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Today, I’m excited to discuss another Midwestern U.S.-based musician crafting memorable music: Savanna Ruth. A press release for an upcoming album describes her background well, noting, “Savanna Ruth is the new musical chapter of Chicago-based singer-songwriter Savanna Dickhut, formerly known for her work under the alias Burr Oak. Blending indie rock, confessional songwriting, and an undeniable melodic sensibility, Savanna Ruth creates songs that feel intimate, restless, and deeply lived-in.
Her forthcoming album, The Baseball Diaries, marks both a reintroduction and a turning point. Written in the aftermath of a major breakup and during a period of emotional and personal exploration, the record turns inward, tracing the complexities of desire, autonomy, attachment, and learning how to love without possession. Where her 2024 release Annabelle looked outward, these songs are rooted in radical honesty and self-examination.
Produced by Scott Lucas of acclaimed Chicago rock band Local H, The Baseball Diaries introduces Savanna Ruth as an artist stepping fully into her own voice: raw, vulnerable, introspective, and unafraid of contradiction. Her breakout single ‘Bad Thoughts’ opens the door to this new era with an unapologetically honest look at longing, attraction, and the thoughts we usually keep to ourselves.” I recommend watching that very Chicago, very Cubs, and Wrigley-themed video after listening to today’s Singles Spotlight. In addition to Scott Lucas, Blake Smith also produced the album, which John Agnello (Dinosaur Jr, The Breeders, Red Kross) mixed. The Baseball Diaries is out Friday, October 23rd via Easy Does It Records.
Take a peek at the singles artwork for “Everything We Made”.
Recently, I was fortunate enough to get to hear the album. While I liked a few songs, including “Bad Thoughts,” I thought “Everything We Made” showcased Savanna Ruth’s vocals, songcrafting, and writing more. It features propulsive melodies, thumping drums, and driving guitars paired with Ruth’s confident and powerful vocals and earworm-worthy lyrics. And to me, all things considered, this makes for a well-deserved introduction to Ruth and reason enough to be part of SWT’s wonderful Singles Spotlight series.
But don’t just take my word for it. Press play, take a listen, and tell us what you think of “Everything We Made.”
Let’s take a look at the cover art for The Baseball Diaries:
The track list for The Baseball Diaries:
- Chickadoom
- Everything We Made
- Bad Thoughts
- Creatures of Habit
- Running Through Molasses
- Queen’s Gambit
- Brand New
- In Your Orbit
- Jasmine, baby
- Chickadoom (piano version)
You can connect with and listen to more of Savanna Ruth at the following links:
- Instagram: instagram.com/savannaruth_
- YouTube: youtube.com/@savannaruthmusic
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Spotify: Savanna Ruth on Spotify
See Savanna Ruth on the following September and October tour dates:
9/6 – Chicago, IL – DIY backyard show
9/18 – Tolono, IL – Loose Cobra
9/19 – Madison, WI – DIY house show
9/23 – Indianapolis, IN – Healer
9/24 – Athens, OH – TBD
9/25 – Pittsburgh, PA – Government Center
9/26 – Baltimore, MD – Wax Atlas
9/27 – Philadelphia, PA – Rug Club
9/29 – Albany, NY – TBD
9/30 – Brooklyn, NY – Sleepwalk
10/1 – Meriden, CT – Grace’s Place
10/2 – Oberlin, OH – TBD
10/3 – Kalamazoo, MI – Glow Hall
10/23 – Chicago, IL – Color Club (Record Release)
Scummy Water Tower Productions co-founder, reviewer, business manager, and editor. Thank you for visiting this site, scummywatertower.com, and YouTube for Water Tower Sessions and SWT Interviews. And all of our socials.
Questions, feedback, or more? Contact me: alex@scummywatertower.com
