With his unique blend of classic and modern sounds, Salvione has been making waves in the Electronic music scene, captivating audiences with his energetic style and refreshing sound. From performing at iconic venues like Ministry of Sound to launching his own coaching program, the Elevate Your Sound Academy, Salvione has been on a remarkable journey in the music industry.
In this interview, we delve into his early influences, his development as an artist, memorable live performances, and exciting upcoming projects. Join us as we uncover the story behind Salvione and gain insights into his passion for creating unforgettable and powerful music.
Hi Salvione, how are you?
I’m doing really well, thank you for asking.
Can you tell us about your earliest memories of music and how they influenced your interest in Electronic Dance music?
As a child, I have fond memories of hanging out in my mom’s room while she and my uncle played music. I had the important task of changing the CDs in the 6-disc changer, remember those? I would get so excited when I had a song lined up that I knew they were going to love and didn’t even know it yet. Looking back, I can see how those experiences helped shape my love of DJing. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of having a banger queued up and knowing that the crowd is going to go wild. It’s like learning to read a crowd started all the way back when I was a kid.
You have a unique blend of classic and modern sounds. How did you develop your signature sound?
It’s definitely been a journey that has taken time and a lot of experimentation. In the early days of my career, I was all over the place, trying out different styles and chasing trends. But it wasn’t until I worked with Pete Griffiths and the Toolroom Academy Masterclass, that I learned the importance of having a consistent sound that people can recognize as my own. They helped me identify the elements that I loved in the tracks I admired, and that’s where my unique blend of classic and modern sounds started to take shape.
Of course, my musical upbringing played a big role in shaping my sound as well. Growing up with Funk, Jazz, classic Rock, and Hip Hop, all had an impact on my music. And my years spent in the New York club scene left a lasting mark on my style. But what I think really gets that blend, is my hybrid setup of analog synths and drum machines, mixed with more digital sounds. And let’s not forget the funky vocals – they’re a key ingredient in my tracks! I’m sure my sound will continue to evolve in some way. It’s a never-ending journey.
What inspired you to become a DJ and producer, and how did you get started in the music industry?
For me, it all started with a slow burn. I began to dabble in DJing and as my passion for it grew, I knew that production was the next step. While I was still in graduate school pursuing my Doctorate, I enrolled in weekend classes at Dubspot for music production. But it wasn’t until I experienced something truly unforgettable at Movement Detroit in 2013, that I realized this was what I wanted to do with my life.
I was at a Circoloco After-Party at TV Lounge, surrounded by the run-down warehouses that littered the area. As the sun began to rise on the courtyard, the DJ played a private edit that was absolutely perfect for the moment. I was so moved by the music; it was like nothing I had ever experienced before. In that moment, I knew that I wanted to be the person who creates and plays music that has the power to move people in the same way it moved me. That experience has stayed with me ever since, and I keep the wristband from that night in my studio as a reminder of why I do what I do.
Sure, there are times when I get frustrated with hitting a creative wall or receiving rejections, but that wristband serves as a reminder that I’m not in this for the accolades. I’m here to create and play music that gives people an experience, even if it’s just one person. That’s what keeps me going each day, and why I’m so passionate about what I do.
You’ve performed at some iconic venues like Ministry of Sound in London and Avant Gardner in New York City. Can you share some memorable moments from your live performances and how they have shaped your career as a DJ and producer?
Each performance has been unique, and I’ve had some unforgettable experiences that have shaped my career for sure.
One of my most memorable moments was playing my first Elrow party b2b with Eskuche. The energy and production of those parties are truly unmatched, and it was a special experience for me.
Playing for Toolroom at Ministry of Sound was a dream come true. It’s an iconic venue, and to be able to perform for such an amazing brand that I consider family was a highlight of my career.
I’ve also played at the Electric Zoo festival multiple times and witnessed its evolution from a tent to massive stages. Playing the Hyte main stage pushed me to work harder to get more gigs like that.
However, as a clubgoer and DJ, I’ve always loved closings, and one of my most memorable ones was at the BPM festival in Mexico. I was really feeling the vibe that night, and so was the crowd. We were still packed wall to wall at the time we were supposed to close, and they let me play an extra hour. Having grown up clubbing in New York City with DJs like Danny Tenaglia and Victor Calderone, I always appreciated the magic of a memorable closing track to end a set. So, I decided to close with an edit of R.E.M’s «Losing My Religion.» I wasn’t sure how it would go over, being in Mexico, but I still get chills thinking about that track playing, with the lights on and the entire crowd singing it. It was truly a special moment for me, and it reminded me of why I do what I do.
