After dazzling us with an array of smooth and uplifting cuts over the last year, US duo Salti Ray are now back to their vibrant ways on the breezy new single 'Are You Still Sad All The Time?'
Channelling a wonderfully warm and driven direction, not too dissimilar to Fleetwood Mac, 'Are You Still Sad All The Time?' showcases some of their most proficient songwriting to date. With its rich and pulsing atmosphere measured perfectly against some truly passionate vocals, this new effort is a bold and euphoric return to form throughout.
So with the new single available now, we sat down with them to find out more about their background and what has inspired them most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Mary – Guitar.
Noelle – After I saw Spongebob play the guitar, I was hooked.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Mary – Rock, musical theatre, classic singer-songwriter, jazz. A lot of the music my parents liked. Once I got into middle school and high school, I was pretty into hard rock, alt rock, grunge, and classic groovier stuff like Stevie Wonder and Motown. I’ve always enjoyed most genres in some way, so this is hard to answer.
Noelle – Rock music. And whatever my brother was listening to. This happened to be lots of Pink Floyd.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Mary - The Colour and the Shape by the Foo Fighters. I feel like when I was little, I asked my mom for some Leo Sayer record, but I have no idea what it was or what it even sounds like now.
Noelle – Probably an old Green Day album For 10+ years, my computer password was mikedirntfan.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Mary – There’s probably 100 songs I wish I’d written but didn’t. Plastic Love by Mariya Takeuchi is one.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Mary – Not particularly. A lot of my songs just kind of happen, but it isn’t always the same way, and I kind of like that – keeping variety in process. Sometimes, it starts with lyrics, sometimes a melody, sometimes a phrase and melody together, sometimes just a riff, sometimes a few notes, sometimes a chord, sometimes inspiration from an artist to write in a similar style or with a similar song structure.
Noelle – When I am writing, I tell myself I am not writing a song, this way I don’t feel the pressure to make everything perfect.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Mary – Really into Wolf Alice lately and Sam Fender. A little Olivia Rodrigo, Nothing But Thieves, into the new Deafheaven record.
Noelle – Nothing But Thieves is the biggest one.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Noelle – See above.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Mary – Seeing my music mean something to somebody. If what I create moves someone or helps someone in some way, I’m fulfilling my purpose.
Noelle – Giving something meaningful to other people.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Mary – Finding the resources to bring to life the version of what you’ve created that lives inside of you and get it out into the world.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Mary – I don’t know. Everyone usually just says “Keep going.” I think some general advice I hear a lot is that success looks different for everyone and happens at different ages. I apply that to music a lot. It helps me constantly come back to what it means to be successful for me and focus on creating beautiful, raw things instead of hyperfixating at a bunch of numbers on a screen. I try to focus on the connections I make with others through my music the best I can and see opportunities as a means to that end. I’m not always successful, though.
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Salti Ray's new single 'Are You Still Sad All The Time?' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.