Interview: Saves The Witch

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What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

I had a great grandmother that gifted me my first guitar when I was seven years old. Thankfully I still have that guitar. She played banjo and insisted to my parents that I needed an instrument of some kind. I didn't actually learn to play guitar until years later. But since then I was always doing something musical. Banging pots and pans or whatever.

If I hadn't gotten into it then, I would have sooner or later. I'm not a huge believer that things were “meant to be”, but my brain is far too wired into music on a native level. I'm bound to it. Would have found it somehow.

What do you like to do when you're not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

When I'm not playing, I'm marketing and doing things like this interview pretty much. When I'm not playing I'm listening too. Always discovering new bands and artists, and they can certainly influence my next writing session for sure. If you always have an ear to the ground so to speak, and remain open, it helps the writing process a lot.

How long has your band been around?

The project truly began forming in winter of 2020, but only took shape around February of 2021. Brand new!

Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?

Southport NC. Beautiful area and just inspiring. I wouldn't say that it influenced me as much as general life experience though. It's a tough question because this area has been very important to my life no doubt, but people and experiences tend to ring through the music a little more often for me.

How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you.

Basically, it's about embracing our differences. I think we often allow petty things to come between us, and we allow people to become outcasts of sorts. I was thinking about that some at the time.

Tell me about the best and worst shows you have played.

This project hasn't done any live shows for logistical reasons. But in prior bands we had a few shows at a local steakhouse with an audience of about five people. I wouldn't even say that was bad really we had fun. That same band played a sold-out show later in the year, and I've played some solo shows at the Blue Bird Cafe in Nashville. Those were great times.

If you could play any show with any lineup who would be on the ticket?

I'd love to play support for Coheed and Cambria, and have Covet on the ticket as well. I love both those bands so much.

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band?

I'd say, you have to play on your own too. Whether it's practice, a side project, or whatever. Band members come and go, and you can't control that. Keep at least a little bit of your musical world in your control. People will leave you, music won't.

If you could go back in time and give yourself advice, what would it be?

Two things maybe; 1: take more chances. Live in the car if you have to. I truly wish I had given it more when I was even younger. I gave a lot, but I should have just put the pedal to the floor, and when the gas ran out coasted on fumes. 2: Don't forget who you are.. I spent a few years where I kind of took music for granted honestly. Biggest mistake of my life. Most other big mistakes I made could have been prevented I think, if I had kept music front and center. Thankfully I came to my senses on that one.

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?

Oh wow.... There are a few. “We Have a Dream” is on this record. It means a lot to me for so many reasons. It takes me back to when I first got married at age 19, and the overwhelming thought of the possibilities of life. I also have a single that comes out October 5th 2021 called “Dear Edea”. That one hits home for me a lot. It's about loving someone even in their absolute worst of times. There is a lot to be said for that you know? Even though I'm older now I still have a very romantic outlook on some things. I think I always will. Love is paramount, it really is. We all want to feel connected to someone. Fairytale love exists, even though sometimes it hides. I'll die on that hill, anytime.

Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?

 When I was recording this record, I had a meditation I would do. It was three simple Major Seventh chords, and some little fills and runs. I did it to center myself. That song ended up making the record, called “Princess of Swords”. It almost didn't make it, and it became the most streamed song of the record. I'm really proud of that song. It's very simplistic, but in many ways it became my home. The fact that other people are getting something out of it just really truly humbles me a lot.

What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?

Life, existence itself inspires me. Frisson. The “Why's” inspire me. Why are we here? Why did I say that? Why didn't she say this? The process for me lately is I'll noodle around with something. Get a chord progession or a melody. I'll build out a few parts, and see how it sits with me. If I think it's great one of two things happen, either I get it into my DAW as soon as possible; or I'll let it fizzle out and I'll forget it. There is this great scene in the movie “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty”. The photographer sees a great shot, and instead of taking the picture he observes it without the lense. “Sometimes I don't take it” he says. Those moments are equally important. Sometimes you have to live in the moment, and you don't take the picture.

What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

Well, being instrumental mainly is great because people can get what they want or need from them. They can become personal to anyone in any country. They certainly mean specific things to me, and that's one of the reasons they don't have words sometimes. I can't find them, and I don't pressure myself to.

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that's coming up?

Sure, new single “Dear Edea” is out October the 5th at 3:33am. Probably another single or two will follow and a new album out this winter. My plans really are to keep things going exactly how they are. I'm very happy. I've met many like artists, and I've heard from people who love the music. There is a steady growth rate but I'm not in a hurry. Even if I can just reach a few people, this is totally worthwhile.