London-based Lebanese/Palestinian/Scottish artist releases the music video for her dynamic single ghost you.’. Fusing electro-pop and space disco with raw, whimsical storytelling, the track and its accompanying visuals explore the complexities of nightlife, relationships, and reclaiming power.
How did your musical project first start? Is there a story to tell about it?
I started forming the idea for an electro-pop album in 2019. I had been playing the London circuit for a few years, writing and performing my own cabaret- jazz music. I enjoyed performing but I felt stagnated and had dreams of making an album. My friend and fellow musician, Michael Stroudinsky, pitched himself as a producer for the project and as we had similar classical backgrounds I realised we’d probably make a good team. With over 70 songs already composed, I had plenty to choose from. Suddenly — as is the case with bipolar — I was hit with a manic episode combined with a messy love affair and I wrote seven brand new tracks for the album in three months. Michael and I went into the studio and recorded over different periods throughout the pandemic. It was a weird time to be creative and I doubted my work immensely, but when I came out the other side it’s a time I look back with a lot of fondness for. It was also a time when I wanted to stop hiding away from my heritage and background. I’d always been weary of having such an Arabic middle name. Salwa isn’t an easy one for most people to say but I wanted to embrace this. l was named after my Palestinian grandmother, who was an activist and pianist.
What was your first gig?
The live project for Salwa has evolved into a duo act with Michael and I. Playing on stage with Michael was an incredible experience, as he’s not only a great producer but has a cool presence and collaboration with me on stage. We had our first gig headlining Breaking Sound in September. The plan is to take the show to festivals and maybe even make our way back to the Middle East.
How have your music/live performances been received by fans?
Lots of people really enjoy the live show because there’s so much energy we can bring through the dance tracks. Playing live always hits differently and I love vibing with the audience.
What three words best describe your musical style and why?
Love or hate. I’ve always felt that these are the three words that describe me and my music. You either get me or you don’t . The real ones always get it though.
Who are your biggest musical influences?
The old jazz is some of my basic influence and foundation: Gershwin, Errol Garner (I’m a pianist first) the Boswell sisters, Steely Dan: Donald Fagen’s storytelling and world-building has had a hold on me since I first heard ‘Babylon Sisters’ at 13. Recently I’ve been into my boss girls though, Japanese girl band Chai, Billie Eilish, and The Marias – some of the smoothest production and gorgeous lyrics from songwriter and lead singer Maria Zardoya. And I grew up in the 90s in Ayia Napa around all the house and garage music. My partner is also a big dance music fan – he’s opened up my tastes a lot. I could talk about music all day so I’ll stop here.
Tell us about your new release.
The video for the penultimate track on my album, Ghost You, has been a year in the making. It was directed by Ted Clarke, an incredible director and talent. He’s just one of those people who gets me and has such a clear vision. We wanted to create this nostalgic nightmare. I think we all have the tendency to look back at a night out with rose-tinted glasses, and this was what we wanted to convey in the video while keeping it edgy with a bit of humour. The release has been really well received – I think young women really resonate with it and have told me they feel it’s buzz like a kind of fuck you anthem! Especially when we play it live — it’s really cool to hear this as a songwriter.
What inspires your lyrics?
Frustrating situations always inspire my lyrics and complicated love. Recently I’ve been writing a lot of short socio-political fiction and this has started to seep into my lyrics for the new album I’m working on. I love dissecting complicated feelings through my lyrics. I really consider myself a poet/writer first and a musician second. Writing the lyrics is always my favourite part.
How do you hope listeners will feel after hearing your music?
I hope they’ll feel seen, charmed and challenged.
Do you have any upcoming tour dates?
Hoping to tour spring/summer next year – dates to be announced soon.
What are you/your band working on next?
I’ve just finished a new single, with the plan to release it early next year. It’s a song loosely inspired by the story of the scapegoat. And then I’m just working on the new album. Exciting things to come!
Watch the video here:
