New Live Album/Summer Shows/ 21st Century Lo-Fi Vinyl Update

Live at the Old Church Theatre 

More exclusive music for Savage Song Supporters! Bonz brought microphones to our show at the Old Church Theatre in Trenton a couple weeks back and the recording turned quite nice indeed! This was the first show Tony and Benji performed together and there are some great musical moments. Bandcamp subscribers can stream or download now!

https://tomsavage.bandcamp.com/album/live-at-the-old-church-theatre

Summer Shows! Summer Shows!

Looking forward to getting out and playing this summer. It's the first "back to normal" summer since the pandemic started, and it feels good to have a full schedule for the first time since 2019! Keeping it local as I'm not feeling like hitting the road, but playing with...5(?!) different band configurations will keep things creatively satisfying for sure...if you count the jams at Spearhead for industry Mondays, you could say 6,7,or 8 different configurations! 😄

Here is the schedule. Hope to see you at a show or two.

June 24th - Doug Fluhrer Park for River Love! w/ Kevin Davidson on violin (5-7 PM)

June 24th - The Toucan - Kingston - Dead Root Revival (10 PM)

June 25th - Keystorm - Brockville - Tom Savage and Kevin Davidson (8 PM)

June 27th - Industry Monday at Spearhead Brewing (3-6 PM)

July 1st - ArtFest - Kingston - solo show (12 PM)

July 1st -  Bay of Quinte Yacht Club - Belleville - Savage Family Band (7:30 PM)

July 2nd - Private Party - Westport - Dead Root Revival

July 3rd - 1000 Islands Regatta - Brockville - Dead Root Revival 

July 4th - Industry Monday at Spearhead Brewing (3-6 PM)

July 7th - RCHA - Kingston - solo show ( 7 PM)

July 9th - Hotel On Wolfe Island - solo on the patio - 1 PM

July 11th - Industry Monday at Spearhead Brewing (3-6 PM)

July 15th - Joel Stone Park - Gananoque - Dead Root Revival (8 PM)

July 16th - WestFest - Westport - Return of The Foley Mountain Playboys! (2 PM)

July 18th - Industry Monday at Spearhead Brewing (3-6 PM)

July 23rd - Island grill - Savage Family Band - (3-5 PM on the patio)

July 24th - The Mansion - Kingston - Savage Family Band (3-5 PM on the patio)

July 25th - Industry Monday at Spearhead Brewing (3-6 PM)

July 28th - RCHA - Kingston - solo show ( 7 PM)

July 29th - The Toucan - Kingston - Dead Root Revival (10 PM)

July 30th - Keystorm - Brockville - Band Format TBD (8 PM)

Aug. 1st -  Industry Monday at Spearhead Brewing (3-6 PM)

Aug. 5th - Lockmaster's Taphouse - Smiths Falls - Dead Root Revival (7 PM)

Aug. 6th - Private Party 

Aug. 8th - Industry Monday at Spearhead Brewing (3-6 PM)

Aug. 11th - RCHA - Kingston - solo show ( 7 PM)

Aug. 12th - Skeleton Park Brewery - Kingston - solo show (5-7 PM)

Aug. 13th - Private Party - Dead Root Revival

Aug. 15th - Industry Monday at Spearhead Brewing (3-6 PM)

Aug. 16th - Confederation Park - Kingston - Savage Family Band (12:30 PM)

Aug. 19th - Private Party

Aug. 20th - Private Party

Aug. 22nd - Industry Monday at Spearhead Brewing (3-6 PM)

Aug. 25th - Limestone City Blues Fest - Confederation Park - Kingston - Dead Root Revival (4:30 PM)

Aug. 26th - Toucan - Dead Root Revival (10 PM)

Aug. 27th - Z.A.M.F.I.R. - hosting the jam (3-6 PM)

Aug. 27th - Toucan - Dead Root Revival (10 PM)

Aug. 29th - Industry Monday at Spearhead Brewing (3-6 PM)

Sept. 3rd - Longtooth Brewery - Stirling - solo show(2-5 PM)

Sept. 4th - The Mansion - Savage Family Band - Savage Family Band - (3-5 PM on the patio)

Still waiting on vinyl...

It seems like forever since 21st Century Lo-Fi came out in digital and CD formats, but here we are still waiting on the vinyl records. They will get here! The supply chain has messed with delivery schedules for many indie artists, along with major label artists(looking at you Adele!!) monopolizing the pressing plants. We're looking at a ballpark timeline of end of July/ early August for delivery. Thanks to everyone who preordered, and we will have a celebration one day...looking at the end of September for a vinyl release party in Kingston. 

