On this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I sit down with SAVNT, lead singer of Ghost Hounds, for a conversation about the band’s new album Justified, vocal interpretation, storytelling, musical identity, and the unexpected path that brought him into the group.
We spend a lot of time talking about SAVNT’s approach as a singer. Sam Cooke was one of his earliest and most important influences, but his musical upbringing was much broader than any one genre. Soul, rock, country, and pop all existed together in his home, and that openness still shapes the way he hears music today. As SAVNT puts it during our conversation, “soul is not a genre, it’s a feeling.” That idea becomes a through line for much of the episode.
We also get deep into the songwriting and recording process behind Ghost Hounds. SAVNT talks about working with Thomas Tull, who often approaches songs almost like a screenwriter, building characters, circumstances, and emotional backstories before SAVNT ever steps to the microphone. From there, the challenge becomes finding that character’s truth and connecting it to something real in his own life. We talk about why he prefers singing complete takes in the studio and why he sometimes keeps recording even after everyone else thinks they already have the vocal.
The story of how SAVNT joined Ghost Hounds is remarkable. After deciding to leave New York and move to Denver, one final performance in Brooklyn put him in front of the band’s former lead singer, who recommended him for the job. Only months later, SAVNT was touring with The Rolling Stones, meeting artists including Lainey Wilson and Patty Griffin, and eventually performing at the Grand Ole Opry. He and drummer Sydney Driver even joined the band on the same day, giving both of them someone else to navigate that transition alongside.
We also break down several songs on Justified, including “Sinner’s Prayer,” “Pale Horse,” “Something Wicked,” “After You,” and the band’s versions of “Gimme Shelter,” “Going Down,” and “Amazing Grace.” SAVNT explains why those older songs naturally became part of the album and why closing the record with “Amazing Grace” gives the entire project an emotional and spiritual destination. It’s a conversation about roots music, perseverance, collaboration, and what happens when a singer stops thinking about genre and starts thinking about truth.
Key Takeaways
- SAVNT’s vocal identity comes from an unusually broad musical foundation. Sam Cooke was a formative influence, but country, rock, soul, pop, and other styles were all part of his listening life from an early age.
- For SAVNT, soul is bigger than a genre. If a folk, bluegrass, country, rock, or jazz performance communicates something real enough to make him feel it, he considers that soul.
- Ghost Hounds approach songs as stories first. Thomas Tull often gives SAVNT detailed character and emotional context, allowing him to approach the vocal almost like an actor trying to find the truth of a role.
- SAVNT prefers recording complete vocal performances whenever possible. Singing the full song allows him to build naturally toward its emotional peaks instead of assembling the performance one isolated section at a time.
- Joining Ghost Hounds was the result of an unlikely chain of events. A final Brooklyn performance before SAVNT planned to move to Denver led to a recommendation, an audition, and ultimately a meeting with the band on January 1, 2024.
- SAVNT and drummer Sydney Driver joined Ghost Hounds on the same day. Their musical connection quickly became important, with SAVNT describing Sydney as an anchor whose playing helps guide his entrances and phrasing onstage.
- Justified developed organically rather than according to a rigid plan. Covers including “Gimme Shelter,” “Going Down,” and “Amazing Grace” were originally recorded without certainty that they would become part of an album, but eventually the music itself seemed to determine where they belonged.
Songs from the Episode
- Something Wicked - Ghost Hounds
- Sinner's Prayer - Ghost Hounds
- Gimme Shelter - Ghost Hounds
- Amazing Grace - Ghost Hounds
- Going Down - Ghost Hounds
About the Podcast
The Bandwich Tapes is a podcast about the people who make music and the experiences that shape them. I sit down with musicians, songwriters, producers, engineers, and other creative people for thoughtful conversations about craft, collaboration, careers, influences, and the realities of making music. The goal is simple: get beyond the résumé and talk about how music actually gets made.
Connect with the Show
Questions, comments, guest suggestions, or just want to say hello?
The Bandwich Tapes is a podcast about the people who make music and the experiences that shape them. I sit down with musicians, songwriters, producers, engineers, and other creative people for thoughtful conversations about craft, collaboration, careers, influences, and the realities of making music. The goal is simple: get beyond the résumé and talk about how music actually gets made.
Connect with the Show
Questions, comments, guest suggestions, or just want to say hello?
contact@thebandwichtapes.com