Kingston Release Show SOLD OUT!! Belleville Release Show ADDED! plus Wintertide Meltdown 2

It certainly was a surprise, the speed with which our Kingston album release concert sold out! A welcome change, as many times we are holding our collective breath days before a concert, wondering if people are going to show up. 

We definitely feel your excitement and enthusiasm for this new album, and we are equally excited to share it with you. We'll be performing the album in its entirety for our first set at The Broom Factory on March 9th, then we will return to rock out some more after a brief intermission, and a chance to mingle with the crowd(and hopefully sell copious amounts of merchandise).

It's gonna be great!! 

BELLEVILLE RELEASE SHOW ADDED

Many of our fans also did not anticipate our Kingston show selling out so quickly, so for that reason, we've decided to add a Belleville album release concert on Friday, March 22nd to give our fans in the Quinte/Prince Edward County regions a chance to celebrate this rock and roll achievement with us. Tickets will move fast so act now!!

WINTERTIDE MELTDOWN 2

For those of you in the Kingston/Sharbot Lake/Westport regions that didn't get a chance to buy your ticket for the album release show, come get your DRR fix at Wintertide Meltdown 2 at Oso Hall in Sharbot Lake on Saturday, February 24th. We put on this event last year with a couple of local businesses(Frenchie's Chip Hut and K & P Brewing) and it was so much fun that we decided to do it again!

This time around Frenchie's is offering a dinner option, so you can take in the concert AND have a great meal for the incredible price of $55!! When purchasing your tickets you can choose between beef, chicken, or vegetarian options.

Grab your tickets today and let us know you value us bringing these type of high quality concert events to smaller communities.



See you at the rock show!

Tom

LOW TICKET ALERT: Album Release Celebration on March 9th

Things have been trucking along with the preorder for our new album "The Controller's Exam"! We are so pleased with the response to the campaign so far, in particular the concert ticket + CD/Vinyl perks!

We are very close to selling out of seated tickets for the March 9th Album Release Celebration at The Broom Factory in Kingston(currently 4 spots left). There are 20 standing room only tickets available for the show, so going forward anyone who purchases a concert ticket + vinyl or CD perk on the preorder page will receive a "standing room only" ticket to the show, along with their choice of double vinyl album or CD.

If you have purchased a concert + CD/Vinyl perk already(before Thursday, January 25th) your ticket(s) are for "guaranteed seating".




Thank you for your continued support of this album project. Please keep sharing and check out some of the other perks we are offering on the preorder page, such as discounted DRR t-shirts, vinyl bundles, CD bundles, and the DRR merch bundle(includes DRR t-shirt, DRR Live Volume I CD, Double vinyl album of "The Controller's Exam").



Rock and Roll,
Tom

Double Album Pre-order Plus New Single "Trillions of Stars"

It's happening! The long-awaited studio album from Dead Root Revival, "The Controller's Exam", is on its way! The official release date is March 1st, but you can preorder today on indiegogo: https://igg.me/at/DRR

We've also released the first single from the album,"Trillions of Stars". It is available on all streaming services and on Bandcamp.  

Check out the video on YouTube :

A Double Vinyl Album Recorded Completely Analogue

In 2023, we had the incredible opportunity to travel to Athens, Georgia to record our debut studio album at Chase Park Transduction, under the guidance and tutelage of renowned engineer and producer David Barbe, who is known for his work with Drive-By Truckers, among many others. The result is "The Controller's Exam", over an hour of music recorded completely analogue(16-track to 2-inch tape) that exemplifies the raw energy, tightness, and astounding musicianship of Dead Root Revival.

We are releasing this record to the world on March 1st on double vinyl, CD, and digital formats.

What we need from you and what you get

Pressing a double album is very expensive, and we are completing this project without any government grants, or record label assistance. The band has laid it all on the line to bring you our best, and we sincerely encourage you to support this momentous rock and roll achievement by preordering the double vinyl album, or one of the other perks we've made available exclusively during this pre-order campaign.

