Savage is the “Big Man” with the “Big Voice” that became an international superstar thanks to his songs ‘Swing’ ,which was later remixed by Australian EDM star, Joel Fletcher and ‘Freaks’ with legend, Timmy Trumpet. It was this success that led to the Pacific Music Awards to create the International Breakthrough award, which he has now taken home twice. He has shared a stage with icons of the hip hop world including Scribe, Kronic, Soulja Boy, and Akon, but now he is about to hit the stage for a brand new experience, with a full orchestra for the unique event which is SYNTHONY.

SYNTHONY will see conductor, Sarah-Grace Williams lead the musicians as they play the biggest and most well known dance songs of the modern age with an orchestral accompaniment while the vocals are supplied via some huge names in the industry such as Savage, Emily Williams, Greg Gould and Mobin Master. SYNTHONY will play seven performances across the country kicking off on the 28th of May in Brisbane. MFA got a chance to ask Savage a few questions about being involved with this spectacular event, what the future holds for Savage and his band Deceptikonz and the hopes he has of teaming up with Timbaland.

You have been announced as one of the Artists to perform at SYNPHONY, happening across Australia in 2022, are you excited to be a part of this unique style of music event?

Yes most definitely. Performing alongside Synthony Orchestra is a box I am really looking forward to ticking.

How do you prepare yourself for an event like SYNTHONY?

Ooh this will be my first time performing with a live orchestra, so I know the nerves will kick in moments before jumping on stage, but just a prayer and a shot of.....Honey will do the trick lol.

“Big man, Big voice, Big energy it’s going to be fun for sure!”

— Savage

What can we expect from your upcoming performance at this classical meets dance event?

Big man, Big voice, Big energy it's going to be fun for sure!

Apart from your own, which set are you most looking forward to seeing play at SYNTHONY?

To be honest I am actually looking forward to watching the orchestra as I have never experienced a live orchestra play mainstream music. Witnessing this for the first time will definitely be a moment for me.

If you could collaborate outside the event with any artist from the SYNTHONY line-up, who would it be and why?

I have worked with Emily Williams in the past but I wouldn’t mind working with Mobin Master. It's just the production for me, I would be keen to hear what I would sound like over a Mobin Master track.

What are the best and worst parts of being on a multi artist bill? Do egos ever get in the way or does it just add to the party?

It really depends on the individual I guess, I do enjoy meeting and networking with artists of all genres so if they’re anything like me, it will be a party to remember.

Do you enjoy playing festivals and being a part of that festival scene and atmosphere?

Of course, I think it's every artist's goal to be able to be part of a Festival Line up and work towards being a Headlining act. You just get to experience what it's like behind the scenes and appreciate being at that level. You also get to rub shoulders with acts that have inspired you or continue to inspire you.

Do you find that festivals present your music to a new fan base, including people who have never heard your music before?

Yes 100% hearing and watching an artist you have only heard on radio perform live can always gain new supporters, It’s just on the artist to put on a great show.

What is the one thing you absolutely HAVE to pack when you go on tour?

My daughter would sneak notes and letters into my suitcase and it would always be a nice surprise when I checked into a hotel, It’s a constant reminder of why and who I do this for.

2020/21 were year's full of uncertainty and change and for some the years came as a blessing, for some a curse. How do you rate your Covid years?

Blessed. I have been travelling domestically and internationally for 20 years since I started in the Entertainment business and to be home for over a year without travel was really strange but I actually really enjoyed the time I got to spend with my family.

Are you glad to be getting back to performing in front of a real crowd?

Yes it's good to get back to some kind of normality, but I think for most artist's, I just feel re charged and ready to get back to what we do best.

Is there anyone you would like to perform or collab with, that you haven't had the opportunity to yet?

Man, that dream collab has changed from time to time for me, but I’d still have to say Timbaland.

“I was the first NZ and Pacific artist to reach that milestone”

— Savage

What’s been the highlight in your career so far personally? And why?

Achieving double platinum status with my Single “Swing” in the US. I was the first NZ and Pacific artist to reach that milestone.

What your favourite song to perform from your back catalogue?

It's always hard to choose between Swing and Freaks because those two songs changed me and my family's life.

Where was your first gig? Was it a success or flop?

HAHAHA One of my memorable first shows was with my group Deceptikonz, in a place called Tolaga Bay on the East coast of NZ. The stage was the back of a truck and it was in a farm paddock where there were cows and sheep in the crowd LMAO. Talk about humble beginnings.

In your journey as a performer/musician have you changed? Is life much different for you from when you started out?

1000% My circumstances have definitely changed for sure, and I have had an amazing and blessed Journey thus far. I know I haven’t changed who I am but'. Throughout the years you tend to see people change around you and it's something you can’t help.

The Pacific Music Awards created the "International Breakthrough Award" in your honour, was that a very humbling and proud moment for you?

Yes it was, and to have won it twice is just a reassuring and rewarding feeling.

Who in your crew or team deserves a shout out but never gets one? And what is it they do that keeps your world turning?

Most Definitely Mareko from my group Deceptikonz. This brother of mine has not only helped me find my style, but has been a great mentor throughout my whole career. He has always backed me even when I was unsure. Most NZ hip hop artist will consider him to be the dopest Lyricist in our Small country but to me, this man is the GOAT!!! Give this man his flowers.....REEEEEXXXX!!!!

What's next for you? What can SAVAGE fans look forward to from you in the future?

My crew Deceptikonz will be dropping our final Album together this year to celebrate 20 years since our debut album Elimination. I will also be dropping a single this year as well as a few EDM features that will be released.

SYNTHONY 2022 DATES

SAT 28 MAY | RIVERSTAGE BRISBANE WITH BRISBANE PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA | 18+ (SYNTHONY No.2)

Tickets available from www.ticketmaster.com.au | 1300 446 925 | All Ticketmaster Outlets

FRI 17 JUN | RAC ARENA WITH PERTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA | PERTH | 18+ (SYNTHONY No.2)

Tickets available from www.ticketek.com.au | 132 849 | All Ticketek Outlets

FRI 24 JUN | WIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE WITH THE METROPOLITAN ORCHESTRA | WOLLONGONG | 18+

Tickets available from www.ticketmaster.com.au | 1300 446 925 | All Ticketmaster Outlets

FRI 22 JUL | NEWCASTLE ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE WITH THE METROPOLITAN ORCHESTRA | NEWCASTLE | 18+

Tickets available from www.ticketek.com.au | 132 849 | All Ticketek Outlets

FRI 5 AUG | ADELAIDE ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE WITH SOUTHERN CROSS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA | ADELAIDE | 18+

Tickets available from www.ticketek.com.au | 132 849 | All Ticketek Outlets

SAT 29 OCT | COCKATOO ISLAND WITH THE METROPOLITAN ORCHESTRA | SYDNEY | 18+ (SYNTHONY No.2)

Tickets available from www.ticketmaster.com.au | 1300 446 925 | All Ticketmaster Outlets

SAT 19 NOV | WREST POINT LAWNS WITH TASMANIAN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA | HOBART | 18+

Tickets available from www.synthony.flicket.io & www.ticketek.com.au | 132 849 | All Ticketek Outlets

Interview by Michelle Symes

May 2022

A Savage Synthony