It’s probably easy to get distracted by submerged flatulence when you’re tasked with performing music in front of some VERY relaxed water-dwellers in a bubbling sauna, especially if that pool’s clothing-optional guidelines lead to more than one birthday suit in the audience; but pianist Mary Sutton — a.k.a. Saloli — was ultimately able to concentrate when she played the precursor to her debut album at just such a place in Portland, Oregon, recently.
The uniqueness of the venue ultimately served as inspiration for an imminent process of the electronic variety. As Sutton remarks, “I had never composed for synth before but wanted to make something people sitting motionless and naked in hot bubbly water would want to hear.” (Folks not currently nude-canoodling in communal waters are capable of enjoying the new album as well, just FYI.)
Kranky will release Sutton’s debut The Deep End on October 26, and aside from the album’s aquatic origins, Sutton was also encouraged by the way in which composer Erik Satie “subtly spins melodic fragments, and pivots harmonies and phrases so the repetitions feel new and surprising yet soothingly familiar, as if casting a spell.” Pre-order the album now via Bandcamp and listen to the track “Barcarolle” below to hear how readily Saloli’s music seems to follow this characterization.
We’re both floating AND hypnotized! Driving is inadvisable!
The Deep End tracklisting:
01. Barcarolle
02. Umbrellas
03. Revolver
04. Hey Ahh
05. Ice World
06. Anthem
07. Nocturne
08. Reverie
09. Lullaby
More about: Saloli
