Review Fix chats with singer/songwriter John Salaway, who discusses his introduction to music, goals, new single and more.
Review Fix: How did you get involved in music?
John Salaway: My Dad is a rock drummer and my folks used to play great music around us all the time. They took me to see a lot of amazing concerts like Paul McCartney, Rolling Stones, CSNY etc. I was very blessed to be raised on good music. When I was 10, I dusted off my Dad’s old Ludwig drum set and started rocking and practicing every day for many hours, then picked up guitar, bass and piano.
Review Fix: What’s your creative process like?
Salaway: With songwriting, I usually come up with a concept and a hook and then write the rest around that. I really enjoy co-writing with other artists because we usually come up with something you wouldn’t expect. I co-write a lot with Nashville’s Craig Wilson. When it comes to recording, I like to record all the rhythm parts myself-drums, guitar, bass and maybe some piano, then I like to bring in a really stellar artist to play solos or put some icing on the cake. The album I’ve been creating during quarantine features some really talented friends including Rami Jaffee (Foo Fighters), Lincoln Parish (Cage the Elephant), Katie Cole (Smashing Pumpkins), Peter Keys (Lynyrd Skynyrd), Rob Arthur (Peter Frampton), Nate Hefron (Anderson East), Chris Walker and more!
Review Fix: What inspires you?
Salaway: I try to look for inspiration all around, all the time. I get inspired by God, love, music, nature, kind people, spiritual wisdom, and beauty that surrounds us.
Review Fix: What does music mean to you?
Salaway: Music is everything to me. It’s my language. It’s my soul. It’s on my mind and in my heart all the time. I hear rhythms everywhere I go. I can’t imagine life without it!
Review Fix: How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard you?
Salaway: That’s a good question. I think my sound is constantly evolving but others say it’s Beatle-esc with tones of Americana influences.
Review Fix: How are your live shows different from your studio work?
Salaway: In the studio, I play most of the parts myself. When I perform live, I either play a solo show with looping effects where it sounds like a one man band, or I play drums and guitar with the Stones River Saints. I think that songs can evolve and change so I don’t ever try to make the live performance sound exactly like the recording. I tell my band to get creative with the parts that I record in the studio. I think its cool for the live performance to take on a life of its own and be original and unique each time.
Review Fix: What inspired your latest single?
Salaway: “Still A Light That Shines-even through the darkest times” the song is a reminder that even though it has been an unprecedented year filled with trials and tribulations, there is still a light that shines through it all. There is still love, beauty and blessings and we are going to come out of this stronger and wiser. It’s a song about faith, hope, peace and love.
Review Fix: What are your goals for the rest of 2020?
Salaway: My new album will be out soon and I’m currently speaking with and collaborating with some incredible companies. My company “Music First Productions Inc” handles many aspects of the music industry-booking, promotions, studio productions, performance, publishing, sync licensing and more. The beginning of the year has been rough but the rest of the year is going to be very successful. I’m excited to get back to work and back to rockin.
Review Fix: What’s next?
Salaway: Check www.johnsalaway.com and @johnsalawaymusic on facebook for many updates and announcements coming soon!
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