Meet Electronic Pop Artist Salt Ashes

London-based Salt Ashes is rising in the ranks one single at a time. Her new single ‘Don’t’ is the anti-love song we all never knew we needed. The accompanying music video is powerful, and an added bonus, it was created by an all-female team (except for the lighting).

We chatted with Salt ashes about her new single, her inspirations and more…

You just released your new single ‘Don’t’, which you call an ‘anti-love song’. Did you envision it from the beginning as an anti-love song?

No, it wasn’t something I had planned. This was a raw and honest spill of my emotions at the time of writing it. It wasn’t until afterwards, when I reflected on the song, that it was pretty obvious what I was getting at. At the same time though, it’s more complicated than black and white… but isn’t it always the same with anything to do with love?

It’s extremely relatable in that it’s about not wanting to be hurt in another relationship. Can you describe the sound for us?

It’s a mixture between dark, industrial, deep rawness and warm, soaring elements.

Where do you get inspiration from for your music?

Mainly from personal experiences in and around me, but I also draw inspiration from imagery from art, photography and dance that I see.

What was it about music that you love the most?

Music to me is everything. I love how it unites people and is a universal language. I love how it can make people not feel alone and like someone understands them. I love how it brings up memories or moments that you haven’t thought of in years. I love how it can heal. I love how it can pick you up and take you far away from your troubles. I love how it can teach you something new about yourself. I could go on… It really is everything.

Can you describe your name ‘Salt Ashes’? I love it, it’s so interesting and memorable.

Thank you. At the time that I chose it, I felt it really summed me up as an artist as I love writing dark lyrics and imagery. I love the image of salt turning to ashes; there’s beauty and darkness to it, honesty and mystery.

How have you evolved as a musician since you first began creating music?

I think my journey is simply by growing up and living it. It continuously makes me more comfortable within myself and as a writer. Feeling more comfortable makes me write more honestly and take more risks without that crippling fear, which used to make me cease and want to give up completely. Having no fear is a massive hurdle to overcome. It essentially prevents you from stopping your growth as an artist. It’s a continuous battle for me but one I think I’m getting better at.

What does your creative process look like?

It’s different each time, but I would say my most practiced way is simply writing on guitar. A great song, in my opinion, should be able to be stripped back and played on a guitar with no other embellishments and still sound good. I usually start with chords, then melody, then lyrics, but like I say, this changes all the time.

What’s your favourite thing about performing live for an audience?

This is my moment to escape and let go. It’s honestly my favourite part of being an artist. It’s where I feel most comfortable. I love being able to connect with people on a level that can’t really be explained and have a conversation through music.