Interview with Tammi Savoy
Vocal powerhouse and vintage bombshell, Tammi Savoy, may have popped up on your radar recently as the winner of the 2019 Ameripolitan Music Award Rockabilly Female of the Year. With her soulful voice, on-point vintage style, and talent to boot, Tammi is a force to be reckoned with. She is currently a member of three musical groups, as well as performing her own shows, and, after only 14 months of taking the leap to being a full-time musician, she’s about to gracestages across the globe.
The Vintage Woman Magazine really wanted to get the goss on what it is like to be a full-time musician, mum, and vintage style guru. So, amidst her busy schedule, Tammi kindly took the time to sit down and answer some questions for us.
You just recently claimed the 2019 Ameripolitan Music Award Rockabilly Female of the Year – congratulations! What did this journey entail and what does this win represent for you?
Thank you so much. I was pleasantly surprised, and absolutely honoured to even be nominated for this award to be honest. I really couldn’t believe I won – and still can’t! I never thought that I would even be in a position to even win an award, but it lets me know that I am doing what I am meant to do in life, and enjoying every moment of it! I love what the Ameripolitan Music Awards stand for. It’s all about keeping roots music alive, and I feel like that is what I’m doing every time I step on stage. Even the original songs that I sing are heavily influenced by music from bygone eras. I’m so glad to be a part of the Ameripolitan family.
You only recently decided to really make a go of it with your music. What was the catalyst for your deciding to take it seriously?
When I first started singing professionally back in 2014, it was a side gig for me. The more I sang on stage, the more I wanted to do it, and eventually had to make a choice because it was too overwhelming trying to juggle a full time job, motherhood, and singing.
I have always enjoyed singing, but at a certain point it had become a passion of mine. I also felt like it was important for me to pursue my dream and to set a good example for my daughter. I love the fact that she gets to witness me living my dreams. In January of 2018, I officially took the leap and decided to pursue singing as my full time career, and it is the best decision I have ever made in my life!
Did you grow up in a musical family? Where did your love of music originate?
Yes. There are so many of my family members that sing. I have two brothers that are in an R&B group called Next. They are most popular for their song “Too Close” from the ’90s. They are still touring after over 20 years. My fondest childhood memories consist of singing in the car to old-school music from all different genres. I used to sing with my little sister all the time, and we would harmonize to every song on the radio together. I started singing in my church choir when I was three years old. I feel like that was where I learned how to sing harmonies.
You’ve got multiple projects on the go. Can you tell us a little about each of them, and what points of difference they offer you as an artist?
I love singing in general, but I love different aspects about each band that I am a part of. With the Chris Casello Combo that I sing with,I love that I get the freedom to choose the songs I want to sing, and also I can wear whatever I want on stage. We have a great time together and travel a lot.
With Lance Lipinsky & The Lovers, I like that I get to sing harmonies with The Lovettes and,although I don’t get to choose the songs I sing, I still enjoy singing the songs chosen for me. I love singing with the girl group (The Lovettes) because singing harmony is my favorite thing to do. I have always loved harmonizing. I also love dressing up and we sing songs from the ‘40s to ’60s. We change outfits for each set to match the different eras. It makes for a very entertaining show.
I also just recently started singing with a Soul Band called Soul Spectacular. I grew up listening to lots of Soul Music and love all of the song selections. It’s always a good time and you get to dance. You can check out more of my projects on my website www.misstammisavoy.com.
Do you write your own music and/or shows? How involved are you in the musical and creative process?
I have written a few songs. I just recently started incorporating one of my original songs in my show. I was nervous the first time I sang it, but it was well received. My show with The Chris Casello Combo consists of mostly covers and a few originals written by Chris Casello. I usually chose songs based on what I connect to the most. When I sing with other bands, I usually sing what the bandleader wants me to sing. Luckily they are all great songs and I love to sing them.
Some of your performances have a historical aspect and tell the stories of some musical greats. What unexpected things have you learnt about these icons from performing in, and doing research for, such shows?
I sing a lot of songs from artists that were not very well known around the time that their music came out. I look at what I do as an homage to them, and I am so happy that I get to honor what they have done before me because if it weren’t for them I wouldn’t be doing this. One of the songs I sing is by a great singer named Annisteen Allen. She originally sang the song “Fujiyama Mama”, although everyone knows this song because of Wanda Jackson.
Where do you get your amazing costumes? Are they reproduction, or true vintage, or a mix? Are there any stories behind your favourite pieces and how you came own them?
The clothes that I wear on stage are outfits that were already in my closet. They used to only be worn for special occasions, but now I have an excuse to wear them all the time. Most of my clothes are vintage, but I do own a few reproductions. A lot of my outfits are from Knee Deep Vintage in Chicago. A few of the reproduction dresses that I have are made by Fran from Prettie Lanes in Switzerland. I love her pieces because they are made with vintage fabric and patterns. They are so well made and beautiful.
Apart from your fantastic voice and skills as a musician, you also have a not-so-secret talent for amazing vintage hair. Many of your styles incorporate your natural hair. Where do you get your inspiration and how did you learn to style hair?
I have always loved vintage hairstyles and a few years ago I started experimenting with them. I watch a lot of classic Old Hollywood films and love to challenge myself and try to style my hair in different styles that I have seen in these films. I think the only way that I learned to do my hair was by practicing. The good thing is that I have a lot of patience and bobby pins. I actually really enjoy styling my hair. I have tried lots of different methods of styling, but I must say that ever since I learned how to pin curl my hair it has changed my life! This is now my favorite way to set my hair. I will admit that it took a while for me to finally get it right, but I’m so glad I got the hang of it.
We know you rock the vintage look and sing rockabilly, vintage R&B, and ‘60s soul, but what modern aspects creep into your performances?
Hmm…well, I would say that I usually describe my style as “Vintage with a Modern Twist”. I mix it up a bit. Most of the clothing I wear is vintage, but sometimes I wear reproduction outfits and shoes that are modern. Some of my jewelry is modern as well.
You are a mum,too. What is it like juggling being a parent and being a musician, which involves touring and late nights? Any tips for other mums wanting to pursue their passion and raise a family?
It really is tough to be a mother and a singer. I have been doing this for a while now and luckily my daughter is at an age where she is very understanding. I won’t say that it was always this way. She used to get upset whenever I would go out of town. Now she knows that this is what I do for a living and I’m living my dream. She uses the time that I’m away as a chance to have father-daughter time. Since I know that I am away a lot I try to cherish the time that we do have together. I usually let her know my schedule and we set aside mother-daughter time at least once or twice a month. I really love these moments. I let her choose where she wants to go. Lately all she wants to do is go to the mall, or shopping for accessories.
If you could meet one musician from any point in time, dead or alive, who would it be and what would you ask them/do with them?
There are so many musicians that I would love to meet! I’m not sure if I can only choose one! Lately I have been trying to attend a Diana Ross concert and get a chance to meet her, but every time she’s in my area I already have a show scheduled. Hopefully I can make that happen soon. If, and when, I get the chance to meet Diana Ross, I would like to ask her how she used to do her makeup in the 60’s. I am obsessed with it, and I know that she used to do her own makeup back then. I would also love to sing a duet with her. It would be a dream come true!
If you’re not in the US and want to catch Tammi on stage, she has upcoming European tours in June and November, as well as an Australian tour in July. For vintage lovers in the US who will attending Viva Las Vegas in April you can catch Tammi there, or at the Nashville Boogie in May of this year. All other shows are listed in the events on her website, and she also keeps her followers updated via highlights on Instagram – so be sure to go and give her a follow so you don’t miss out!
Thank you so much for this great interview! 😊