SALIO

Georgian singer/songwriter Salio, is causing quite a stir with her catchy debut single ‘Wayside’ – released June 24th. This song is about overcoming difficulties and looking ahead to a brighter future. The track is lifted from her forthcoming album, due out later this year.

Salio was talent spotted at the Black Sea Festival in the Republic of Georgia by producer Quint Davis, who organizes the New Orleans Jazz & Blues Festival. He was so impressed that he invited her to perform at the festival. Salio was sponsored by the Ministry of Culture for her trip to the US. She wowed audiences of thousands, and sang with jazz and gospel greats. Shortly afterwards, Salio was invited to perform at the Blue Note in New York, where she received a standing ovation.

She won her first singing competition at the age of six, wrote her first song when she was 11, and was convinced that her natural talent would help her escape the awful poverty she was experiencing.

Salio says, "This song is about some of the problems we face as humans in this world today. I think that if you show some kindness where little or none exists, you have the power to change people's lives and then they, in turn, have the power to help other people too.”

A true individual Salio is about to be the most exciting discovery of 2016. - Daily Telegraph

SALIO OF REPUBLIC OF GEORGIA TO RELEASE DEBUT EP JULY 1ST: “LOST WORLD”

Salio was discovered by producer, Quint Davis, at the Black Sea Festival. Shortly after, he delivered a well-earned invitation to Salio to perform at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival where she introduced herself to an entirely new set of adoring fans. Her single, “Wayside” and the accompanying music video have received a great deal of attention and her debut EP, Lost World, is due out July 1st. About “Wayside” Salio says:

“This song is about some of the problems we face as humans in this world today. I think that if you show some kindness where little or none exists, you have the power to change people’s lives and then they, in turn, have the power to help other people too.”

The EP captures an incredible amount of diversity that can’t be fathomed by simply listening to her single, “Wayside.” Salio’s voice can shape shift. In one song it holds the power, command and classic quality of Amy Winehouse, in another the potency of Adele. Each track holds it’s own. Salio offers a taste of pop, soul, and R&B, each genre blended in a way unique to her own style.

July 1st, enjoy Salio’s debut EP, Lost World, in its entirety. - Music for Lunch

Salio

For those who haven't yet heard your music, how best would you describe yourself as an artist?

I would describe myself as a singer/songwriter with a point to make. Obviously I want people to enjoy my music but I truly hope it allows listeners to think at the same time and help them conjure new ideas and perspectives.

Has music always been a big part of your life?

Yes it has. I won my first singing competition when I was six-years-old and whenever I am doing anything I always need music to accompany it. Without music my life is dry. Music brings colour into my life.

What are some of your earliest memories of music?

When I was seven-years-old my mother bought three CDs; The Beatles, Elton John and Ray Charles. My favourite room in my house was the one with the least furniture and I used to dance with my little sister listening to these artists. 'Rocket Man' by Elton John was my favourite song to dance to back then and I still love it now.

How difficult would you say this industry is to make a name for yourself?
I think it is incredibly difficult as in any industry because there are a lot of very talented and professional singers everywhere. You have to be honest and tell people some very unique stories from your life to make a name of yourself and you need a team who believe in you to make this happen. It takes a huge amount of time, a huge amount of effort and unpaid work and also a lot of personal sacrifice to get somewhere. There is also an element of luck involved, too.

As a woman, how would you say females are treated in this business?
I think nowadays a lot of women are told to use their bodies to sell their music. The music can be boring and simple to catch people's attention and their videos intentionally explicit to make people watch and talk about the songs. Sex still sells and is used as much as possible by a lot of well-established recording female artists. It makes me disappointed to see that major labels like to promote teenagers with sex appeal more than artists trying to do something a little more interesting, and that a video with women in bikinis and muscular men using pneumatic drills gets so much attention so quickly.

Earlier this month you released your single 'Wayside' - how have you found the response to that?
The response has been overwhelming. I have had over 100,000 combined likes on Facebook already for it. The Telegraph premiered the video and there are also close to 10,000 YouTube viewings. As an artist I obviously feel very happy when my followers like my songs, especially when I am walking down the street and they start telling me their feelings about them.

'Wayside' has had a very positive impact with a lot of people all over the world and many have said that they can see themselves in the video. It seems that a lot of people can relate to it. They also say that after one listen they are humming the melodies and that it is very catchy. We had to put the lyrics in the YouTube description due to popular demand.


