Today we’d like to introduce you to Southern Belle Savage.
Hi Southern Belle, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
First and foremost I would like to say I’m a child of God and any place that I’ve gotten to God has ordained me to be there. That’s important for me to acknowledge especially in this place because I have never imagined me being here. I’m going into my 3rd year of being a spokenword artist.
My name is Southern Belle Savage. I truly started as a singer in my school/church choir as a child. I used to write and make up songs as a kid about my experiences but I didn’t exactly steward that gift as well as I should have. I desired a certain amount of validation for my music and not getting it was discouraging. If we’re all being honest with ourselves and others life in itself simply has its challenges so it’s really easy to get off course. I colored outside of the lines of life so hard and well let’s just say God blessed me with many lessons. Hard lessons and they shaped me into not only the person but the artist I’ve grown into today. The best thing my parents ever did was put the Lord in my life early bc it is true what he says when he says that he will never leave nor forsake you. His grace and mercies renewing every morning has kept me everyday of my life and I can never fully express my gratitude. Those lessons taught me to show up boldly with him in the room. I didn’t get it right all of the time and I allowed my emotions to get the best of me over the course this my journey. God used my experiences and developed me into a better writer. A more vulnerable truth teller that says the quiet part out loud more times than not. Someone who isn’t afraid to own their part in the story. I was the victim and villain in some stories but God has always been my redeemer. God has always been the hero. If you want to take anything from my life story take Christ is my redeemer and he can be yours too if you want.
The Lord gifted Spokenword to me in a season of loss, heartbreak, and necessary endings. I’ve always written to express my feelings. I’ve always had a way with words and decided to put my poetry in a book. I had my work published sometime before in a different magazine and it’s still uncanny to me that I’m a published author. I wanted to do something no one had ever seen before. It was the first time I felt like someone actually desired to read my words so it started a slow burning fire in me. I started formatting my first poetry book. I learned so much about myself during that time and what not to do and what they don’t tell you. Just all the things. I put my heart and soul into my first poetic look-book and I’m so proud of it. How my experiences played apart in not only my development as a disciple of Christ, as a human being but also as a writer. A performer. A artist. Performing started as a marketing tool and became a home.As of recently I don’t perform my first book as much. That’s my baby. My first project. My debut ya know. So I just love her but my growth as an artist has changed the sound and direction so when I do revisit her on the stage I bring something fresh about experiencing that body of work again. If you don’t know about me and you really want to know about me I would actually tell you to start there. It’s what will be considered a deep cut. It won’t be available forever. The art that I make now really reflects more where I am with Christ. That’s truly where I am at in my life. I can only truly give you art that comes from my life’s influences and experiences. I can’t wait to do another poetic look-book and when it is time for that to be displayed in such a way I pray that God does his thang. I love performing. I love connecting with the audience it’s one of my favorite aspects of this craft. I truly would love to expand the various mediums that I use to present my art. I occasionally pop up at some open mics to bless the mic however you are also able to book me to entertain in the poetry space or to host an open mic. I’m always willing to surprise pull up to see familiar faces at the various open mics and support my peers. Dallas has so many dope artist in the city. If you love art support the local art and talent. Support the open mics you’ll always find hidden gems there. I have some favorites in the city of Dallas like Dallas Black Canvas and Divine Sol.
I’m in a space of working on who God wants me to reflect in my artistry where I started is apart of my testimony and I am proud of who I had to be at that time bc that is who led me back home to God. It’s how I’m able to see with just how much he’s gifted me with in this aspect of expression and how careful I should be with my words. I did not use to be careful with my words. I used to overshare. I used to just simply allow access to me in different areas of my life when I shouldn’t have. Some of the best lessons learned are in painful situations and sometimes that’s really heavy to admit. It’s really difficult to do but it’s not bad and it’s easier to do when you do it with God. Idk I just felt like this is necessary for everyone to know. If you’re going to do something do it with God so he can guide you as a loving and gracious father would. At the end of the day no matter how much of an adult I become in this natural world I will always be a child of God. His to obey and his good news to always be shared any opportunity I have. My only and one true purpose will always be to be the salt of the earth reflecting the light of the world. Translation: share the Gospel. It really doesn’t matter what service I do my purpose will always remain that. I’ve been truly blessed in the spokenword aspect of my journey. As an artist I was made for this. Spokenword fits me like a glove. It’s a well knitted gown that hasn’t lost shape that elegantly clothes me. It feels like a hug that makes space for true vulnerability and accountability. A perfect place for God’s truth. I’m in a state of many transitions so my art is changing. I know that the outcome of any journey is out of my control and that I can do all things through Christ. I will say this has been my favorite journey I’ve embarked on and I can’t wait for what God has in store for not only my new season but any season the Lord blesses any of us with. It truly is all a gift. Still a blessing of a lesson that was necessary that we all learn no matter the ups or downs. I’m grateful that I was able to share my testimony with you all. I’m grateful that my art allowed ppl to see themselves and relate to and connect to my art. That is such a blessing and high responsibility. I have such a high respect for this craft I just want to steward it correctly.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
