Artist Of The Week #186 - Josef Salvat
This week’s Artist of the Week is Josef Salvat - who has just released his new album ‘Islands’ - a collection of songs that are full of angst, emotion and clarity.
On the album Josef says, “I think some of the best songs I've ever written are on this record. Some of the funnest, freest music. Even when there's sadness it's more a wistful understanding. There's an acceptance and forgiveness of past fuckery and moving on. I'm proud of all of my albums for different reasons but I think Islands is my best.” He goes on to say “I've made the most major label album while not being on a major label. I think that's because when I was on a major label I was really trying to keep hold of credibility. But I chose to have that now – I'm not waiting for other people to give it to me. I love pop music and it's what I wanted to make.”
He took a moment to talk to us about how the album came together.
Hey there Josef, how are you? So your new album is finally here, how does it feel to have it out there in the world?
Great. Relief and satisfaction.
It is called ‘Islands’ - what is the meaning behind that?
It’s multifaceted but essentially it’s the isolated but communal thing that’s islands have going on. Also the songs are all themselves little islands in time because of how they were all written at different periods over the last years. Islands are also colourful, beautiful places to be and that’s how this album makes me feel.
Where was it recorded? Any behind the scenes stories from the creative process?
We did final prod and recording in Stockholm. The recording was actually so smooth and effortless. A lot of swedish coffee and meatballs and a growing love affair with the city are mainly what I remember.
How does it differ from your previous releases?
It’s vastly more electronic and more comfortably pop than my previous albums.
What are the key themes and influences on the album?
Thematically I’m always interested in the tragicomic push/pull dynamics we have in our relationship with ourselves and others. Musically I was listening to inxs, robyn, joy division, godley and creme and a lot of french pop.
Do you have a favorite lyric on the album? If so, which one and why?
I think my favourite lyric is in Islands: ‘I want someone to come and reassure me I’m exactly where I need to be’
Ultimately I was able to reassure myself of this - I didn’t need someone to come and tell me - and looking back at the guy who wrote that, I’m proud of how far he’s come since then.
Now the album is out there, what next for you?
I'm going to enjoy it being out in the world for a little bit but I’m always writing and thinking about which corner to take next.