Your five-track EP 'Lost World' is out July 1 - can you tell us about the creative process behind that EP?
I'd been working on lyrics and harmonies for almost a year and needed to sit down with a producer who understood the ideas and creative vision of my music. I was in London singing anywhere and everywhere, carrying a laptop and an APC on my back and just knocking on doors, speaking to bar people and trying to get opportunities to sing.

At the same time I was staying in a warehouse community and a friend invited Jonathon Holder to come and say 'hello'. We had a jam together and he invited me round to his studio to record. We wrote one terrible track over about a week and I had to tell him that I didn't like it. So we scrapped it and started again, with a darker and more electronic sound. That became the title track, 'Lost World', and the others soon followed. I would sit at my computer putting together pads and rhythms whilst working on harmonies and new lyrics and would then take it to Jonathon, who would weave it into something more tangible as a song and we would polish them off from there with backing vocals, etc. We would then send them to Andrew Hunt for his input and mixing capabilities and they would just get better and better until we got something we were all really happy with, ready to be mastered at Abbey Road.

These became the final versions on the EP and took around two months to write and record. We were working very intensively every day and it was a lovely time in my life, despite being so poor in London.

Where do you draw influence and inspiration from for your work?
My own personal experiences and feelings are a huge inspiration for me. I think you can only truly write about what you know. I also write about things which concern me in the world today and draw inspiration from the people I speak to, what I read in the newspapers and what I see day-to-day at home and abroad. This is the essence of the EP.

'Horizon' was written after I spoke to a friend who was really depressed, so I decided to write a song to make people feel happier and finish the EP on a positive note. We are currently working on a song called 'No Peace' about people locked away in prison.

How important is creative control to you when it comes to your work?
It is everything to me. I cannot sing something I don't like as it always comes across fake. You have to sing from your heart and that means you have to believe in what you are singing. I was offered a rather lucrative backing vocal for a very well-known and established artist from the United States. I had to turn it down as I did not like the song and was not willing to commit myself to it fully.


If you could collaborate with anybody on new material, who would you choose and why?
Kieran Hebdon AKA Fourtet, because I truly love the feeling in his music. There is a magic in it. It is beautiful and always makes me feel like the sun coming up. I also loved his live show at the Roundhouse in London last year. Him and Thom Yorke for obvious reasons. Also, my hero, Janis Joplin, if she was still alive.

Finally, what else should we expect from you in the coming weeks?
I am performing at the Black Sea Jazz Festival on July 21. This is very special for me as there are hugely respected artists playing at this event and it is also in my home country, The Republic of Georgia. I will be performing after The Prodigy who I am also hugely excited to see perform.

I would also hope that you continue to hear radio playout of the single 'Wayside' and that more people start to take notice of what I am doing now. The EP 'Lost World' is released on July 1 and I am very excited to hear what people think of it. I truly hope that everyone who listens to it enjoys it.

Salio's EP 'Lost World' is released July 1 on Day Release Records. Visit www.facebook.com/SalioOfficial



Read more: http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/music/interviews/salio-exclusive-interview-958291.html#ixzz4DQcBBuuD - Female First

IMPACT DATE: 01/07/2016

Treading a similar path to Katie Melua, Georgian singer/songwriter Salio, is also causing quite a stir with her soulful debut single ‘Wayside’ taken from her debut EP ‘Lost World’ released July 1st. This is a track about overcoming difficulties of the past and looking ahead to a brighter future. The track is lifted from her forthcoming album, due out later this year.

Salio was spotted at the Black Sea Festival in the Republic of Georgia by producer Quint Davis, who organizes the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. He was so blown away by her performance that he invited her to perform at the festival. Salio managed to get the Ministry of Culture to pay for her trip to the US. Once their, she wowed audiences of thousands, and sang with jazz and gospel greats. Shortly afterwards, Salio was invited to perform at the Blue Note in New York, where she again received a standing ovation.

She won her first singing competition at the age of six, wrote her first song when she was 11, and was convinced that her singing talents would help her escape the awful poverty she was experiencing.

Salio says, “This song is about some of the problems we face as humans in this world today. I think that if you show some kindness where little or none exists, you have the power to change people’s lives and then they, in turn, have the power to help other people too.”