Here are the different perks:

• The Controller's Exam on digital, CD, or double vinyl album
• Vinyl Bundle including "The Controller's Exam" plus my 2022 release, "21st Century Lo-Fi"

• Tom Savage CD Bundle - 5 CDs for $60(a 40% discount)

• DRR Merch Bundle - includes Double Vinyl Album,CD, DRR LIVE - VOLUME I - CD,DRR T-SHIRT

• a rare opportunity to have a drum Lesson with Bonz Bowering!

• sign up for an exclusive Tom Savage comprehensive 3-hour guitar workshop( limited to 10 people).

• Tom Savage will write a song exclusively for you and record it with members of Dead Root Revival!

• Your very own private rock concert with Dead Root Revival

• The original 32 x 32-inch painting of "The Controller's Exam" album cover by artist Jeremy Bruneel

• Plus, when you pre-order the new album, you can add-on discounted tickets to the album release celebration on March 9th at The Broom Factory in Kingston.

Your support is invaluable to us! Our fans were there for us in the first phase of this project, helping us with travel costs to Athens, Georgia, and our recording expenses. Now that the project is complete, we are calling on you once again for your support, by simply purchasing a copy of the album we've created.

Other ways you can help the cause

If you are not in a financial position to contribute at this time, we encourage you to show your support for Dead Root Revival by spreading the word by sharing links on social media, and talking up the album in your in-person conversations. Word-of-mouth is an essential tool towards this campaign's success.

Thanks for helping the DRR train roll on!

Tom

BIG NEWS: Double Vinyl Album From DRR Coming March 1st!

 The long-awaited Dead Root Revival studio album is coming your way, with an official release date of March 1st, and an album release celebration on Saturday, March 9th at The Broom Factory in Kingston.

Take a look at this mesmerizing album cover art, painted by London, Ontario artist Jeremy Bruneel!




We'll be releasing the first single from the record next Thursday, and kicking off our pre-order campaign on Friday, January 12th. You'll be able to pre-order the record in double vinyl, cd, or digital formats, and there will be deals on other merchandise, plus some one-of-a-kind opportunities to support the band.

DRR fans are going to be so pleased with this record. It was our goal to create an album that delivered our live concert energy and I believe we have achieved that in "The Controller's Exam".

Our trip down to Athens, Georgia to record at Chase Park Transduction not only provided us with the amazing experience of collaborating with renowned producer David Barbe(known for his work with Drive-By Truckers, R.E.M. and many others), and recording completely analogue (16-track to 2-inch tape); it also gave us the laser focus needed to create this album effectively, and brought the band closer together, allowing our music and performances to soar to new heights.

The journey continues. We're thankful to have you on board!

Tom

Final Shows of 2022/ Rock and Roll Underwear!

Things have quieted down for me quite a bit since the vinyl release show at The Mansion back on Sept. 30th(which was incredible by the way. Thanks to all of you who attended and made it such a special night). Stepping back and doing some behind-the-scenes work for 2023. One really fun development however, has been the introduction of the "Tunesday" afternoon jam at the RCHA club. Since this weekly event began on October 4th, the joint has been jumping with music lovers and musicians alike(on average we've had a seven-piece band plus guests getting up to join in with the band or perform on their own). This has been an incredibly enjoyable new weekly ritual, rich with community spirit. I encourage those in the Kingston area to drop by any Tuesday afternoon from 4-7 PM. 193 Ontario St. up on the 3rd floor.

A Few More Shows in 2022!

There are a few more shows coming up in 2022. First up, on December 10th Dead Root Revival make our return to the Keystorm Pub in Brockville for the first time after a long covid hiatus. Music gets underway at 8 PM. It also marks the first time Tony Silvestri will be joining us at the Keystorm in a long while (first time under the DRR banner…last played there as Tony Silvestri Band).

