Pop Culturalist Chats with Savannah Outen

Savannah Outen’s talent is undeniable and her success is a testament to hard work and dedication. She first burst onto the scene in 2007 when she started posting incredible covers on her YouTube channel. Since then, she’s gone on to perform at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and set records including having the highest rated single by an unsigned artist in Radio Disney history. But 2017 might be Savannah’s biggest year yet. She just released “Coins”, the first single off her highly-anticipated new EP (out later this year). Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to chat with Savannah about her new EP, her songwriting process, and the possibility of a tour.

PC: When did you realize you wanted to be a musician?
Savannah: I grew up singing my whole childhood. I would harmonize to the radio, make up songs, and glue myself to TRL to study music videos. I never knew music could be a career, until I saw *NSYNC in concert. Then I realized I wanted to be on the stage, not just in the audience.

PC: You started out by posting covers on YouTube, how do you think social media and other digital platforms have really changed the music industry?
Savannah: It has changed the music industry forever. It’s completely changed the way we interact with each other. I am so thankful for the relationship I have with my fans. Without YouTube, I would’ve never been able to reach people from all over the world with my music. Social media like YouTube has also allowed artists to have more control, choice, and power over their careers.

PC: Who are some of your musical influences?
Savannah: I love big voices like Adele, Christina Aguilera, and Celine Dion. I also love Jon Bellion, John Mayer, and Justin Timberlake. They are all so original and amazing songwriters. And apparently all have J names… *laughs*

PC: Who’s an artist you hope to cover in the future?
Savannah: I’d love to cover some Aerosmith. I LOVE Steven Tyler and have really been wanting to put my own spin on “Jaded”.

PC: You have a brand new EP dropping this year. Give us the details! What can fans expect?
Savannah: I couldn’t be more excited. It’s been a long time coming and I’m just so thankful that my supporters have been so patient. This industry has so many ups and downs. You have to constantly get back up again and keep going. So I think you’ll hear that drive and fight in the EP. These songs are my favorite songs I’ve written so I can’t wait for everyone to hear!

PC: Is there a release date for the EP?
Savannah: Right now, we are going to release a few singles. So no release date as of yet, but the new single “Coins” is out now!

PC: If you had to describe the EP in five words, what would they be?
Savannah: Nostalgic. Love. Heartbreak. Coffee. Honest.

PC: What was the songwriting/recording process like?
Savannah: I’ve been working on these songs for the past two years! All of the writing sessions have been different. Sometimes I walk in with a title, other times a drum beat or sound will inspire an idea. It just depends on the day.

PC: How has your sound evolved through the years?
Savannah: It has changed so much over the years! The sound has definitely matured. I’d like to think the bones of it are the same though. I’m still writing about my life. But I’m being super honest and vulnerable this time around.

PC: Are you planning a tour following the release?
Savannah: I want to tour SO BADLY. I hope there’s going to be some shows this year! I wanna go out on the road and meet everyone! I’ll make sure it happens.

PC: Who is someone you’d like to collaborate with in the future?
Savannah: I would love to write with Jon Bellion. I think he’s absolutely incredible. He knows good music. If anything I’d just wanna get coffee with him and pick his brain.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Savannah: The Bachelor/Bachelorette/Bachelor In Paradise. SO obsessed with anything to do with Bachelor Nation.

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Savannah: Elf

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Savannah: Mamma Mia

PC: Favorite book?
Savannah: Big Magic

PC: Favorite social media platform?
Savannah: Instagram

PC: Hidden talent?
Savannah: I can clap my elbows…

PC: Your go-to karaoke song?
Savannah: “Roses” by Outkast

Make sure to follow Savannah on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. And pick up “Coins” on iTunes.