A humble individual with a big heart, Salio has to be the most exciting discovery of 2016. - International Music Trade

Tune in and listen to the talented voice of Salio, a 27-year-old singer/songwriter. First spotted in her hometown of Tbilisi in Georgia, Salio left a life of poverty and violence behind to sing at the New Orleans Jazz Festival and has since played at the Blue Note jazz club in New York. Her debut EP, Lost World, is out on Friday. Visit soundcloud.com/salioofficial/sets/lost-world-ep - Sunday Express Magazine (UK)

Discovery of the day:

SALIO - Wayside

via @landerpr

From the Georgian pop singer/songwriter’s debut EP Lost World, to be released July 1st.

“This song is about some of the problems we face as humans in this world today. I think that if you show some kindness where little or none exists, you have the power to change people’s lives and then they, in turn, have the power to help other people too.” - findasongblog.com

SALIO SETS OUT TO CONQUER WORLD MUSIC INDUSTRY

Byadminadmin on JULY 12, 2016

Distinctive Georgian singer-songwriter, Salio (Salome Korkotashvili) has some good news to share with our readers. On June 1, the British “Telegraph” premiered her new song “Wayside”

Last week Salio released her EP (extended play), which includes five English songs, where Synthesis of the electronic music and pop sounds very interesting and modern.

Salio’s musical personality, style and artistry assures in the reality of feelings conveyed in her songs. Currently she works with the famous Abbey Road Studios in the UK and her PR manager Judd Lander, who once collaborated with artists such as Michael Jackson and Katie Melua, is now preparing her for the world music industry.

OBSERVER presents exclusive interview with Salio and her EP.

Congratulations on your new EP! It is fabulous… how was the working process, are you happy with the result?

I’d been working on lyrics and harmonies for almost a year and needed to sit down with a producer who understood the ideas and creative vision of my music. I was in London singing anywhere and everywhere, carrying a laptop and an APC on my back and just knocking on doors, speaking to bar people and trying to get opportunities to sing.

At the same time I was staying in a warehouse community and a friend invited Jonathon Holder to come and say ‘hello’. We had a jam together and he invited me round to his studio to record. We wrote one terrible track over about a week and I had to tell him that I didn’t like it. So we scrapped it and started again, with a darker and more electronic sound. That became the title track, ‘Lost World’, and the others soon followed. I would sit at my computer putting together pads and rhythms whilst working on harmonies and new lyrics and would then take it to Jonathon, who would weave it into something more tangible as a song and we would polish them off from there with backing vocals, etc. We would then send them to Andrew Hunt for his input and mixing capabilities and they would just get better and better until we got something we were all really happy with, ready to be mastered at Abbey Road.

These became the final versions on the EP and took around two months to write and record. We were working very intensively every day and it was a lovely time in my life, despite being so poor in London. I am extremely happy with the end result.

What is the main line behind these songs?

The general tone of the EP is one of the troubles and problems that we face in human society today. For example, I feel that with borders becoming stronger and countries becoming more like prisons it is important to understand that these changes are happening all around us, all the time. We need to come together as a global species and not be scared or suspicious of one another, just because of our nationalities. This is essentially what the song ‘Lost World’ is about. ‘Wayside’ and ‘Another Road’ fit into that category too, albeit with a little more hope. ‘Horizon’ was written after I spoke to a friend who was really depressed, so I decided to write a song to make people feel happier and finish the EP on a more positive note. You can guess what ‘Your Lover’ is about.

A part of Georgian society does not know how you appeared in the UK…

I went to marry my husband in the UK and we had a marriage visa approved last year and got married in Edinburgh in December. We were constantly travelling between London and Edinburgh, trying our hardest to get any and every opportunity to sing. I was trying to find a band to work with and so was always meeting new musicians, most of whom were not suitable. Then, as I answered, in the first question Jonathan walked into my life and we started working from there, whilst begging for things like toothpaste and very much happy to enjoy a dinner invitation or two.

Tell us more about your career in the UK… are British producers interested in you?

The reviews in the UK have had compared me to singers such as Adele and Amy Winehouse which I of course take as a huge complement. ‘Wayside’ is now on various radio station playlists in the UK which is obviously a fantastic sign and it seems that the song is generating more and more interest in the EP. At one point I was number 262 on the amazon.co.uk mp3 pop music charts which is clearly positive and we have just released ‘Lost World’ as a single to coincide with the Brexit decision. I feel it may capture the mood over there perfectly at the moment.

How difficult is to find your place in the foreign society and what is necessary to be successful there?