If you haven't heard the new album yet, give it a spin on Bandcamp ( http://tomsavage.bandcamp.com) or add it to your preferred streaming service at https://tomsavage.hearnow.com

What people are saying about 21st Century Lo-Fi:

"With 21st Century Lo-Fi Savage continues this journey, bookending the album with the type of songs we would expect a songwriter of the folk ilk to explore during a pandemic. Just as intriguing is a trio of challenging songs serving as the nervous system of the album, songs that bring to mind various faces of David Bowie, of all people, including guitar threads that remind us of Carlos Alomar and Earl Slick, and creative bass effects that would not have been out of place on the Serious Moonlight tour.

These songs—“The One I Wouldn’t Let In,” “We’ve Outgrown Everything We’ve Known,” and “In the Evening Glow”—are absolutely fabulous, taking the listener on an appealing journey of sounds and visions. Savage’s vocal phrasing on these songs is pure genius, whether intentionally going places I’ve not previously heard from him or not.

But truly, the entire eight-song disc is bleeding amazing, and is certainly my first ‘favourite’ of 2022, closely followed by my recent purchase of Ann Vriend’s new one! The storytelling here is that of experience and emotion rather than narrative.

The press notes site the requisite Van Zandt and Springsteen comparisons, and Yeah, sure. I find Savage more individual, and comparisons—despite my previous attempts—don’t truly work. Toss in Tom Petty, Ray Wylie Hubbard, and Ian Hunter while you’re at it, but I prefer to just let his songs—the lyrics, the guitar effects, the vocal harmonies (check out the lead track, “Right Where You Found Me” for the combination of the three)—pull me close and keep me riveted." - Fervor Coulee

"The eight-song collection expands his familiar Roots Rock sound into previously uncharted territory, combined with lyrics that address many issues we are currently grappling with as a society". - Wildfire Music

"I’ve had the privilege of discovering various new talents hailing from Canada in this year alone, but Tom Savage may just be the very best to emerge thus far, and with an album as adept, as diverse, as spurring and overall as remarkable as 21st Century Lo-Fi, that shouldn’t come as much of a shock." - Small Music Scene

"...a rapid-fire indictment of economic disparity overtop a pulsing beat." - Canadian Beats

Hope you enjoy a safe and happy summer season.


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.

Staying at Home = Staying Creative

I hope you are doing as well as can be expected under these unprecedented circumstances we find ourselves in. After the initial shock, and coming to terms with the fact that I may not be able to perform live for several weeks or months, I've settled into a fairly productive creative time.

Still hoping the government relief is simple and straightforward to access for everyone who needs it(basically the entire service industry, which the live music business falls under), but aside from that I'm finding multiple projects to keep me busy. In addition to music, I've been cooking and baking, and with nicer weather on its way, I look forward to getting out to work on the back garden.

Being a DIY musician for many years, I've often imagined what it would be like to be able to focus solely on the art of making music, and not have to worry about booking and promoting shows, and the additional tasks that come with the job. COVID-19 has provided artists such as myself the opportunity to do just that. 

Check out my girlfriend  @kritchiephoto on instagram to see her beautiful isolation creations - https://www.instagram.com/kritchiephoto/

Before capitalist society came to a grinding halt, my friend and neighbour Kevin Bowers and I had begun to work on a recording project, so we dove right in when the self-isolation guidelines kicked in, and plan to record remotely with collaborators Jason Mercer, Chris Brown, and Pete Bowers to finish up the works.

Have a listen to Alcatraz:  https://youtu.be/uxbw2_dYT_M

This time of self-isolation also gave me the opportunity to go back and take another look at the song, and see where I could take it. Have a listen and share it around.

The song is called "Beach Blanket Bingo Bottle Toke". One of my favourite titles of all time! - http://tomsavage.bandcamp.com

The guitar and vocal for this song were tracked during sessions for my 2014 record "History of a Common Man". Same day as the opening track for that album, "Skinny Kid", and played on the same $40 flea market nylon string guitar (an El Degas for those who are curious). The song didn't quite fit with the mood of that album, at least from a production standpoint. I envisioned something different than the Country Folk sounds on "History". More like Space Folk or something...Blade Runner Folk?

I also worked on this cool video project with Tony Silvestri - https://fundrazr.com/tonystipjar He's raising funds for his long-awaited and soon-to-be-released album!

Stay creative,

Tom

Lonesome Highway Tour : September 1st - October 8th

Hitting the road again, friends. The solo show is taking it up another notch this year. A couple of new surprises in store and a pretty awesome sound if I do say so myself. Hope to see you out at one of my stops across this fine country of ours. Please share and help spread the word.

