The New Savages Brother are back

The New Savages are one of the hardest working bands in Melbourne who definitely satisfy your hunger for some down low blues. Now, they’re kicking off 2018 with a new single, ‘Brother, I am Your Keeper’ and a 32 date national tour. We chat to vocalist Milan Milutinovic ahead of their upcoming shows.
Thanks for chatting to Forte. How are you and what have you been up to recently?
Thanks for talking to me! There’s actually been a lot happening for The New Savages lately, I’ve got a new drummer named Darren Seknow, we just recorded a single and are about to kick off a huge national tour in support of it. I’ve also just started a blog on our website, where I’m going to be writing about blues history and of lesser known artists that I really admire. I’ve got one article up at the moment on Blind Willie Johnson, a blind street preacher from the 1920’s who really influenced the way I look at guitar playing. He has a fascinating story.
Congratulations on the new single and the upcoming tour! For you what is the best part of touring?
I love all the people that you meet on the road. Having a complete stranger drive an hour to come and see you play. This stranger has been listening to all of your records and it’s like you’re old friends because of the connection a song I wrote in my bedroom created between us. That’s the most satisfying thing to me. Applause and blowing the lid off the venue is great too, but really it’s about the genuine connections you can form with people.
What has been The New Savage’s favourite memory or moment?
Playing it Port Fairy Folk Festival last year. The first time we went on ABC radio for an interview and performance. These kind of things make you feel like your in a real band and not just a teenager who skips school to play guitar any more.
You have quite a unique sound, who have been some of your biggest inspirations?
There’s lots really. I like to think I am the sum of my influences in a way. The aforementioned Blind Willie Johnson, and also Mississippi Fred McDowell for my slide playing. Johnny Cash and Son House for my singing, Townes van Zandt and Bob Dylan for my lyrics.
But beyond all of that, and it might not even be apparent in the music I make, but, The Beatles are my biggest inspiration. There probably wouldn’t be The New Savages without The Beatles.
It has been a big few years for The New Savages, what can fans expect from you next?
Artistic development, and continuing to release music and tour prolifically. There’s nothing that scares me more than stagnating artistically. I’m always thinking about the next song and how to make it fresh and interesting. I’ve been writing lots of new songs and I’m sitting on about an album’s worth which we’ll probably record in the second half of the year. I’ll be playing more acoustic guitar going forward, and I’ve been writing in a new guitar tuning.
I think we have around 45 shows on the books from Jan-June across the continent, with more being added constantly. This tour just keeps growing. Mid June I’ll be flying out to Mississippi for something of a musical pilgrimage. Hopefully I’ll get a few songs out of that!
When & Where: Elephant & Castle, Geelong – February 4 & Pistol Pete’s, Geelong – April 1
You can check out their blog on www.thenewsavages.com/blog/