I think it is incredibly difficult as in any industry because there are a lot of very talented and professional singers everywhere. You have to be honest and tell people some very unique stories from your life to make a name of yourself and you need a team who believe in you to make this happen. It takes a huge amount of time, a huge amount of effort and unpaid work and also a lot of personal sacrifice to get somewhere. This is even more difficult when you are in a foreign country and barely know anyone. I think you must have realistic expectations whilst maintaining serious aims. You need some start up money, a game plan and a time limit to work to. Just arriving with a microphone will probably just lead you into trouble but there is also an element of luck involved, too.

How Georgian audience differs from any other audiences in the world?

When it comes to music almost every nation I have been to are exactly the same. Obviously crowds can be different for various reasons such as how late it is and how much they have had to drink or where you are on the performance schedule but that aside, people all over the world tend to be very similar in their ability to enjoy music and have fun whilst doing so.

What made Salio as a brand?

My own personal experiences and feelings are a huge inspiration for me. I think you can only truly write about what you know. I also write about things which concern me in the world today and draw inspiration from the people I speak to, what I read in the newspapers and what I see day-to-day at home and abroad. This is the essence of the EP.

Where do you see the continuation of your career and why?

Unfortunately, Georgia is not the best place for musicians as there is currently no investment in Georgian artists. It would seem that many promoters are much more interested in paying huge sums of money for international superstars to come and play whilst very much putting Georgian acts to the wayside….sorry, couldn’t resist. But it is a big problem though. We have so many very talented acts here and because of our carelessness they will not be able to grow into what they might have been able to elsewhere. Also, because of sites such as youtube no musician really sells any music anymore (has anyone actually bought the new EP?) and so it is just a labour of love. The main thing is opportunity and investment. In other countries it is much easier to meet A&R people representing major labels who may have an interest in investing in you but can you name any Georgian record labels which have the ability to promote you outside of Georgia? I also hear that the Polish subsidiaries of major labels like Universal are easier to sign with as they are not so inundated with musicians.

What is a role of your family in your career life?

My husband has helped me every step of the way. He helped me write the songs, form a band and get to Abbey Road Studios. Without him this could never have happened.

Is it important for you that international audience recognizes you as a Georgian performer?

It is really important to me that people know where I am from. Unfortunately, some Georgians have created a negative picture of themselves internationally for various reasons. In Berlin I have seen shops with signs written in Georgian begging people not to steal from them. I have also met a lot of people in the UK who have broken immigration laws and these international acts committed by Georgians have a negative effect on our country as a whole and make it increasingly difficult for more of us to leave and enjoy other places respectfully. I would hope that through my music and nationality I might be able to help change these negative perspectives which have been allowed to develop internationally, so it is extremely important for me that people of an international audience know where I am from.

What are your plans for the future?

We are currently completing an album. Some of these songs – which are not on the EP – will be performed at the Black Sea Jazz festival on the 21st July. I would hope that I continue working in the same manner as I have been doing and that because of the quality of the music we are producing we get more exposure and manage to get some bigger performances at more international festivals. The single ‘Lost World’ is released this week and so far response to that has been very positive. I would love to get onto an international festival circuit and take the music worldwide to spread the love!

By Giorgi Tediashvili. - Observer

Georgian singer/songwriter Salio has recently released her debut EP “Lost World”, and is treading a similar path to fellow Georgian singer/songwriter Katie Melua. Causing a stir with her soulful debut single ‘Wayside’ from her debut EP, which also had a video premiered via The Telegraph, receiving positive feedback throughout the country. Salio’s debut EP features two main singles ‘Wayside’ and the title track ‘Lost World’, both of which display Salio’s soulful and out-going singing voice. ‘Wayside’ features more contemporary production whilst ‘Lost World’ is more tranquil and ambient a production. ‘Your Lover’ fuses electronic and Hip Hop (scratches) influences with Pop/R&B, with the production taking many twists and turns. Salio’s vocals are uplifting and sit on the beat smoothly, as she sings a tale of love. ‘Another Road’ and ‘Horizons’ close out the EP, the former featuring perhaps the most soulful sounding track on the release, as Salio sings over compact, tight drums and a piano melody, the lyrics depicting Salio’s search for another world.
The title track of the EP, ‘Lost World’ is about growing up in a repressive place that offers little opportunity for a bright future. Much of the EP, it seems as though Salio is searching herself for happiness or an alternative to what this world has to offer. The music that Salio provides on this EP is both heart and soul in nature and sound. Stream the “Lost World” EP and leave us your feedback in the comments section below . . - Death Kiss Media

Artist Close-up/ Album Review: Salio Gives Electric Soul in EP "Lost World"

From the Republic of Georgia to the world, it seems Salio was destined to bring her electric rhythms to gospel vibrations in her new EP Lost World. Discovered by acclaimed producer Quint Davis, head of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Salio has impressed thousands upon thousands for her vocal capacity at spiritual elevation. When you think of Gospel, you think of spiritual enlivenment, but not so much a bodily one.

