Photo Credit | Annie Nelson
By: Araya Alford
First things first I would like to congratulate you on your new EP, Songs About Love N’ Shit Vol.2! Before getting into the EP, I would like to know more about your background, what initially got you involved in music and producing?
Salazar: Thank you so much!Music has always kinda been “there”. My parents are both avid music lovers and my dad is a musician. It just seemed like the right thing to do when I was 7 years old haha. My parents bought me a guitar at a very early age and my dad taught me a great deal of what I know. It was very organic. I got into producing mostly out of curiosity and necessity. I didn’t have a ton of musical friends in Arlington when I was younger, so I started recording myself in my bedroom. My dad was also a producer in LA and Dallas in the Mid 90’s – Early 2000’s. It helped having that guiding light.
That’s so interesting. I bet your dad was very helpful both through your career as a musician and a producer. I also grew up in Arlington so I can for sure relate to that! What did you listen to growing up? And Are there any influences from it that are apparent in this EP?
Salazar: Growing up it was a lot of “rock and roll” that every kid gravitates towards. Lots of Zeppelin, Van Halen, The Who, Muse, etc. I think some of the earliest influences you have as an artists will always remain somewhat present in your work, whether it’s on a subconscious level or not. I wouldn’t say it’s a very “rock and roll” EP, though. Your taste develops as you mature. I started discovering more 60’s psychedelic and pop music when I was in junior high. That sorta stuff has stuck with me.
That for sure makes sense. I can hear some of that 60’s flair in your work. Speaking of music and genres, what genre would you consider your sound?
Salazar: For sure! Oh man, that’s tough. For this EP, I like to think it’s somewhere in the realm of 60’s and 70’s folk music with hints of indie pop hidden in there. But that’s completely subjective. And I’m biased. Whatever the listener relates it with, is whatever genre it is. Genre-fying your own music is weird haha
Haha I can see how that could be weird. That’s great you have that mindset though, that you don’t want to alter the listener’s perception of your music by labeling it. Diving into the connotation of this EP, in five words or less how would you describe it?
Salazar: Once it’s left my studio, it belongs to the listener. Side note, these are great questions.
“Music to cook pasta to” sums it up for me. It’s something you can put on and sing along to while you’re making a nice meal.
Thanks a ton! I appreciate it! I would agree with that statement. I also feel like everyone loves pasta so the combination is perfect! Going back to influences and just music you like in general, if you could have anyone, dead or alive feature on this EP who would it be?
Salazar: It’s a tie between Adrianne Lenker of Big Thief, and David Bowie. I covered one of Adrianne’s songs “masterpiece” on the ep, and I would have loved to have had her melodic sensibilities on one of the tracks. Probably on a track like “New York City”.
I would have loved for Bowie to produce “‘Cause”. It’s a song I wrote in the summer of 2015, but reworked for this release. I wonder what the song would have sounded like if Bowie produced it. I’ve had dreams about working with Bowie. Like no joke.
So going back into the EP, Personally, my favorite song is New York City (Anyhow), What’s your favorite track on the EP? or do you have one?
Salazar: Each song has a special place in my heart, but if I had to choose one, I’d choose “In A Flash”. The writing and recording process was very natural. Everything happened in a few hours. It wrote it the 2 days before I released the record. It’s exciting when that sorta stuff happens last minute.
That’s great you have that individual relationship within the EP. That makes a whole much of sense because “In A Flash” does sound pretty raw, of course in a good way that flowed very natural and was put together. Leaning away from this EP, since you are in many bands, do you have a couple of favorite venues you like to play at?
Salazar: Absolutely! This group of songs is probably the most personal set of songs I’ve ever actually put up on the Internet. You gain an attachment to the more personal songs. There are very few venues I really dislike. And a lot that I love. One of the coolest places to play is Transit Bicycle Co. in Greenville Ave. in Dallas. It’s a bike shop by day, and venue by night. The community of people at transit is beautiful. Genuinely the sweetest people in the world. Three Links and Dada are great too. And Mass in Fort Worth. All run by really really great people that care about music.
Transit bicycle is a great choice. Very quirky local spot. Do you have any upcoming shows people can catch you at?
Salazar:I love it. As of now I don’t have any solo shows coming up. But that will definitely change soon. Social media is a great way to stay up to date with that sort of stuff. I normally just play fancy bars and coffee shops with this project. It’s fun. Acid is always playing somewhere. I think we’re doing 3/16 at Dada in DTX and 3/31 and Midway in Denton. The next Majik Taylor show is on May 5th, at Transit subsequently, but we’ve got some shows closer to the present in the works right now.
Sweet sweet! Acid and Majik are always great to see. Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge?
Salazar: My family and friends, definitely. Important people. And everyone that’s come out to a show, or streamed the record. Also important people. And Duane “Dog” Chapman.
Awesome. Well there’s one last important question, creamy or crunchy peanut butter?
Salazar: That’s not fair. I guess it really depends on where the peanut butter is going. If I’m grabbing a spoonful just to have as a snack, creamy. But if I’m throwing it some on a slab of toast, it’s gotta be crunchy. Now some people would say “well the toast is already crunchy, so what’s the point?”. I guess I’m just a two crunch kinda guy. With sandwiches, I’ll just kinda go with my gut. I’ve always got both kinds on call at all times. Peanut butter of all kinds is welcome in my presence.
Haha this is a great detailed answer. I understand the circumstances can vary and so can the kind of peanut butter. Well thank you so much for taking the time for this interview! It’s much appreciated!!
Salazar: Hahaha It’s a great metaphor for life My pleasure! Happy to do it!