And on that note, some exciting news! Tony has come on board as a full time member of Dead Root Revival, and will be performing at all of our shows from here on out. We look forward to many magical live performances to come (plus the recording of our debut studio album. Stay tuned for details!).

QRTheBand Concert at the Grand Theatre - Thursday, December 15th(6 PM)

Savage Family Band will be taking part in the concert, which is the culmination of a local music album compilation project we were involved in. Songs for the album were recorded at The Bathouse and will be released at a future date TBA. 

https://www.kingstongrand.ca/events/qr-the-band

Dead Root Revival Live in Concert at the RCHA

Tickets are still available for our show at the RCHA on Saturday, December 17th. $10 advance available at the club($15 at the door). Join us as we rock out one more time in 2022(and for the very first time at the RCHA club).

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dead-root-revival-live-in-concert-tickets-451720667677

DRR "SAVAGE" underwear

One thing I never thought I would be doing when I became a musician: selling underwear. 

You asked for them, so here they are! A limited edition run of @deadrootrevival “SAVAGE” boxers printed at Ironclad Printing Company. M or L sizes. 1 pair for $30, 2 for $40. Kingston locals: Etransfer to tomsavagemusic@gmail.com with colour/size choice and we can arrange pick up/drop off.

Now DRR’s mannequin Bob can safely keep his shorts on!

Here's hoping you have a safe and happy holiday season and we will see you at the rock show!

Cheers,

Tom

 Super excited to share this news with you guys!

My new album, 21st Century Lo-Fi will be officially released on March 25th. Yay! This has been THE big pandemic project for me. You can preorder the album starting today at https://igg.me/at/tomsavagemusic Check out this site for discounts and other perks. 

I started working on this album in April of 2020, recording and mixing it myself ( Geoff Chown helping me out on the home stretch. Thanks Geoff!). That’s a first for me, since my days of recording on the 4-track cassette recorder in my Mom’s basement.

This is why I chose the title, 21st Century Lo-Fi. We have all of these technological tools at our disposal, but in the end, it comes down to creativity. This process really brought me back to the beginning of my creative journey( in the 1990’s!!!).

Many differences in modern times of course: The major one being remote collaborations due to lockdown,  with the rhythm section of Jason Mercer and Bonz Bowering . Some truly inspirational performances from these guys.

Also, my kids got involved: Benji plays bass on one track, and Zach provided the amazing artwork!

For me, this album project was a light in the COVID darkness, and holds a special place in my heart for that reason.

I really want you all to hear it, and to BUY it,  because I’ve basically been out of work for two years! It’s very weird and stressful when you’re used to playing 200+ shows per year, and it gets reduced to 20. Yikes!

Sign up for the preorder today. Formats include digital, CD and Vinyl. The vinyl won’t be in until June due to supply chain issues, but when it gets here we’re gonna have a big time party for sure!

I’ve also added a box set option (21st Century Lo-Fi on vinyl and CD, plus 5 previous releases in CD format), and a couple of other perks on the
indiegogo page you can sign up for, such as a private song commission ( I’ll write and record a song specifically for you!!) and private concerts ( either solo or with the full band).

Please share and spread the love around!

Yay! Music!!

Tom

P.S. Huge thanks to my Savage Song Supporters ( https://tomsavage.bandcamp.com/song-supporter )for their support throughout this pandemic. This album would not have happened without you. Your continued support is the fuel for this artist’s creative engine!

Also, thanks to the Kingston Arts Council for awarding me their resiliency grant. This funding provided me the opportunity to buy new equipment and software to see this project through to completion.

"Something Real" A song for these uncertain times

Below is a post I shared recently on social media regarding the current reality artists find themselves in. Starting today, I will beginning a new approach to how I release my music in an attempt to adjust to these uncertain times.

________________________

I’m a working class musician. Have been for my entire adult life. In that time I’ve also been a staunch defender of the artist’s life, and the importance of art in our society.

