Today we’d like to introduce you to Savannah Brister
Savannah, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My love for music began at age seven. I came home from school one day after hearing about piano lessons and would not shut up about it. Within a week, my amazing parents found a teacher to appease my new musical dreams. And just like that…I was hooked! By age 13, singing lessons opened up a whole new world of music and possibilities. I would sing anywhere Memphis let me. I started consistently writing around age 15, and found I could express myself so much easier through pen, paper, and melody than through talking. I began releasing music around 16, but my big break came at 17 when I scored a spot on NBC’s, ‘The Voice.’ That door opening was a whirlwind of experience I did not see coming, but gave both me and my family some peace of mind that I was on the right track. Afterward, I booked some dream venues and cities, but came to an abrupt stop as we all did when Covid hit. During that season, I pivoted to vocal coach, worship leader, singer-songwriter, and part-time barista. (I feel like I could be a good candidate for the poster child of ‘the journey is never linear.’ However, I realized during the covid years I loved wearing a handful of different hats. Now, I’m a proud vocal coach of 13 amazing students, work as the Worship Coordinator at Harvest Church, have released a handful of more projects and just wrapped recording on my first full-length album. (I also still occasionally make lattes for fun! haha!) I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without God, and trust He’s with me through the mountain-top moments like “The Voice,” and the valley lows like having my shows canceled during a pandemic I couldn’t control. At the end of the day, the reason I’m here is to glorify Him in anything I’m doing, whether I’m playing for 10,000 people or teaching one of my students.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Well, I feel I touched on this in the last question, but short answer is it has definitely not been a smooth road. If I listed all of my struggles we’d be here all day; however, one that stands out is ‘people pleasing.’ Of all of the character flaws to be ailed with, ‘people pleasing’ is one of the worst to carry when your job is to literally entertain people! Haha! I think as I grow older and more mature in my faith, I have to cling to what God says/thinks about me all the time to let go of what others think of me.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a soul singer-songwriter, recording artist, vocal coach, and worship leader. My weeks consist of a schedule most people start sweating over just by seeing it: including late night writing/recording sessions, choir directing, vocal lessons, and some sleep mixed in. It’s hard for me to choose what I most love doing, but songwriting and playing live is definitely in the top 2 (Don’t ask me to put them in order though.) My biggest claim to fame would be making it on “The Voice.” However, I am most proud of the album I just finished recording. It’s been a work in progress for about 3 years and I am so excited to release it to my listeners. What sets me apart from others? On the surface, I smile all the time….literally! My nickname is Smiley. On a deeper level, I hope that my faith sets me apart. The music business is saturated with a lot of people willing to “sell out” their values, dreams, and visions for fame and success. However, as a believer in Christ I’m called to funnel all of my dreams, morals, and hopes through God’s will and what He has for my life, trusting Him with the results of my effort/dreams.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
This one’s cliche, but definitely figure out who you are and stay true to that. In the music industry, especially when you reach any type of success there are so many people who are going to tell you who they think you should be. Even well-meaning people; however, if you allow others to speak into that too much you could look back years later and have no clue who you are. So figure out who you are, what you’re willing to do and more importantly not do, and then surround yourself with people who will remind you of that when you forget.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.savannahbrister.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savannahbrister
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/savannahbristermusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/savannahbristermusic