You have collaborated with many talented artists. Is there one collaboration that stands out as particularly significant to you?
Collaborating with Danny Tenaglia has been a dream come true for me. His music has been a huge influence on my own sound since I was 17 years old. Working alongside him as his engineer in the studio has been a true blessing. Danny is not only a great person but also has an unparalleled musical knowledge. He is rightfully known as the maestro, and being able to learn from him has been an incredible experience.
You recently launched the Elevate Your Sound Academy, a music production coaching program. Can you tell us more about the program and how it aims to help aspiring producers?
The Elevate Your Sound Academy is a coaching program aimed at helping Electronic music producers who use Ableton. It’s designed to help them finish more release-ready music and overcome common struggles such as having unfinished tracks on their hard drive or not being able to write music they like and can play in their DJ sets. The program focuses on every aspect of music production, from creative efficiency to commanding composition to intentional arrangement. By mastering these elements, producers can finish more music quickly and create polished, professional-sounding tracks. The Elevate Your Sound Academy is a comprehensive coaching program that can help aspiring producers take their skills to the next level.
Your radio show Elevated Radio has grown significantly since its inception, now reaching over one million weekly listeners. What are some of the challenges you faced while building the show, and how did you overcome them?
Have you ever found yourself getting caught up in the details, trying to make everything perfect? That’s exactly what happened to me when I was building Elevated Radio. I was consumed by the idea that everything needed to flow perfectly like a DJ set. But, as I continued to create and produce the show, I realized something important: my listeners just want to hear good music.
As long as the music is good, the vibe is right, and the energy is high, my listeners are happy. I no longer stress too much about making every song transition perfect. Instead, I focus on providing my listeners with an enjoyable and engaging listening experience. Of course, I still take them on a journey, but I’ve learned to let go of the idea that everything needs to be flawless.
But let me tell you, it’s not always easy to turn that part of my DJ brain off. I’ve tried! But at the end of the day, it’s all about the music. And I’m grateful for the opportunity to share it with our growing audience. So, if you’re ever tuning in to Elevated Radio, know that we’re here to provide you with the best listening experience possible.
What advice would you give to aspiring DJs and producers who are just starting out in the industry?
Never Quit – To be honest, doubt is something that can easily creep in when pursuing your dreams. The rejections can be discouraging, the gigs can go to someone else, and you may feel like giving up. But if you truly have a passion for it, don’t give up.
Persistence is Key – just because you hear a «no» from a promoter or a label doesn’t mean it’s the end. As a coach and mentor of mine, Mikey Mooguire always says, it’s not a «no,» it’s just a «not right now.» Keep refining your craft, and try again with a fresh perspective. And if it still doesn’t work out, start the cycle over again.
Don’t pay attention to what everyone else is doing – It’s important to remember that everyone’s journey is different. Don’t compare yourself to others or try to mimic their path. What works for someone else may not work for you. Social media can make it seem like others have it all figured out, but everyone struggles at some point.
There is enough for everyone – Lastly, there’s no need for competition, as there is enough success to go around. Just because someone else lands a big gig, signs with a top label, or hits the Beatport Top 100, it doesn’t mean there isn’t room for you to do the same. We should all support each other and celebrate each other’s successes. When we lift each other up, we all succeed together.
What’s next for Salvione in terms of new music releases, collaborations, and live performances? Are there any upcoming projects or goals you’d like to share with your fans?
I am excited to share that my latest EP has just been released on Baikonur Recordings. I’ve been hard at work in the studio and have a bunch of new tracks lined up for release later this year. So, stay tuned for more fresh beats from me!
This summer is looking pretty exciting as I’ve got some tours in the works. But I have to say, I’m particularly stoked about my upcoming gig at Ibiza Rocks on July 26th. It’s always been a dream of mine to play on the White Isle, and I can’t wait to bring my sound to the dancefloor. I will also be working with Ibiza Club News while I’m out there so keep your eyes and ears peeled for that.
Oh, and if you’re a fan of Danny Tenaglia, you won’t want to miss the new release he’s got coming out on Nervous Records. I actually had the privilege of engineering the track he did with Cevin Fisher and let me tell you, it’s a certified banger! Being part of something these two legends created is truly an honor.
From his early memories of music to his current accomplishments, Salvione’s unique blend of sounds and dedication to creating unforgettable music experiences have made him a standout artist in the Electronic music scene. As he continues to push boundaries and evolve his sound, we look forward to his future releases, collaborations, and live performances. Thank you, Salvione, for your time and for sharing your incredible music with us.
Salvione Online
