Salt Ashes
Yesterday I was saying to people that I’ve been receiving more and more sick music submissions and Salt Ashes is definitely part of these submissions. Her latest single “Too Many Times” is one of the best things I’ve heard in a while and it feels great to hear something that good and refreshing. The production is fucking massive, her vocals are stunning and the melodies are amazing. What a record. What a smash.
Salt Ashes is one hell of a talent and a brilliant artist with a true vision. I’m glad I got to discover her. Thank you for this interview :)
“Too Many Times” is out now :)
Photo credit: Rio Carciero
Introduce yourself - what's your story?
I’m Salt Ashes, an alt-pop artist from Brighton, UK who makes dark electronic songs and visuals that will either scare you or comfort you. Living in London, seeking chaos.
How would you define Salt Ashes, the artist?
You know, I don’t think we should define ourselves. We are ever-evolving, always changing and improving… at least that’s what we should be striving for. Maybe I just answered your question without actually answering it.
"Too Many Times" is your latest single - what's the inspiration/story behind it?
The song is about all of the f**ked up things you go through when suffering with anxiety or feelings of self doubt and hate. It’s really a journey through it, from the moments of physical pain to the moments of reflection of how you’re actually treating yourself.
Could you describe the songwriting/production process for this particular single? Who helped you create it?
I wrote it with my producer, Louis Souyave, after a good friend of mine died and I was feeling so lost, frustrated, anxious… all of the shi*t things. My producer was also going through some intense things so we were both experiencing extreme anxiety which we’d hash out at the start of our studio sessions. Eventually, we wrote this song and it was very cathartic and healing for us both.
What did you feel when writing this song?
It was equal parts tough and comforting. I find, when I’m writing about my own experience I really have to go there and live it to make the lyrics honest. But it was raw when we were writing it so that process was tough. As soon as we finished a section though we’d get this overwhelming sense of relief and it felt like something good had come out of something bad.
What's your favorite thing about this single?
I love the extremeness of it. The contrast of the saccharine and dirtiness. It’s feels just like what is going on in my head during those times. Chaos then calm. I also love the fact that my producer and I were feeling pretty terrible during that time yet we created something awesome from it.
What can you tell us about the music video?
It’s my little baby. This tells the story of the song but really highlights how you, yourself, are often the thing holding yourself back. We can easily blame other people or external things for our internal problems but ultimately only we have control of our emotions. I’m trying to live by this and I’m certainly not saying I’m fully succeeding but it’s something that I always keep in my mind when I’m having a tough day.
As an artist, what is the hardest part? And what is the best part?
The hardest part for me is social media. I don’t get on with and I don’t like it but sadly that’s the society we live in now and it seems your music won’t get heard without having to be a social media strategic genius. Which bugs me.
The best thing is, when you write a song and someone messages you to say how much that song has helped them. If I can do that for just one person per song then I’m happy.
What is your proudest moment of your career so far?
I’m always proud of myself. I’m proud whenever I write a song, I’m proud when I write and direct a music video, I’m proud to just get through all of that without losing my shi*t!
What are your thoughts on today's music industry? If you could change one thing, what would it be?
I would change how we use social media and how we are a product of it. Don’t ask me how because it’s a complex beast that is so deep within our society, it’s almost swimming through our veins but I would like it to be used for more good and maybe have a day or 2 of the week where no ones can actually use it. Like, a global switch off. That would be cool actually. I know, everyone’s going to be coming at me now saying we need our freedom… We do, I get it.
What biggest lessons have you learnt since the beginning of your career?
That most of the time it’s only you’re opinion that matters so make sure you’re happy with whatever decision you’re making.
What advice would you give to young artists?
Work with people. Collaborate as much as possible. Learn from others. Grow your skills. Produce, learn instruments, learn how to do your own artwork… Then you don’t have to rely on anyone else to create and visualise what’s going on in your head.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
More compassion, acceptance and less judgement.
What message do you want to deliver to the world?
To be compassionate to yourself and to others. Do something nice for someone every day. Grow yourself, LEARN! Then you can be confident, bold and badass.
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