We need art. We need music. We need movies. We need photographs. Art helps us process emotions and reflects our world back at us in order for us to better understand ourselves, each other, the universe.

We are at a crossroads. COVID-19 has dealt a major blow to performing artists, and will continue to do so. For how long is anybody’s guess. Summer provides some performance opportunities with patios and other outdoor venues, but when fall/winter hit, I feel the realities of the situation are going to start to hit home. CERB comes to an end in September. This is going to be a crushing blow for artists, the self-employed, and for the economy in general. I feel the Canadian government needs to implement a universal basic income through the tax system, or Canada will be in danger of seeing mass evictions and homelessness rivaling, or eclipsing that of the Great Depression.

However, I am skeptical that they will answer the call that history is making.

So, where does that leave me? How do I make a living?

I've been scratching my head, trying to figure out my next move. I'm a live performer. My summer schedule was reduced from 60 shows to 4, pretty much in a blink of an eye on March 17th. The internet has always provided me with very little in the way of income, but I am now faced with the harsh reality that the internet may be my biggest tool in earning an income. This is scary stuff!

The upside of this COVID mess is that I've had a lot of time to be creative. As a DIY musician, I've always spent more time running my business than I would have liked, and not enough time allowing the artistic process to flow unencumbered. These past months, with the turmoil in this world, have provided much inspiration for songwriting, and I am thankful to have a home studio in which to allow my ideas to take shape.

Over the next weeks and months I'll be sharing my creations with you, and I am asking for your support in my efforts by subscribing to my Bandcamp VIP member page ( http://tomsavage.bandcamp.com ). You will receive all my new creative output, exclusive content and merchandise, and help me raise funds for an eventual vinyl release of my next album.

I thank you all for your support of my music over these many years. It is now, in these most difficult and surreal times, that we need to make the internet a viable marketplace for artists and musicians. We need to stop the devaluation of music that started well before, but has now been accelerated by COVID-19.

Join me!

"Something Real" is the first in a series of releases over the coming weeks and months. It's definitely a song that relates to what is happening in the world right now, so I felt it should be first out of the gate. Thanks to Jason Mercer for contributing bass and synth tracks to this cut.

Something Real - words and music by Tom Savage

Flying on the edge of darkness
Straining to get a glimpse of the light
Can you live a life without purpose
Can you give up without a fight

When the enemy is in the shadows
The only thing you feel or see
When the truth is always the wrong answer
When Facts are made by order of decree

We want Love we want life we want liberty
And justice for one and all
Put a business suit on a tyrant
And say prosperity will come to call
Who’s prospering around here? I don’t see much of that. All I see is a hopeless tide

You keep saying work hard it will be alright. I call that propping up an age old lie

Is anything real
Is anything real
Is anything real

The bank says don’t pay until later
But the interest will keep piling on high
Business as usual when nothing is usual
A practice nobody seems to decry

I’m falling you’re falling we’re falling
One way trip down into the abyss
Looking for some kind of sign this ain’t all just a dream

Is anything real
Is anything real
I want something real

Tomorrow is the answer to the questions we all have
Hang onto each other
Hang onto the love

I’m falling you’re falling we’re falling
We pull each other up out of this
I’m dreaming you’re dreaming we’re dreaming
A better day is gonna come

And the change will be real
Yeah the change will be real

I want something real

tomsavage.bandcamp.com

2020 : Year of the Revival

The release of Great Beyond in October felt like the culmination of an eight-year long art project. So many miles on the road, so many shows, and years honing my approach to the solo performance. I'm proud of the recorded result of my efforts.

