Upstate Etiquette Sessions:
Savannah Harmon
Savannah Harmon stems from New York, a state that has a history for producing some of the toughest & most strong-willed individuals. She also comes from a family whose values are the very definitions of well-balanced and supportive. Inspired by the classic icon Johnny Cash and most recent success, Maren Morris, this talented entertainer began honing her craft at the age of six by accepting roles in local musical productions like The Sound of Music and A Christmas Carol.
“I played Gretel in The Sound of Music, which meant I was constantly learning complicated pieces. Due to all the movement around stage, I was forced to learn vocal control. However, I was so little that I didn’t really remember what I’d learned until I picked up vocal lessons this past Spring and re-learned everything I was taught.”
Savannah spent most of her childhood living in a place where independent spirits and an energetic community come together in perfect harmony; Syracuse, New York. That community characteristic taught Harmon the importance of focusing on the things that truly matter & doing what makes you happy.
“My hometown is basically on top of a swamp. So, it’s really not that exciting, but all my stories that turned into songs took place here, and it will always be close to my heart.”
As an adolescent, Savannah attended private school before shifting to private school in the 6th grade. Home school forced her to constantly be around family. Some would say this may cause some tension in a family but Savannah says it only strengthened their bond. This life experience set her up for success when it came to exercising patience.
“Being private schooled until 5th grade meant there were not any sports or extra curricular activities I could join. I mean, we did have a pinecone fight in 5th grade, but that’s definitely not a sport and we all got written up for it.”
Knowing exactly where she wanted her passion for music to take her, Savannah began what she refers to as the University of Life. This self-taught academy allows for her to work on her music career full-time.
“If that fails, I’ll find somewhere to go where I can become a crime scene investigator and catch serial killers full-time.”
Savannah’s musical influences showed her the importance of connecting to a crowd and capturing their attention through her lyrics and her performance. Her sincerity & passionate delivery of her art commands attention when she steps on to the stage night after night. From the moment she walks on stage; towing her guitar in hand , her fans know they’re in for a fun night and a performance that they won’t soon forget.
“I love how music constantly evolves. However, I think reverting back to the old creates a sturdy foundation on which you can create a new sound.”
Savannah’s self-titled EP, which she is currently recording & still writing for will hit country radio in 2018. It is sure to showcase her love of multiple genres. Prioritizing the project with the sound and honesty of country music, combined with the melodic catchiness of Pop, the soul/emotion of Blues and the musical complexity/richness of Rock & Roll.
“The next project is going to be a story of where I was when I was 16 to where I am now. Every song is written either for a specific person or situation, and I can’t wait for people to hear it. I’m not the young girl I used to be, at all-3 years can do a lot to a person, and I want everyone to know exactly what I’m about!”
Savannah uses the same principles that her musical influence Johnny Cash used; writing lyrics down on napkins and writing exclusively from experience, or from the heart. She believes that if the lyrics are honest and the lyrics come from a real place, that song immediately stands out from the others.
“Real stuff is all I ever want to write about. Then, when I take that song to the stage it’ll translate into a real performance.”
When asked about what advice she would give to someone entering the music industry, Savannah had this to say. “Work your butt off! Trust very, very few people. Always be willing to lend someone a helping hand and never forget the ones who lent you theirs.”
Thank you Savannah!
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