from the way I write and what I write about, to my vocals being more powerful. I have a stronger sense of self. All of this naturally comes over time, but I’m loving this journey & continue to evolve every single day.
How did your creative process change as a result of the pandemic? Did you experience any creative blocks and if so, how did you overcome them?
The first couple months were terrifying. I was by myself and missed my parents and friends so much. But I also knew there was never going to be another moment like this where I’d have no plans/no schedule. This was the time to write all the songs I was too scared to write before. So I fell in love with writing by myself all over again. It’s easy to get comfortable with co-writing & depend on others in the room to come up with the next best idea. There were a lot of late nights with me, myself and I making songs on my bedroom floor, just like I started when I was 13 (except now wine is involved).
What was the inspiration behind “What Are We?” Have you played it for the person you wrote it about?
Oh just a typical situationship! I was dating this guy for 6 months, so I knew it was time for the “What Are We” talk. I went to the studio and wrote everything I wanted to say to him in person. I never played it for him though because he moved across the country a few weeks later lol. And that’s another song you’ll be hearing this year!
The release of “What Are We” was much more spontaneous than previous releases of yours. How did it feel to release a song in this way?
It was really exciting actually! The process was more stressful because the deadline was quick, but I kept watching the views come in every hour on this 7 second clip I posted on Reels and TikTok. My gut kept telling me to put the song out ASAP, and the biggest thing I’ve learned in this industry is you always listen to your intuition ;)
In what settings is the gender divide within the music industry most apparent to you? How do you deal with it and what advice would you give to young women pursuing music?
All the women I know in this industry are REAL risk takers and get things done with no other motive than their belief in it. Unfortunately, female songwriters and producers rarely get the attention they deserve. Music is music and it shouldn’t matter what gender or color is creating it. If it’s great, the world needs to hear it.
My advice to women is to continue working, be bold and get your voice out there because one day you will be heard and you’ll be apart of history.
Being a singer-songwriter is a job where your personal and professional life are intricately intertwined. Is it hard to separate Savannah the artist from Savannah the person?
Oddly enough, I'm a much more open book in my music than I am in real life. I'm very private and keep my circle small in my personal life, yet share the most vulnerable parts of me in my music. I think because writing is so therapeutic for not only me, but the listener too. My favorite artists are the ones who make you feel like they're your best friends; Joni Mitchell, Sara Bareilles, Adele & Kacey Musgraves. If you feel like you know me, you grow with me, and that's what has kept my relationship with my day one followers so strong.
What is your most memorable moment with a fan?
I’ve had some really wonderful encounters that’ll stay with me forever, but a moment I hold close to me happened back in 2008 when I was opening for Nat & Alex Wolff. I was having an off day, had a tricky soundcheck & was super nervous, so I went for a walk around the venue in New Orleans. After a few minutes, I bumped into this group of girls with t-shirts that spelled out “I Heart Savannah”. This industry can be so discouraging and soul crushing, so moments like this make it all worth it. I ran over and gave them the biggest hug, feeling so lucky.
What is the most important thing you want listeners to take away from your music?
All I’ve ever wanted is to write music that connects with people without having to have some crazy gimmick. I just want you to feel like I’m giving you a big hug. It’s ok to not have life figured out. It’s ok to not have found your soulmate yet. It’s OK to be 100% who you are because that’s so liberating!
What is one bucket list goal you hope to achieve?
I just want longevity in my career and to continue to grow with my music and be bold, but if I had to choose, a big bucket list goal for me is to perform on SNL. That show has shaped me into who I am. I've dreamed of singing on that iconic stage since I was 10 years old.
What can fans expect from you over the next year?
Virtual shows, merch and so many new songs! I’ve never released this much music consecutively and I’m excited for everyone to get a better understanding of who I am as an artist and person.
“What Are We” by Savannah Outen is available for streaming now on all music platforms.