What journey doesn’t have its challenges? There is always something you don’t know, don’t think about, and or are green to when you enter a new space especially as a performer. But also when it comes to putting out your art because you could drop something it can come out all wrong and now you’re on the phone having a melt down about why your book looks like that on the Kindle and why Amazon hasn’t released your physical book. What they expect you to fix and how you need to fix it isn’t being communicated nor comprehend well on either end. Sorry I had a very real flashback and had to paint the imagery for you. If you ever have a question about how to get your book on Amazon I’m more than happy to help. I had to figure it out it made my drop day embarrassing. If I can save another person from experiencing that I’d absolutely would in a heartbeat. I went through a lot and I didn’t have anyone to help me and I also didn’t know the right questions to ask either if I had of had help. I had been in a state of functioning depression for a long time before releasing my baby <u>Untitled</u>. This book was something that felt like alignment for the first time in a long time and that determination that I know so well activated in me again. It was my second time finding my identity in my journey of finding myself artistically. The first time was with my podcast and I learned so many lessons with my podcast and it was a lot of moving parts that were expensive and but it also showed me the type of determination the Lord planted inside of me and it only activates when I operate in my gifts whatever their function. I did have a team with my podcast but the content was again me not watching my mouth and so as much as I wanted that to pan out… God wasn’t going to bless that I was doing too much lol. But it’s on apple podcast and it was entertaining. That was a wild time in my life. The most challenging and fun part of our life’s journey is the many lives you get to live on them and how many times parts of you have to die in transition of finding who you are as a person let alone an artist. I think we’ll be here way too long if I tell you all the challenges I faced. Some self inflicted. Others lack of knowledge and hurt feelings and not handling situations in the best manner and I just thank God for how far he has brought me.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a writer and spokenword artist. I also specialize in creative direction and wardrobe styling. I don’t believe anyone has ever presented poetry the way that I have or at least I’ve never seen it done. I have a book on Amazon called <u>Untitled</u> by Southern Belle Savage. I used to do photography but I don’t do it as much now I’m more focused on perfecting the way I present spokenword and coming up with how I want to present the look-book aspect of my next poetic look-book. I also want to explore other ways to visually present my art. My friend Michaela called me a Jill of Many Trades and I think that’s such a beautiful way to explain what it is like to have many gifts and possess many different skillsets. It makes it difficult to perfect any of them unless it’s the season for them and I don’t think a lot of us know that. I don’t think it registers that sometimes the art we birth will have the impact that it has. If my artist journey can mean anything to another artist… be gracious with yourself and be grateful for your gift. It’s somebody wishing to have the courage to even fathom doing anything remotely close to what you had the courage to express as an artist. It allows the audience to see you and connect. You never know the seeds your art will plant but share it. I’ve had the pleasure of having people read my words back to me and that’s probably the coolest most rewarding experience as an artist. It shows you what they relate to what they enjoy and it’s such a beautiful way to connect with someone who enjoyed my art. I also love wardrobe styling for photoshoots and event styling. I even love revamping wardrobes and organizing closets. I could do that full time honestly. I’ve had the pleasure to tap back into those gifts and I just simply enjoy doing it. I only require a love offering as payment for those services outside of the expenses to make the look happen such as the clothes. I simply enjoy doing it and it truly brings me joy. It’s so fun for me. In whatever way God allows me to be blessed I’m always grateful. I find when I align my steps to his I’m blessed far beyond measure. What sets me apart is my relationship with Christ and how transformative it has been to rededicate myself to him and how freeing that is for me and how that also allows me to go deeper in my art as a writer. Hone the theatrics my presentation must possess to captivate my audience and give them what they came for. A skill I harnessed in childhood. I’ve been a student of the performing arts all my life but performing art I live and walk through is a gift and I love sharing it with those willing to receive it.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
If you are interested in collaborating with me, if you would like to consult with me about the process of Amazon KDP, or hire me to perform as a Spokenword artist/ event host. Please contact me @southernbellethesavage@gmail.com.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.amazon.com/untitled-Southern-Belle-Savage-ebook/dp/B0CT5Z37HR
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southern_belle_savage?igsh=YW04ZXZlZTE3enl5&utm_source=qr
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/live/ko3IeorCWAE?si=6mh-BkeQasNDl8la
Image Credits
Rajae Kennedy Southern Belle Savage
