Salti Ray is the brain child of Mary Norris and Noelle Taylor, both of whom began their journeys as musicians at the young age of 12. Salti Ray blends a myriad of musical styles such as folk, blues, and pop, with their traditional rock-influenced roots. The dynamic pair have now established themselves as seasoned musicians, having played in various well-known music venues all across the South-east.
In 2020, they were awarded Best Band of the Upstate by Greenville Journal, in addition to being nominated for Best Live Act at the 2020 Upstate Music Awards. The band followed up the release of their debut 4-track EP, The Right Thing, with their new, edgy single, “Luxury”, in July, 2021. This powerful track was inspired by how the Corona-Virus pandemic impacted the band-members, and the government of South Carolina’s response to the issue.
“Norris’ powerful voice and stage presence and Taylor’s stunning lead guitar skills served as a through-line that connected their disparate influences.” – Greenville Journal
Photographer Credit: Marina xaykosy
INTERVIEW
When did you first discover your passion for music?
Noelle: When I was around eight years-old, I was watching an episode of SpongeBob SquarePants on my 13″ CRT style television. The episode was “Bubble Squad/Ripped Pants”, and it has went down in SpongeBob history as one of the most iconic episodes. Rightfully so, because it changed my life! I remember sitting in front of the tube when SpongeBob picks up his acoustic guitar and begins singing in front of the beach-goers at Goo Lagoon. His backing band was a bunch of fish, voiced by members of The Beach Boys. It was crazy, fun, and the harmonies were beautiful. I asked my parents for a guitar shortly after, and the rest is history!
What three words would you say best summarize your music?
Mary: Sassy, poignant, multifarious.
So tell me about your latest song release “Luxury”. What was the inspiration for you to write it?
Mary: “Luxury” is about experiencing the pandemic in South Carolina and witnessing the hypocrisy of SC government – prioritizing a “pro-life” standpoint when it comes to legislating control over people with uteri, but falling short in pandemic response.
Most artists say that through their art they learn more about themselves, heal their injuries… in what ways has music helped you?
Noelle: Music has led me to new experiences, opportunities, and friends that I would not have ever met if I was not a musician or involved in that scene. Especially as a musician who travels frequently, my early childhood is filled with rich memories that I will always be able to have, and I look forward to cashing in on those when I am much older and am no longer able to live this kind of lifestyle.
What would you be doing if you weren’t doing music?
Noelle: I would be dead, probably, because that is the only situation I can imagine where I would not be writing or playing music. Second to music, if I could be a vegan chef -turned- Chopped judge, or own my own Bed & Breakfast tucked in the mountains of some small northeastern town, I think I could be happy.
Who would you say are your biggest musical influences?
Mary: I always struggle with this question, because my influences are changing all of the time and honestly vary song to song. I can love an artist, but not end up seeing much influence from them, whereas I can be influenced by just one song by an artist and not really listen to them again. Some staples though would be 90s stuff like Radiohead, Pearl Jam, Alice In Chains, Foo Fighters. I’m also into songwriters like Father John Misty and Ben Folds. Rachael Price, Conor Mason, Thom Yorke, and Lianne La Havas are some of my vocal influences. I’ve been listening to a lot of Wolf Alice and Sam Fender lately – that’s been inspiring me.
do you consider that nowadays there are more or less opportunities for new, and aspiring artists? why?
Noelle: On paper, digital streaming, the internet, and free educational resources available would ideally make it possible for artists to have endless opportunities to learn, write, and put their music out into the world. Artists struggling to survive, who are having to work against the tide of capitalism, making them unable to invest, perform, or pursue these aforementioned opportunities, is a different story.
What would your idyllic life as an artist look like?
Mary: Making a comfortable living from music, honestly. Just not scrambling to pay bills, though I’d still take scrambling to make ends meet with music over another job. It’d be nice to have enough of a fan base to tour and sell some records and then just be able to afford a car payment and health insurance! I just want to make beautiful, inspiring, cathartic things and live.
PROJECTS
Want to know more about Salti Ray? Watch some of their videos here!