While Gospel music makes you want to free your spirit and electronica makes you want to free your body, when they combine they make you want to free yourself completely, i.e. Lost World EP. Salio's voice is naturally empowering and evocative, which is perfect for both genres. She can make you feel like the most beautiful person inside and out with just one vocal riff. Thus, what I love about Lost World is how new it is to both my ears and mind. You will never think dance, electro-pop can mix with gospel music, but you trust and understand why Salio, with the voice she has, can make such a wondrous combination. Hence, I was bemused by her EP because it showed me a fresh idea. Giving the revival rhythms of electronica/Vogue music the revival lyrics and vocal riffs of jazz and gospel will actually make you feel great. Not good: Great! That is exactly what both genres and every life wishes to achieve. No wonder Salio categorizes her music genre as World: it truly feels like it encompasses a mass sentiment of uplift. Yet, if she told me her genre is otherworldly, I would most definitely support it because that is how her music makes me feel.

Track By Track Review:

Wayside: This is a strong start and track for Salio's EP and introduction as an artist. First, Salio rocks the chorus with a power that makes listeners equally want to leave haters and negativity at the wayside. Her ability to go from the subtle emotiveness of the lyrics to the empowering roar of the chorus shows why she has attracted listeners of gospel and jazz. She has a vocal and emotional range that captures listeners to follow her wherever she leads.

Lost World: this track is so pretty. The dance bassline escalates the poignancy of Salio's high pitch and celestial tone. As she sings on dreams and her desire to feel everything, the electric rhythms makes you still to the lyrics like you too are waiting to live.

Your Lover: this track has Hip Hop/ R&B feels that mesh beautifully with the innate strength and charm of Salio's vocals. Moreover, the bassline reinforces the sense and sensuality of Salio's musical theme: she should always be the top pick for love.

Horizon: the 80's electronica enraptures listeners as if you are being surrounded by Salio's spirit. You can quickly picture yourself dancing in a golden jumpsuit at a 1987 neon-lit club. Yet, what is fascinating is how two versions of Salio sing at the same time to build a spiritual harmony. Although the lyrics may be different, the two ranges and emotions of her voice unite to encourage everyone to rise to the horizon. Let us all be our better selves is a dire message for every citizen of the world.

Another Road: oddly comes off like the simplest of Salio's tracks, but it is still equally as beautiful. When you hear the songs above, you will realize that Salio is an ornate artist. She likes to layer instrumentals upon instrumentals as if she is offering the world a musical wedding cake. I say wedding because it is a moment when you are celebrating a new life, or rather chapter. Ultimately, this is what Salio wishes you to do. She may be intricate in her vocals and song compositions, but her message is simple: She wants to live life , and you should join her.

In life, it always whimsical and welcoming to feel like you are apart of the cosmos, and Salio's Lost World EP reminds listeners that we are all stardust. Both her vocal prowess and messages are humbling in that they are purely based in joy. Click Here for more information on Salio. - Diandra

Artist Interview: The Lovely Salio Gives Electric Insight On The World

Salio is a global artist, and her new EP Lost Word is magnetic. Check my review! She is quickly rising as an international star because of her powerhouse vocals but also her powerful virtues. Her insightful answers show that this songstress has a warm soul eager to heal others through music. Having such a noble approach to music is bound to attract fans to listen to her unique style and one of a kind spirit.

Diandra: Your songs are very based in virtue or the call for it. Which virtue do you believe the world needs now the most, and you wish your music to give?

Salio: I think we require more empathy as humans in this world today. We have an incredible spectrum of people from the Amazonian natives to the Russian oligarchs and I think it is very I important that we think about and respect one another. For example, the refugee crisis in Syria is a humanitarian disaster. Families are fleeing their homes on long and dangerous journeys and, when they finally arrive in Europe, they are treated like cattle. It is shameful and I think it would be good for people to think that if their country was in the midst of war how they would like to be treated themselves. If my music can help people see the world from other perspectives and allow people to understand each other more, I would see it as a huge success.