Best,
Tom

9/1 - Pan Chancho BBQ and Band Series - Kingston, ON

9/2 - The Garnet - Peterborough, ON
9/3 - HopeFest - Pefferlaw, ON
9/4 - Acoustic Grill - Picton, ON
9/6 - The Townehouse - Sudbury, ON
9/7 - Naturally Superior House Concert - Wawa, ON
9/8 - Apollo - Thunder Bay, ON
9/9 - The WhiskeyJack - Perrault Falls, ON
9/10 - Selkirk, MB - TBC
9/11 - Watson Arts Centre - Dauphin, MB
9/13 - The Needle Vinyl Tavern - Edmonton, AB (5:30 PM)
9/13 - Cha Island Cafe - Edmonton, AB (8:00 PM)
9/14 - Rum Runner - Coleman, AB
9/15 - The Twin Butte General Store - Twin Butte, AB
9/16 - Palomino - Calgary, AB (5-9 PM)
9/17 - House Concert - Red Deer, AB
9/18 - Lorenzo's Cafe - Enderby, BC
9/20 - WISE Hall - Vancouver, BC
9/22 - Rockwater Bar & Grill - Golden, BC
9/23 - Auditorium Hotel - Nanton, AB
9/24 - Mikey's Juke Joint ( w/ Kent McAlister) - Calgary, AB
9/25 - Last Chance Saloon - Wayne, AB ( 3:00 PM)
9/26 - Shannon's Pub - Regina, SK
9/27 - The Capitol - Saskatoon, SK
9/28 - Winnipeg, MB - TBD
9/29 - Pappy's Cafe - Wabigoon, ON
9/30 - Apollo - Thunder Bay, ON
10/1 - Loplops - Sault Ste. Marie, ON
10/2 - The Townehouse - Sudbury, ON
10/7 - Grumpy's - Montreal, QC

10/8 - House Concert - Ottawa, ON

Take Solace in The Solstice

Christmas. The Holiday season. The New Year. The Winter Solstice.  

This time of year is, for me, is a time for reflection, and for giving thanks. For family, for friends, and for another year on this Earth. Entering into my twenty-fourth year as a professional musician, I am thankful for the gifts of creativity, imagination, and of course, the music.

Musicians never really grow up. And I don't mean in the way that might first pop into your mind ( No real job. No Money. Staying out late every night. Endless snickers at flatulence and "That's what she said" jokes). I mean the ability to hang on to our imaginations. To never let go of that young teenaged kid jamming out punk rock songs in his bedroom. Or the poet who takes notice of the everyday, turns it on its head, and creates art. We have the uncanny ability to return to these places time and time again. For anyone who has ever recorded music, you will know that when you listen back to that recording, you can find yourself transported back to the time and place when the recording took place.

A metaphor for the creative person's mind.

I think for all of us, the holiday seasons brings us back to our youth, and affords us the opportunity to check in with ourselves. To see how far we have strayed from our younger selves.  I sometimes feel that life is slowly chipping away at my resolve and my connection to the innocence of the past. Probably a fight for everyone at one point or another.  Fortunately my profession forces me to find that spark every time I step on the stage or hit record. Imagination. Creativity. Music. Connection.

Find Joy wherever you can. Life's too short to not give a damn.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Tom

Show your community radio station some love!

In a world in which radio is dominated by music content that is determined by a handful of people at corporate headquarters in Toronto or L.A. , it is refreshing that we still have community radio  to turn to when we want to hear something different. Something new! 

As much as I love CBC, I have to confess that Radio 2 can leave me flat, after having heard the same song at same time every day for a month. Contrary to what their advertising suggests, there is definitely playlisting  going on, and the general feeling of having a tune shoved down your throat. "You will like this! This IS REALLY GOOD!" Well, maybe it was good before you played it 50 zillion times...

Community radio cuts away the music business BS, and focuses on the music and its merits. This gives my cynical little mind hope for the future of art. 

And of course there is the community aspect. Supporting local musicians and promoting local community events is what they are all about.

This is why on Friday I will be lending my talent to help kick off CFRC Kingston's funding drive at Musiikki Cafe on Brock St. It's going to be a great night of entertainment and a fun party! Also on the bill will be Megan Hamilton ( who sang on my new record, and will sing a couple of songs with me on this night) and The Nate Crockett Band.

Lay down your 10 bucks and support your local community radio station Kingston!

8:00 PM start

Brock Zeman at The Toucan this Saturday

Saturday night I'll be playing an opening set down at The Toucan,  for my friend Brock Zeman and his band. Brock is one helluva wordsmith and he plays the bass parts with his feet! It's gonna be a killer show. Check out this video for his tune, Day Before Tomorrow.

