Review Fix chats with former My Darkest Days frontman and current lead singer of The Smashing Satellites, Salvatore Costa, who discusses the group’s debut EP, “SonicAluzion (A-side).†breaking down the origin of the band, as well as its creative process and goals for the future, Costa lets us know what to expect from this intriguing new group.
Review Fix: How did the band get together?
Salvatore Costa: Originally, Smashing Satellites was just myself, in a studio, with a bunch of random instruments and a producer. Upon my departure from My Darkest Days, I just went into a deep creative space trying to discover what it was I was really meant to do. I had no intention of being the singer for Smashing Satellites, however, I was recording the demo vocals on all the songs and then I’d audition singers to come and sing and I’d always be disappointed because they weren’t executing the emotion and vibe of the tracks. This all made sense after a while, because the songs are so personal. The only person that can really sing these stories are me, since they are so close to me. In the meantime, all the producers I was working with would always be like “dude, we love your voice, why are you wasting your time finding a singer? These are your songs. Sing them.” So once I decided to step up to the plate as the lead singer/multi-instrumentalist/and writer, I enlisted some really talented musicians to help me bring this all to life. Mick Valentyne, Devon Lougheed and Myke Thomas completed the vision of this band. It’s a really magical time.
Review Fix: What are your real goals as a group?
Costa: Really, to just create timeless songs with timeless messages. Songs that 50 years from now still sound current and still makes sense in the world. Heartbreaks, disappointments, highs and lows are all just a part of human existence. It never goes out of style being able to relate with people.
Review Fix: What’s the band’s creative process like?
Costa: Extreme experimentation and zero boundaries. When I get in the studio, I’m all ears, all heart and ready to lay it all out on a pen and pad, mic, and whatever instrument I happen to have in my hand. When I write I like to spend a lot of time alone in places that I feel inspired. The beach is one of my favourite creative spaces. There is such a powerful energy that emits from the ocean. It is just so mysterious and powerful, and it truly makes me feel invincible. I can dig deeper than ever in that environment. I have also battled insomnia for a long time now, which leads to pretty drastic internal mood swings. I guess, the one thing that is positive about that is that I can identify those moments as important times to create because I’m usually very vulnerable and open… and just willing to be honest.
Review Fix: How is your studio work different from your live work?
Costa: The studio is all about creation… every bit it of it. Where as live is all about re-creation. When it comes to live we go back and study our record… the sounds and vibes and work so hard on recreating those moments. That sometimes can be an even greater challenge because you need to bring yourself back to those creative spaces just so you can execute the songs live with the right intention.
Review Fix: What do you think are holding you back from accomplishing them?
Costa: The only thing that ever holds me back is myself. I can get into my own head way too much sometimes. So for me, it’s very important having people around me who can pull me outside of myself. I can be self-sabotaging. That is my greatest flaw. I’m never impressed with what I do, so sometimes I need others to make me understand that what I do is important to those who listen.
Review Fix: What makes “SonicAluzion (A-side)” Special?
Costa: To say this in short. The A-side of SonicAluzion is just 5 chapters of my story. It is real, it is dark, it is bright, it’s me.
Review Fix: What was it like filming the video for “Hounds”?
Costa: It was great because ‘Hounds’ was written in my sleep. It was this weird dream I had that I never got to finish because I woke up in the middle of it startled. So the video is really just my weird dream depicted through film with an ending that I never got to on the night it was conceived. What is also kinda cool, is that my car makes an appearance in the video, driving through space. Maxim beauty and friend Arielle Reitsma also makes an appearance as my werewoman in the video. It’s vibrant and colourful… and it has a retro feel to it which is really indicative to who I am.
Review Fix: What song has the best story behind it?
Costa: I’d probably have to say ‘Taste Of Fame.’ That’s all I really want to say about it though. I think it’s pretty self explanatory and something the fans need to hear by listening rather than myself explaining.
Review Fix: What song do you feel has the best potential to grow on listeners after multiple listens?
Costa: Definitely ‘Hounds.’ People either love it or hate it. And that’s what I love about the song. It’s very polarizing, and to me that’s what makes it interesting. In saying that, a lot of people close to me who haven’t liked the song will call me a few days later and be like “dude, this song is stuck in my head, and I love it.” It’s such a quirky and unconventional song, that it almost leaves you dumbfound for a minute. But if you really listen, it’s a pretty musical song and there are many cool parts.
Review Fix: How do you think this debut will resonate with listeners?
Costa: If they don’t love me, they won’t love the music. This music is 100% a reflection of me. My ups and downs, my views and my quirkiness as a writer, thinker and musician. But, most people who meet me end up understanding and loving who I am, and I think the music will have the same effect. This music cannot be any more real than it is. It is my purest and most honest body of work. I’m excited for people to follow the journey and become part of my world.
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