Diandra:You have made such an impression on the gospel and jazz scene. What of these genres do you most admire and wish to embody?
Salio: The feeling and honesty in the music means a great deal to me. There's a purity in it. The warmth in gospel and the energy which is created is wonderful, and I love trying to emulate the gospel legends when I sing. Seeing the way people react to it is fantastic. The natural vibe of jazz music is just wonderful.


Diandra: You have stated your disappointment in the use of sex to promote female artists or rather the over-sexualizing of women in music. Do you believe that music marketers are at fault for how common and profitable it has become, or is it the fault of the consumers whom buy it? Or Both?
Salio: I think people are very much force fed a lot of music and almost told what to like. Using sex to sell music distracts you from the content of the music and cheapens it somewhat. I think that sex is used to sell things as it captures people attention immediately, it is hard wired into people's brains and easy to utilise. This is not because of people, it is a natural fact that sex is great for marketing. If the marketing companies didn't use it they could utilize something a little more respectable.

Diandra: You write music based on personal experiences and surrounding social issues. Which social issue and personal experience was most difficult to write about?
Salio: When I wrote the song 'He Flew Away' that was very emotional as it was about my friend who was murdered outside my house. I found that to be very distressing but cathartic at the same time.

Diandra: I know you are a Janis Joplin fan. If you could write a song with her, what would it be called and what would it be about?
Salio: The song would be about peace and love and it would be called 'Unity'.

Diandra: What about money and fame do you find most disheartening, especially in terms of music? What do you like about it?
Salio: Firstly, you have to understand that I am not a well paid musician and, as much as I sing for my own happiness, it would be nice to manage to get some more money, as with any job. I think that people who have been born into money find it much more difficult to understand the difficulties other people who are less fortunate face. I think that if you have risen from more difficult circumstances and made yourself successful you appreciate it more. Yet, it can also create an element of doing whatever you can to succeed that can be hugely negative, unfortunately.

Diandra: You have a sincere, deep connection with music. If music were an actual angel that visited you, what would you say to her?
Salio: Never stop.

Diandra: You are an artist that enjoys and respects creative control. What has been the biggest challenge in trying to make sure you keep creative control over your music?
Salio: It has been about sharing creative vision with people who can help develop the idea. The problems I have had with various producers over the years have always been surpassed through talking and discussing.

Diandra: You wrote your first song when you were 11. What was it about, and do you remember your favorite lyric from it?
Salio: It was called 'Stars' and was written in Georgian. It is about stars and rainbows and is kind of like a celebration of these natural wonders. The chorus lyric varskvlavebi (mass grouping of stars) is my favourite lyric in it.

Diandra: It has been said that you wrote and chose a career in music as a relief from the poverty you were experiencing? What is it about music, for you, that helps it both capture and relieve pain?
Salio: Music is emotion and the more you put into it the more you get out of it. At the same time, it is hugely meditative, and I very much think that when you perform you are channeling very focused emotions into the music which, provides a clarity in your thinking which in turn can be hugely cathartic.

There is no denying that Salio has a very mindful and emotional connection to music. I am excited for her future especially because there are not too many artists making the vocal/ musical fusions of electro- pop and gospel. You can buy her new EP Lost World, and find out more about Salio HERE. - Diandra

SALIO – Lost World (2016)
Posted on August 18, 2016 by Charlie Fisher

Enya met Madonna in Georgia once.

I’m not ashamed to admit, I like a good pop song. I see nothing wrong in that, especially nowadays where pop music itself has become a lot more mature. No longer just the refuge of genies in bottles or baby one more times. The themes are older, the sounds more intimate and grand and the subject matter is about the real problems in life.

Georgian-born Salio endeavours to find that mix, contemporary sounding, soulful enigmatic pop with meaning; and in the case of her single ‘Lost World’ she achieves it handily. The subject matter comes from her personal history, which reads mostly like a Dickensian nightmare (read her story here) and with Salio it seems ‘Lost World’ is the end product of a long struggle with talent, circumstances, and ambition.

With that being the case, the track doesn’t show any major signs of being filled with anguish. ’Lost World’ is a stylish pop lament about feeling out of place in the world, especially when you are growing up in a repressive place that offers little opportunity for a bright future. Although that kind of subject matter is increasingly filling pop music these days, when Salio warbles ‘Dreams are an illusion, dreams are mass confusion/ I’m a lost soul, in a lost world.’ You will actually believe it. Sincerity in this kind of song is rare nowadays, and refreshing.