Toward the end of 2018, I began to feel the call of rock and roll again. Dead Root Revival was born, and since that time, the band has garnered more and more of my creative focus. This is why, in 2020, I will be taking a break from solo touring, and focusing on developing the DRR sound, and performing more shows with the band. I will still be performing solo shows in Ontario, and if anyone wants to offer me a grand a night to go on tour as a sideman, I would be happy to change plans! 😄

The release concert for Great Beyond made for a very special evening, bringing the two very different facets of my creative output together in one show. For many Kingston fans, it was the first time they had seen the solo performance, seeing as most shows over the years had been on the road. Then the other side of the coin: Dead Root Revival hit the stage (after a stellar set from our friends The Mill-Rights)! We were fortunate to have Geoff Chown on sound that night. He also was there to record our set. The resulting recording captures the band at its best, and where it belongs: On stage powering through some epic jams!

To be released on March 2nd, DRR Live : Volume I will bring you to that show. Come rock out with us again and again on CD or digital format ( Yes, this album will be on Spotify, etc. despite my ongoing protestation of the streaming platform.) Our hope is you will purchase the live album to help DRR raise funds for a future studio release. The plan is to release a couple of live records before the studio release, in order to give fans new music, and to keep feeding our musical engine(the band bank account!!).

(Side Note: DRR is a band that likes to jam. Every show is a different musical journey. We encourage "taping" and sharing of shows. If you want to bring mics and recording gear to shows, please feel free. We only ask you don't obscure sight lines of audience members.)

On Friday, March 13th, we will be celebrating the release of DRR Live : Volume I with a show back where it all went down: The Mansion in Kingston, Ontario. Get your tickets here
. Connor Poulain opens the show, then Dead Root Revival hit the stage. The band will feature Tony Silvestri on keyboards, Daniel Chalmers on congas/percussion, Paul Stacey on saxophone, Richard Piche on bass, Bonz Bowering on drums, and myself on guitar and vocals. Powerhouse!!!

Doors at 8 PM. Tickets are $10 in advance/$15 at the door ( tickets are available at The Mansion or from me in person. Hit me up at open mic at the Rose & Crown).

14 year old Rocks Market Square

This summer my teenage daughter and I spent many hours practicing songs in order to build our repertoire to hit the streets of Kingston busking.

With only a year of bass lessons, she is a quick study. I anticipate we will see her performing with her own band in the years to come. As she recently stated, "it will be nice to play with people who aren't old." Here is a short video of Bella on bass, Bonz Bowering on drums and myself this past Labour Day in market square. 

Pre-order "Great Beyond" Today 

Excited to share with you that my latest album, "Great Beyond", will officially be released on October 15th! This record is a unique representation of my live solo show, recorded with only me and my guitar, live off the floor at North of Princess studio in Kingston, Ontario. 

Sneak Peek: Have a listen to "Slow Learner". A slide guitar number from the album now streaming on Spotify.

For much of the past decade, I've traveled around Canada and the USA performing solo. Me and my guitar (or guitars rather...occasionally mandolin) up on stage, or in someone's living room, without a net. After touring with a band for many years, it was definitely a big change. It took some time to develop my approach to performing solo, and the kind of energy I wanted to bring to the stage. Ironically, in the end, I found approaching a solo show in the same way as a full band concert was the way to go. The thing is, I didn't have the band to help create that energy with me, so it required a commitment from myself to push that force out into the crowd each and every night. It also needed me to approach the playing of my acoustic guitar in a more aggressive, percussive fashion. Playing chunky rhythms and lead licks simultaneously.

This is a gift to those of you who come to my solo shows and want to take a piece of that experience home with you. For those who haven't had an opportunity to take in one of my solo shows, this is what it sounds like. I hope you enjoy it. The pre-order campaign has begun. Sign up for your copy of "Great Beyond" today! Check out the Indiegogo site for special offers such as "The Box Set" and "Concert For Two". I'll even come play a concert in your living room in exchange for your support!

For fans in the Kingston area that plan to attend the hometown release concert at The Mansion on October 25th, be sure to take advantage of the CD + Concert ticket offer on Indiegogo (a 37% savings!). This show includes The Mill Rights and Dead Root Revival on the bill, and will be a truly amazing night. Don't miss it!

Canadian Tour Starts Tuesday!

