Guardians of Guitar‘s brand new imprint label on Mi5 Recordings/Universal Music Group has just dropped its first release—a ferocious digital single entitled “Junkyard Dogs” by 19-year-old guitar phenom JJ Savage.
“Local music manager Brent Turner alerted me to JJ last year,” says GoG founder Michael Molenda, “and I was so impressed with his young, unbridled talent that I asked Leighsa Montrose if we could give him the 2019 Ronnie Montrose Rock the Nation Award we bestow upon emerging guitarists under 20 years old. She agreed, and we were further blown away by his performance at the Ronnie Montrose Remembered concert on January 25, 2019, where we presented JJ with his ‘Montrose Medal.’ It was really no surprise that JJ would come up with a song that expressed not only his fervent commitment to the guitar, but also celebrated guitar music in general. Mi5’s Ted Mason and I signed him up in a flash.”
“Junkyard Dogs” harkens back to ’90s hard rock styles, but with some very cool elements of the ‘7os, and it has a pretty rockin’ chorus.
You can download the new single at these sites:
iTUNES
SPOTIFY
Savage was born in Albany, New York as Joey Pettinato, and began playing East Coast bars at just 12 years old. Due to having Tourette Syndrome, he was often bullied by school mates, and disappeared into the guitar around the age of 9 to focus on something positive and joyful.
“I am hopeful to be an inspiration to others who have to battle through their disabilities to achieve their goals and dreams,” says Savage, who can control the neurodevelopmental disorder whenever a guitar is in his hands.
Watch Savage at the Ronnie Montrose Remembered Concert
Guardians of Guitar seeks to promote and evangelize guitar playing, guitar music, and beautiful and feral guitar noises through its website, social network, and label relationship with Mi5 Recordings/UMG. Please contact Michael Molenda at gpeditor@gmail.com if we should know about your awesome playing, a cool recording/video, or anything else guitar related. We passionately promote young talent and female guitarists along with players of all ages and styles.
BELIEVED IN JOEY SINCE THE BEGINNING. THIS IS ANOTHER NEW BEGINNING , SOOOOOO VERY PROUD OF YOU !!!!!!
Joey is the real deal.
That’s so awesome Joey ! Keep up the great work.
That’s awesome Joey ! Keep up the great work .
I’m so happy that our paths crossed in 2013. JJ has been an inspiration to me and has shocked me with his guitar ensembles. We have many happy memories together. And I love him like a son. Dream big pal. Then conquer!?
Sorry We missed ya at King Neptunes JJ…Tam needed an infusion that day…Catch you at the next one RockStar!!!
Takes me back to the classic rock bands of the 1980’s. Crazy guitar playing. Cheers!