The production and cover art clearly owe a lot to Madonna’s ‘Frozen’ but that is a great thing. A similar lush sound fills the headphones, enveloping you into her ‘lost world’, and the production sounds great. There is the the right mix of melodic synth patterns, bass and piano combing to create a dense and atmospheric mix reminding you of your favourite music from the 90s, but never sounding dated.

Her vocals are soulful, and a little raw. She almost floats above the song, giving the sense she might be breaking free from her situation. Her bio ends with ‘Some people were simply born to do this. Salio was, and now she is.’ There’s clearly no one who has worked harder for it. ‘Lost World’ seems to combine the sadness of her story, with a soulful release of melody. It’s an interesting and affecting blend.

I like it, and turns out, there’s an EP as well. So if you will excuse me, I have to go indulge myself. - The Other Side

Alright, this whole posting every day thing has failed miserably. I just don’t have the time. Except yesterday, but I was just hungover. You know those days where you just feel like death, and just don’t get out of bed, eat as much junk food as you can, and watch rubbish on TV? Yeah, that was my Saturday. Friday involved a very good meeting with the band I manage’s new agent from ITB, then seeing the amazing Clay band I’ve posted on here recently, then off out in Camden with loads of people. Not entirely sure where the night ended, but I gave a homeless guy all the change in my pocket and had to get a couple of night buses home. I got off the bus in the middle of nowhere and had to navigate my way home by foot – a couple of miles I reckon – and then found an off license, ready to buy all the snacks needed for my impending hangover. I ended up buying a magnum ice cream for some reason, which I only discovered on the floor in the morning… (sad face)

Anyway, I’ve gotten loads done today, including helping out another person in A&R for the time being. That’s 5 jobs I’m working now. Only getting paid for one, mind…

Anyway, I got sent this track over ages ago but just remembered about it because it’s just got so much substance. A groove, the hook is insane, and the production caught my ear immediately.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SalioOfficial

Twitter: @Salio_official

‘Wayside’ - Melody and Tyranny

After having moved from the Republic of Georgia (where she has already achieved nationwide fame) to London, SALIO recently released her debut EP Lost World, a collection of five power- and meaningful pop songs. She kindly agreed to answer a few questions about her life and music.

Few can imagine what it was like to grow up in the Republic of Georgia of 20-30 years ago – would you mind telling us about it?

Not at all. Despite having problems with things that are taken for granted nowadays – like a lot of places still – I loved growing up in Georgia. I remember there were always long queues of around 100 people to buy bread at the shops due to the Georgian Civil War when I was young. You were only allowed to buy one loaf of bread per person and families with young children were allowed to go to the front of the queue. It was nice back then as the Georgian people would help each other very selflessly and the community spirit of care and togetherness was wonderful. It is not the same today, unfortunately.

We also rarely had electricity so we would use candles for light at night. My family would all sleep together in one room near the woodburner to keep warm in the winter. Friends would come around to cook on the burner as there was no gas or electricity and because our house had a high ceiling so the smoke could dissipate more easily and when we finally got an electricity generator somebody stole it.

The city was always dark and foreboding at night but when electricity came citywide to Tbilisi, it was like a miracle for us. The whole city lit up like something from a fairytale. It was only on for four hours a day back then, though, kind of like the way it still works in Nepal today.

I had a magical childhood as there was a lot of love in my household. People from the more ‘affluent’ areas of the world always say that these are terrible circumstances but you have to remember that we were not tied into the all-consuming Internet and playing mindless computer games constantly, we would make our own fun. For example, my mum would play the piano and we would dance together and write plays.

I was always singing and causing lighthearted mischief as I believe young children should. Climbing trees and making adventure. I feel this is much more positive than today’s children, such as my own son, who, unless they are at a computer screen, seem to think they are bored very easily and so must be constantly entertained. Kids – as long as they are healthy and comparatively safe – are fine and make fun in most circumstances, it’s the adults who suffer the most, so growing up in Georgia was fun when I was very young.

Despite all the hardships, music, and especially singing was a part of your life from early on. How did that come?

I started speaking at a very early age apparently, my parents tell me I was one-year-old. I started singing when I was in kindergarten and my father would ask me to sing for his friends as an infant. It was a pleasure for me because his friends would sit around a table and sing Georgian harmonies and I would sing with them whilst trying to stand on a chair. I actually remember that. They taught me not to be shy if I really wanted to sing and they made me feel very comfortable whilst doing so.

As I grew up, I attended music school for seven years and started learning how to play classical piano. I was also singing in a choir when my parents decided to send me to a personal singing tutor who, coincidentally, was the same woman who taught Katie Melua. My father worked very hard to provide me this tuition and I will always thank him for that.