10:00 PM start

Weddings, Barmitzvahs, House concerts....

I'm currently booking a Canadian tour for the fall and I am looking to enlist some help in securing venues for performances in various cities/towns. If you are interested, or if you know of anyone who would be interested, in hosting me for a house concert, or to perform at a coffeehouse, church basement, backyard BBQ, tailgate party in a parking lot, sports bar wing night, old-tyme saloon, wedding, funeral, Barmitzvah, birthday party, book club, songwriters circle, etc., etc., please do let me know. And let your friends know. And let me know that your friends now know what you know.

It would be very much appreciated. This is my first solo tour in quite some time, and I am seeking out different types of venues to perform in. With TST,  we had a pretty good circuit going, but it was quite dependent on "bringing the noise" for the most part, so a lot of those venues won't be appropriate for the show I will be touring.

We are in the process of recording my new solo album right now. They are a fine collection of songs, and I am really excited about the outcome of this work. To be honest, it's the most jazzed I've been about a creative project in a long time. I think it's going to be something special and I can't wait to get out on the road and share it with all of you this September.

Here are the dates I am looking to fill and the general location I am going to be. Thanks for your continued support!

Tue. Sept.  9   - Sudbury,ON

Wed. Sept. 10 - Wawa, ON      

Mon. Sept. 15 - Regina, SK

Wed. Sept. 17 - Red Deer, AB

Thur. Sept. 18 - Edmonton, AB

Sat.   Sept. 20 - Fernie, BC

Sun.  Sept. 21 - Osooyos, BC

Mon. Sept. 22 - Vancouver, BC

Wed. Sept. 24 - Salmon Arm, BC

Thanks for voting!

I want to thank everyone who took the time to vote for the Foley Mountain Playboys in the CBC Searchlight contest, but unfortunately we didn't make it to the next round. Good luck to our friends Kyra and Tully and Shawn Mccullough who did make it through. Go vote for them often!

The contest was a great way to introduce our music to some new fans, and we are really excited to complete the FMP record and get it out to all y'all. Keep up with all the news about the band on twitter @FMPlayboys 

The FMP album is one of TWO albums I'll be releasing this year. The Foley Mountain Playboys record is straight-up Country, while my solo record will have elements of Country, but also a folk-rock, singer-songwriter vibe. If you liked my last (studio) solo record, Never Shed No Tears, I think you'll enjoy this one. It'll be a musical sequel of sorts. A continuation and development of themes if you will.

We started tracking my new solo album this weekend, and the sounds are tasty. I've got a crowdfunding campaign going for the solo record, and if you make a contribution, you will receive a hard copy of my new album as well as a digital copy of the new FMP record. Head on over and check it out. For those of you who have supported my music over the years, this is a chance for you to have a real impact on the creative process. Let's get this record made!

Best Of The Song A Week Challenge #4 : Good Friends, Good Times, Good Music

I couldn't have made it through to the end of this challenge without the interest and support of my friends and fans. Knowing that folks were keeping track of this thing certainly motivated me to keep going. This all started with my buddy Ross Neilsen and I joking around about the idea on Facebook. We had never met in person up to that point. We just helped each other out with information about venues, helped set up gigs, etc. When Ross did a show here in Kingston at the RCHA, you know we just had to get a song down for this challenge :





Ross was doing the challenge as well, but only made it to week #15. Still, he got some great tunes out of it, and a couple ended up on his latest record. I'm sure he would say it was a worthwhile creative exercise. You can pick up a copy of his latest record HERE.



Another opportunity that arose from this challenge, prompted mostly by the necessity to continually come up with new material, was co-writing. Tony Silvestri, Geoff Chown, and myself were sitting around, before or after practice one day(can't remember which), and I turned to Tony and said,'I need a song for this week, like today. Let's write one.' So we did just that. I'm still not sure I know how to play this one on guitar. Tony took care of the music. We need to get a studio quality recording of this song(sound quality on this video is pretty rough). It's gonna be a hit, I tell ya!




While TST was on tour out west last fall, we stopped in and visited with our good friend, singer/songwriter JD Edwards, at his home in Winnipeg, MB. As always when we are in Winnipeg, we had an awesome time out on the town, and ended jamming at a local pub by the end of the night. But to start off, we sat around in JD's living room and wrote this tune. Warning: this can be an earworm.

This recording says it all for me, about the experience of doing the song a week challenge, and being creative for creativity's sake, and nothing else. Good friends. Good times. Good music. If you've got that, you're doing alright.