Maybe, you say, maybe Todd Sarvies isn’t any different from other singer-songwriters. Maybe the drive of making music a career—the opportunity to earn a living doing what he loves—is, you think, just like everyone else’s. Maybe his talent—obvious at first listen—is just that: talent, not yet fulfilled.
But then—there’s someone onstage and he’s commanding your attention. As he sings and (sometimes) comes close to screaming, his voice, his face, his body language—all of these expertly convey hurt, pain, anguish, longing, hesitation, regret. It’s more energy than an entire band puts into one live show. All conversation has stopped; all eyes are on him.
“I put everything I am into the songs I write,” says Todd, “and everything I do on stage echoes that.”
Todd has been pouring his words, heart and soul into his project John Boy’s Courage for four years now. Though the lineup’s gone through a few iterations, the beating heart of the band remains Todd: vocalist, lyricist, guitarist, and pianist.
The goal is simple: To feel music, not just manufacture noise without ample time or broken strings. To make one word mean more than the next. To tell a new story, a new song.
In 2007, JBC released its debut album, The Fall Precaution, a collection of chapters more than songs, a story about falling down…then pulling yourself back up. The music style—emotionally honest alternative pop-rock—often belied the depth of its tales, the songs’ intricate instrumentation.
Since then Todd’s been taking the show on the road, hitting towns near and far. He’s racked up an impressive list of festival appearances, including CMJ Music Marathon and Red Gorilla.
Soon, JBC will return with its follow-up record, The Ghost of Santa Fe, a sequence of tales which perfectly capture the state of being haunted by regret. Whereas Fall was equally focused on words and music, Santa Fe is more stripped down, thinner in sound yet more lyrically driven.
“The new record has a lot more heart,” Todd says. “As a songwriter, I try to be honest. When I first started, I was making up stories; now I write from experiences. Before, I was just scratching the surface. Now I pride myself on writing what I know, what I’m passionate about, and from what has happened to me. It means more when you know where a song is coming from and how that moment in time may have changed you for better or worse.”
The Ghost of Santa Fe is anchored by “King,” which speaks as a flashback to past regrets and decisions.
"King is the definition of everything that I do, putting my heart and soul into a performance," Todd says. "It really touches a nerve; it’s equally about what I am saying and how I am saying it."
Having such a strong emotional tie to the music and lyrics makes Todd’s performances powerful and cathartic. His ability to captivate an audience using the raw power of his voice is mesmerizing. It is clear he is most at home on stage, shrouded only by his music.
“Performing is a rush,” Todd says. “I can be on stage, screaming my heart out, knowing an audience can hear exactly what I've been through without distraction. The truth behind it all is what makes it interesting. It’s where all the passion comes from.”
You are so talented I could listen to your music all day everyday. I also enjoyed watching you grow on starmaker. Hope to see you on tour someday. Come to Oregon ppl would luv your music :)
Hey Todd! Thanks for adding me. I just wanted to tell you I thought you were AMAZING on the finale tonight! I can't wait to go to one of your concerts!!
Hey man, CD release was sick, had a huge party with like 300+ people... great time! Your stuff sounds really good man, I love the stripped down T-Diddy! Hit me up soon man, looks like your doing some touring, let me know if you need an opener...peace
Was good, T-Diddy!!!? I know I need to step up my Myspace game. I've been neglecting my page. I'll try to do better. How's things with you!? I miss you, man!! (No HOMO!!) LOL!!!
![☮ashley annette☮ [[r.i.p. mikey t]]](http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/89/s_1a9688847cbf4311a15981ee24d256b6.jpg)
Online!
