User:Regina Perdomo/Savk

Savk (Stephen A. van Kampen) has been writing, singing and playing his own songs for many years in many different bands, including Beija Flor (2003-2010 RIP). Though it is only recently that he decided to try his hand at going solo, Savk is finally realizing his complete musical vision. Raw, rough and sometimes uncomfortably honest,  Savk not only wears his heart on his sleeve, but rips it out and throws it at the audience. Between his dynamic guitar, whiskey soaked vocals, and his stomping foot percussion board, it is hard to believe so much sound can come from one person. With punk rock roots, old soul sensibilities, and a love for all things tarnished and worn, Savk captures a sound that defies the usual “folk” sound, yet still embraces its principal messages of storytelling, and social justice. With his first release from 2010, Savk is gaining momentum quickly, and making a lot of new friends along the way. Savk's greatest inspirations include: The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Feist, Neil Young, Radiohead, Devendra Banhart, Nick Drake, Red House Painters, Animal Collective, Ray Charles, Janis Joplin, Otis Redding, Billy Holiday, The White Stripes, Simon and Garfunkle, Nirvana, Michael Jackson, Johnny Cash, The Clash and everyone he has played with over the years. Confused? It’s best to just give Savk listen.