Hitting the road again. I'll have the new record in tow, and look forward to seeing old friends and making new ones along the way on my annual Western Canadian excursion. Spread the word and come say hi if I'm passing through your neighbourhood!

09/10 -  The Townehouse - Sudbury, ON

09/12 -  The Apollo - Thunder Bay, ON

09/13 - Bob's Burger Bar - Kenora, ON

09/14 - Ship and Plough - Gimli, MB ( 9:00 PM)

09/15 - Bruce's Firehouse - Dauphin, MB (3:00 PM)

09/17 - The Capitol - Saskatoon, SK (feature set at open mic)

09/18 - The Slice - Lethbridge, AB

09/19 - The Ironwood - Calgary, AB w/ Johnny Faithful and Carter Felker 

09/20 - Twin Butte General Store - Twin Butte, AB

09/21 -  Whitetooth Brewing Co. - Golden, BC

09/22 - Small Axe Bistro - Enderby, BC

09/24 - The Heatley - Vancouver, BC

09/26 - Legion Branch 31 "The Stand Easy"- Jasper, AB

09/27 - The Auditorium Hotel - Nanton, AB

09/28 - Boho Lounge - Carstairs, AB

09/29 - Last Chance Saloon - Wayne, AB (3:00 PM)

09/30 - House Concert - Humboldt, SK

10/01  - Qu'Appelle Valley Arts Centre - Fort Qu'Appelle, SK

10/03  - Midtown Stage - Dryden, ON

10/04  - The Apollo - Thunder Bay, ON

10/05  - Lakeview Hotel - Wawa, ON

10/19 - Few Acres Farm Concert - Russell, ON

10/25 - Hometown Release Concert at The Mansion w/ The Mill Rights and Dead Root Revival - Kingston,ON

See you down that road!
Tom

Everything Intertwined officially released today!

Had a great Canadian tour, bringing the new tunes to new and old friends along the way. Thanks to everyone who came out and showed their support by purchasing their hard copy of the new album.

For those of you who do your listening and purchasing on the internet, today ( October 3rd) is the official release of Everything Intertwined. Itunes, CD Baby, Bandcamp, etc. Head over and have a listen. If you dig it, throw your money down.

Pre-order New Tom Savage Record Today!

Calling on all of my friends and fans, I'm so excited to share with you the news of my impending album release. My eighth record! I think you guys are really going to dig this music. A bit of a shift in styles for me, more of a pop/indie vibe on some of the tracks. I'm very proud of how this record turned out. Muchos gracias to Zane Whitfield, Dylan Lodge, and Phil Bova for sculpting the sounds.

And the band! Oh my God! It's a pure joy to hear the keyboard mastery of Tony Silvestri on this record. In his element, with Fender Rhodes and Hammond Organ as his tools. You can't beat those tones and the skill with which he manipulates those instruments.

Anyone who has seen Bonz Bowering perform live know that the 'Animal' t-shirt he sometimes wears certainly befits his on stage persona. We did our best to capture some of his lightning in the recording bottle on this project. Ultimately, I was most impressed with his tasteful, thoughtful approach to the songs. Chills.

My childhood friend, Seamus Cowan, rounds out the band. Seamus, a late bloomer by musical standards, came to my Mom's house in Westport at the age of 18, looking for bass guitar instruction. After showing him a couple of Led Zeppelin and Hendrix tunes, my most important instruction was to send him on to Zak Colbert (legendary Kingston bassist), where he soared to the depths of the low end. So happy to work with Seamus on a project after all these years. His tone and approach are amazing. Not to mention his impeccable harmony vocal work ( and one helluva scream!!).

I've got an LA-based radio promo team ready to push the songs to stations across North America. I'm hiring a publicist to spread the word to the print media. This costs money. Lots of it! I need your help friends. You can pitch in to help the cause for as little as $5! https://www.gofundme.com/tomsavagealbum8

Please share and help spread the word!