One story I remember…..when I was 10 years old we had a family holiday to a small village in the mountains. I went round the local area and handed out free tickets I had made for my ‘gig’. When about 50 people turned up at the house we were staying at I turned my portable radio on and started rapping and dancing. My brother went and hid out of embarrassment.



You have moved to London in the meantime. Is that because there are no real opportunities for musicians in the Republic of Georgia?

Firstly you have to understand that Georgia is a very small country with a total population of around 4 million. I am well known in my home country and am regularly featured in magazines such as OK! and many people think celebrity brings wealth. The problem with Georgia is that there is little opportunity to have any kind of real investment in artists as the market is so small and the economy is so weak. No one pays for music there anymore and because I am Georgian I am paid less by Georgian promoters, some of whom don’t even honor the contracts they have provided.

Georgian promoters have no problem paying tens of thousands of dollars to international acts but never pay a reasonable rate to their fellow country people. Basically, due to a lack of Georgian investment and the native language differences between the areas of fans, Georgia is a difficult place to get noticed by the outside world and this restricts opportunity.

There are no record labels marketing to places outside of Georgia so, in answer to your question, I have exhausted all avenues in Georgia and have had to look elsewhere to move forward in my career. People won’t come and find you in Georgia like in the UK or the US, you have to go out and find them. The Georgian passport can also restrict your abilities to reach a broader audience but don’t get me started on that.

How do you evaluate the role of the internet in the music business these days? Does it make things easier for up and coming artists?

The role of the Internet is undisputed, I would never have had the hundreds of thousands of listens of my music without it. You have the ability to reach almost the entire planet through it. Like anything, though, it has its ups and downs but the ups far outweigh the downs. The ability for an undiscovered or up and coming artist to not only get music into the public domain so easily but to also sell it, has changed the world.

Unfortunately, the knock on effect of this is that you can end up essentially giving your music away for free through sites like YouTube. However, I do think things have got easier for up and coming bands, though, the Internet has made audiences and fans infinitely more accessible and much that serious aims are always difficult to achieve, it is probably much easier now than it was before the internet provided this open market and fanbase. It also brings a new element of what I would call ‘guerrilla’ marketing to the table, ensuring that you have more chance of creating your own buzz and not having to only rely on expensive industry professionals with their teams of people and endless purse strings.

Where do you find your inspiration and which musicians would you say influence you the most?

I draw my inspiration from people I speak to and what I see and experience in the world. Influences would range from newspapers, politics, travelling, Janis Joplin and Radiohead to Fourtet and beyond.

Your debut EP Lost Word was released on July 1st. Please tell us a bit about it.

For me, the EP is a huge step forward in my discography. I had been performing the same songs for over three years and was very keen to get something new and more serious out there. If you compare the singles “Let It Shine” and “Lost World” you can hear the difference, not just in the production. I worked with Jonathon Holder and Andrew Hunt on the production which equated to a completely new team.

I truly think it is about time more people stopped thinking about how they must simply look after themselves and start working towards a common good, together. This is essentially the essence of the EP and why it was written…..to make people question and bring them together. Close friends of mine have sadly died for various reasons such as murder and drug abuse and these actions can cause a sickness and depression in the collective consciousness.

When all we do is worry about ourselves we start to walk along very lonely paths which cause more concern through a lack of empathy and understanding. Think of it like this, if you hate your brother and have a fight with him how long is it before you go to speak to him and reconcile? Or do you just walk away from him forever? And if you do that, does time heal your rift or cause splinters to stick in your mind and possibly poison your being?

“Wayside” is about the powerlessness of people to change things and the corruption behind big decisions but still being able to show acts of individual kindness even though little or none exists. Acceptance. “Lost World” is about the trajectory we are currently heading towards as humans and the worry that no one seems to truly care about it so long as they are okay in the short term. “Another Road” is on the same tip but the difference in hope is pointed at in the title. “Horizon” is infinitely more positive and was written as a friend of mine said she was depressed so I wanted something to cheer her up and finish the EP off on a more positive note. You can guess what “Your Lover” is about.

What are your plans for the next few months?

I am performing at the Black Sea Jazz Festival on the 21st July after The Prodigy which I am very excited about. I will continue writing a full album and performing as much as possible in as many places as possible over the coming few months. I will be performing in Batumi, Georgia over the course of August at various places.

Listen to SALIO on 1.FM Café Radio! - 1.FM Blog