GHOST HOUNDS – AN ARTIST SPOTLIGHT AND INTERVIEW WITH SAVNT
Photo Credit: © Grand Ole Opry, photos by Chris Hollo
By Ralph Beauchamp
SAVNT is the lead vocalist of the southern rock ambassadors, Ghost Hounds. The band will be performing at a benefit concert being held at the Citizens House of Blues in Boston on December 12th. Also on the bill are Dalton and the Sheriffs. The event is to raise funds for the Ryan Seacrest Foundation and Boston Children’s Hospital
Ghost Hounds sits in a space where modern blues and southern rock intersect. Their music feels both rugged and refreshingly alive. Ghost Hounds‘ sound is driven by gritty guitar riffs, soulful vocal lines and a production style that balances polish with a swampy edge. From the first notes of their tracks, it is evident that they are not interested in reinventing bluesy southern rock but infusing it with a new vitality. They lean on classic influences while still remaining current and fresh.
What stands out is the band’s instinct to groove. Ghost Hounds‘ sound relies on a solid rhythm section that infuses their music with a distinctive swagger. SAVNT’s lead vocals are smoky with a relatable character. The guitars are expressive and sharp but never too busy. The songwriting is not overpowering and leaves room for emotional weight. There’s a confidents in the Ghost Hounds‘ arrangements that feel earned. Ghost Hounds never sacrifice authenticity. They hit maximum impact in a totally organic fashion.
Listening to Ghost Hounds is like experiencing an intimate club gig where each musician plays like they mean every measure. Their music has a tinge of familiarity that blends easily with a boldness that keeps you eagerly waiting for the next explosive riff. If you are looking for southern rock rooted in blues and soul, Ghost Hounds are the ultimate choice.
SAVNT from Ghost Hounds was kind enough to sit with AMP for this in-depth interview.
AMP: How did Ghost Hounds originally come together?
SAVNT: As you can imagine each of us have our own stories about how we came to the band but at the core of it Thomas is the visionary who wanted to combine blues, country and rock music that speaks to your soul. We are all here because that vision deeply resonates with each of us.
AMP: Were there any early musical influences that shaped the Ghost Hounds’ sound?
SAVNT: The Rolling Stones, Muddy Waters, Freddy King and Robert Johnson are some of the musical influences that helped shape the early sound of Ghost Hounds.
AMP: How have you evolved since your first album?
SAVNT: Just like people grow, we as musicians evolve and we quite literally aren’t the same people we were 5 years ago; we have new stories and life experiences that are reflected in the music. As artists we are all committed to our craft and strive to be better so every album builds upon the last because we each make a commitment to expressing our love of music in the best way possible.
AMP: Can you walk us through your typical songwriting process?
SAVNT: Thomas (Tull), who plays 2nd guitar, is our resident writer and he truly understands the voice of Ghost Hounds. What makes his writing so special is how he builds a world that exists at the center of each song. He creates characters in such a detailed way; he knows what they ate for breakfast and the music reflects their life experiences. I have the privilege to hear these stories and vocally emote what that person must be feeling.
AMP: Your latest album, Almost Home, has gotten great attention. What was the biggest creative risk you took on it?
SAVNT: Almost Home tells stories that aren’t present in previous albums, we talk about love, loss, redemption and the heartache of it all in an incredibly vulnerable way. Sharing like this is a risk because just like any new music you never know how it will be received.
AMP: You’ve toured with big acts such as the Rolling Stones and ZZ Top. What have you learned from sharing the stage with legends?
SAVNT: I personally had the honor of touring with the Stones in 2024 as the new lead of Ghost Hounds. The Stones are a class act and a great example of how to make music that spans generations. They showed me what it means to stay true to your vision and connect with your audience in a way that makes your music a part of the soundtrack of their lives. My biggest takeaway from that experience was always take a moment to connect with your fans and give every performance your all.
AMP: On December 12th, the band will be performing a benefit concert for the Ryan Seacrest Foundation and Boston’s Children’s Hospital at the Citizens House of Blues in Boston. Do you feel artists are obligated to use their platforms for the greater good?
SAVNT: I think of service as a gift you give back to the world rather than an obligation. As artists we are blessed to be able to follow our dreams and with that comes so many opportunities to use our success to help others. The world would be a better place if we all committed ourselves to the greater good in whatever way we can.
AMP: What’s the biggest challenge of keeping a band like Ghost Hounds tight and creative?
SAVNT: Imagine having all of your “A” students in one class! Everyone is talented, comes from a different walk of life and has a creative voice which only enhances our sound. If you let us, we would build, rehearse and work on something for hours. What’s great about that is we push each other to be great and always give 100% even when nobody is watching. This type of work ethic is what keeps us tight.
AMP: How do you keep the energy fresh for longtime fans while bringing in new ones?
SAVNT: The energy stays fresh when you remain committed to honoring your love of music; by following that love you always find new sources of inspiration and that keeps creating fun. I am blessed to work and share the stage with not just incredible musicians but people who genuinely appreciate the art of it all just like the legends that came before us.
AMP: What can we expect from Ghost Hounds in the coming few years?
SAVNT: We love creating so right now we are working on new music…all I can say is stay tuned and thank you to everyone who has been on this ride with us thus far!
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