Interview: Salem

How did this all start, did you grow up loving music, singing. Was this always a dream for you?
‍Music has pretty much been my life since before I could even talk. I started singing as a toddler and started playing instruments at the beginning of high school. I wasn't aware that being a musician was even an option as a career, but as soon as I started gigging and making music, I realised that it was a possibility.

How has your family and friends influenced your music and creativity?
‍My mum and my brother have been my biggest musical inspirations in my family, both of them supporting me and helping me with my gigs and everything. My music teacher Matua Ance has been my biggest musical inspiration and the most significant musical figure in my life. He's the reason I really got into guitar and decided I want music as a job.

In what ways has growing up in Tairāwhiti shaped your sound and storytelling?
‍Growing up in Gizzy definitely had its advantages and disadvantages. The music scene was definitely small and even the fact that it's not the safest place kind of shaped how I looked at it. I feel like I am not as much of a small town person, but I am very grateful to have been there and to experience the culture and everything.

You've been a finalist in the Play It Strange competition five times. What has that experience taught you as a songwriter?
‍Play it strange has been amazing for me. My journey from when I entered my first competition in 2023 to now has been filled with growth and a lot of hardship as well! But this journey has really improved my songwriting and my music just in general.

You've achieved a lot before turning 20. Do you ever take a moment to reflect on how far you've come?
‍I do reflect on my music career and always feel proud about how far I've come. Going from being a socially awkward teenager who just played guitar for fun to a slightly less socially awkward teenager who gets to do incredible things in music has been amazing.

What did receiving support from NZ On Air mean for you as an independent artist?
‍The support from NZ On Air has been so helpful for me. Especially as a small independent artist where funding can be tight, NZ On Air has helped me so much.

Can you tell us the story behind A Girl Named Abigail and what inspired you to write it?
‍A girl named Abigail is a song that's very close to my heart. It's about my aunt who passed away when I was young from cancer. It's really just about grief and I used the song to help people go through the process of losing someone.

You have also just had a music video come out to support this song, what was your process going into this and what was some of the inspiration/ ideas to help capture and support a song very close to your heart?
For the music video for A girl named Abigail, I really wanted to have a performance where I could express the emotion of the song. I didn't think a conventional music video with acting and stuff would fit with the vibe of the song, so I wanted to do a live performance.

What do you have coming up that you can share with us?
‍I've got an upcoming album that i've been working on for a while! still working out the logistical side of it all, but I know this will be my biggest project yet!

What would your ideal BF burger contain?
‍The American muscle double is already perfect but I would add some bacon on it.

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Sound Check, Vibe Check

What is your go to song to Jam out to in the car? Sad song: Lover you should've come over - Jeff Buckley, Hype song: My hero - Foo Fighters

Who is your favourite artist at the moment? Jeff Buckley

One thing you can’t perform without? My guitar

One artist or band you would love to co-lab with? Laufey

Go to BurgerFuel order? American Muscle Double with Spud Fries

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Fire or Backfire?

Pickles in burgers - Fire

Crocs - Fire

Karaoke - Fire

BurgerFuel Aioli - Fire

Acoustic performances - Fire

NZ Music Month - Fire

Festivals - Backfire

Singing in the shower - Fire

Pineapple on pizza - Backfire

Supermarket in bare feet- Backfire (unless you’re in gizzy)

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Check out Salem's newest single HERE, and stay up to date with him HERE.