INTERVIEW:
Salt Ashes
___________
IT has been a while since I last spoke with Salt Ashes…
so it is a good time to catch up with her now - Girls is her new single and I find out what inspired the song. She talks to me about future material and her development; new artists she is compelled by; which three albums mean the most to her – she provides some good advice for new songwriters.
Salt Ashes tells me what it was like sharing the stage with Tove Styrke and Little Boots; what sort of music she grew up on; what she hopes before this year is through – she ends the interview by selecting a rather cool song I had not heard before!
___________
Hi, Salt Ashes. How are you? How has your week been?
Hey. Great, thanks. It’s been a busy week of sessions and getting ready for the new release.
For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?
Yeah. I’m an Electronic/Pop artist based in the U.K. and I like gin.
Tell me a bit about your single, Girls. What inspired the song?
It’s about a situation that happens too often, I think…
When someone makes an assumption that you want more than a friendship despite telling them over and over that you don’t. I hate the ‘slut-shaming’ time we live in and hearing that ‘They were asking for it’. It’s bull*hit. We should all be able to be free to express ourselves how we want without someone deciding for you that you want more!
I last featured you back in 2016. How do you think your music has developed since then?
Music should always grow and develop with the new experiences and knowledge you have in life…I don't know; I guess I feel surer of myself as a person now and I think that’s reflected in my songwriting and what I’m writing about.
Will there be more material coming later in the year?
Absolutely. I’m hoping to release a lot of music this year.
Having shared the stage with the likes of Tove Styrke and Little Boots; have you learnt a lot from other artists?
I loved those two gigs!
Yes; the biggest thing I’ve learnt and continue to is to make the music you want to make and be as honest as you can. Don’t follow trends. I see this with certain artists and respect them so much more for it.
What sort of music were you raised on? How important was your childhood tastes to what you record now?
I was raised on a really wide range of music so, even though it, inevitably, has some kind of influence on me, I don't think it directly impacts my writing now. I grew up on music my brother and sister listened to like Madonna, TLC; Lauryn Hill, Nirvana; Oasis and, later, discovered Disco in bands like Change, Giorgio Moroder and Daft Punk…
The media certainly loves your music. Does it give you confidence knowing so many people are reacting to what you write?!
I find it pretty nerve-racking, actually; putting new music out there and waiting for the reaction…especially when the lyrics are so personal and you’ve put a lot of yourself into it. But, not everyone is going to like it and that’s cool with me.
Do you have any gigs lined up? Where are you heading?
Gigs are to be announced soon!
What do you hope to achieve in 2018?
I want to be playing more shows this year and getting more music out.
Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music – the one that sticks in the mind?
Supporting Say Lou Lou at Heaven was a big highlight for me.
If you could select the three albums that mean the most to you; which would they be and why?
Jeff Buckley - Grace
His voice. His delivery. The Sadness. I learnt a lot from him and his songs as I was growing up.
Daft Punk - Homework
This was when my eyes opened to a whole new world of music. I put this on still when I wanna lose my mind for a bit.
A new favourite is Sampha – Process
It has so much depth and intricacies, yet and his voice gets my blood rushing.
What advice would you give to new artists coming through?
Be strong. Stick with your heart. Don’t be influenced BUT be open to ideas.
IN THIS PHOTO: Esther Kirabo
Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?
I’m loving Esther Kirabo at the moment - her song, Kill U, is sick.
Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?
Music is pretty much my life. But, I like to do yoga and drink gin with my friends. Not at the same time though – although, that could be interesting.
Finally, and for being a good sport; you can choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).
Play that Esther Kirabo tune! I love her
____________
Follow Salt Ashes
