German artist Saline Grace is an intriguing German project that produces unique songs such as latest single, Bar Moon. I’m always on the lookout for music that’s a little different to the norm – if you are too, then you really ought to give it a go! A full stream can be found at the end of this interview.
By Jane Howkins
You released a single titled Bar Moon. What can you tell us about the track?
Bar Moon is about truthfulness or better said‚ missing truthfulness. We all play different roles in our short lives, representing the kind of person that is requested by institutions or people within our society, sort of like a mask. Due to group behaviour, we lie to ourselves and others. Betrayal and hypocrisy define mankind’s daily routine, I would say. But the question is: Who is the real person in that human body. Do we know her or him?
Another song was also released with Bar Moon, called Yearning. What can you tell us about that track?
Yearning leads me back to the year of 1992. It was one of the first songs I wrote when I began songwriting. Indeed, I was 17 at that time, unbelievable! But the song had never been chosen to be a part of a demo-tape or an album. Now, 31 years later, I though, it could be the last chance to release the track as a single b-side, so I recorded it again. I’m happy with this recording and I’ve come full circle in a way… The track struggles with the theme of human estrangement from nature. It was a youthful attempt to express a major theme of mine.
How has the reception to Bar Moon been so far, and where can the song be purchased?
We‘ve received many great reviews about the song, more than I expected. The song is available from our website www.salinegrace.com, Bandcamp and all possible digital platforms and naturally, in its longer album version on our latest album release, The Whispering Woods, which is also physically available.
Do you plan to release any more singles in the near future?
Sure, but I’m old school and I’m used to thinking in terms of albums instead of singles. An album is a greater chapter of any musical work. There is a greater relationship between the songs and the arrangements. It is a coherent piece of work that expresses a special period. But now streaming services force musicians to be constantly on everyone’s lips. I like to use singles for different versions or previously unreleased demos, or b-sides like Yearning.
Are there any plans to release a full-length album or an EP?
As I already mentioned, we released our fourth full-length album, The Whispering Woods, at the end of January, accompanied by two singles – The Evening Prayer and Bar Moon. Actually, I’m already involved in songwriting again. When I started, the table was blank. I like that, because mostly something new started to arise. At the moment, I’m working on 15 pieces and there are plans to release an EP next year as well as our fifth album, but it is too early to fix a date.
Your music has a new wave/dark wave sound. What/who influences you most as an artist? What have you been listening to recently?
Yes, I had my teachers and I learned a lot from them. I would say Nick Cave, Leonard Cohen. And also The Trees, The Doors, Ennio Morricone, classical guitar and Russian balalaika-playing. Yesterday I listened to Nick Cave’s Sorrows Child three times. A wonderful piece of work with a marvellous piano melody.
Do you have anything else exciting coming up this year?
No. Writing, composing, arranging… that’s all.
You’re from Berlin. How is the local music scene faring at the moment?
I don’t know, really. When I speak to younger people, many of them listen to rap and hip-hop. The German punk scene is also very strong in Berlin. But this is not mine. I’m an old crock who drinks his wine and whiskey, who wilfully writes his stuff, who is lucky when human silence rules, when the birds sing and when his cat walks with him. The other, younger side of the world is explained by my daughter…
Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?
No. But in a way it would be great, because we started in the UK. In the very beginning we lived in London for three years and had our very first gig in that famous small venue The Hope and Anchor. At that time we were active with our former band Nobility Of Salt. We were around from 1997 until 2000. From 2000 on, we released three albums with the band in Germany until 2005.
Any last words for the fans?
Thanks a lot for your support!