Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Savaun. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Savaun thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the best or worst investment you’ve made (either in terms of time or money)? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)

I think one of the best investments I’ve made was purchasing the equipment to do home recordings. Though the long shutdown triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic was characterized by loss and uncertainty, many people also found time to do more things that they enjoy. I was one of those people! I have been recoding myself singing covers since high school. I started out simply posting videos on Facebook and Vine (RIP), then upgraded to posting Audacity recordings with background vocals on Soundcloud. Now, with my upgraded equipment and software, I’ve been able to write, record, and mix my own music and accept remote gigs! The investment has paid itself off many times over.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I started singing and playing instruments as a child in church. As a young kid, I couldn’t wait until I was old enough to sing with the adults. The people I grew up around saw my love for music and fostered it. I eventually got a chance to participate in show choir in both middle school and high school. I learned how to approach a wide variety of genres during this time. I continued to hone my craft in college by taking classical voice lessons, singing in various campus programming events, and directing the LBC Gospel Choir at Mizzou. All of these experiences have grown me into the vocalist I am now! I’ve sung live and studio background vocals for various artists, been commissioned to contribute vocals for a nationally aired commercial, and have begun to be featured in shows as a stand alone artist! I’ve also had a chance to collaborate as a songwriter with artists from my hometown (Cedar Rapids, IA) and in Kansas City where I currently reside. I am so grateful for the people who saw my potential and gave me a chance.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

For a long while my only drive for continuing to sing was my love for music. I didn’t see myself making any type of career from being a musician, even if it was part time. I was content simply to sing at church and post the occasional cover on my social media pages. Now, what keeps me going in addition to my love for music is my desire to prove to myself that I am a sought after talent that is capable of doing music professionally. At the suggestion of many friends and family, I have auditioned for The Voice three times without even making it to callbacks. At first this was demoralizing, but I remembered these words from one of my pastors in college (paraphrased): “You’re going to be a singer and songwriter one day, but your journey won’t look like the others’. You’re gonna walk in through the back door.” When I think on these words, I’m reminded that what’s for me was truly designed for me. As long as I have the work ethic to match my goals, I believe I can be a successful singer–even walking through the “back door”.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

I wish I would have worked on my social media presence sooner. I am still not where I want to be, but I have learned over the last few years how powerful social media can be for making connections, even when the audience seems small.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @thatdudesavaun
• Twitter: @thatdudesavaun
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyy56xnJclrGvTo8n7VMU3w/videos
• Other: My music can be found on streaming platforms by searching my name: Savaun

Image Credits
Pictures taken by The SPOT Photography in Kansas City, MO