In this micro-interview feature, we get to know the most radicalist up & coming stars on the planet.

Felix Nyajó, better known by his monikor salute, has had quite the year crafting exhilaratingly futuristic beats and steadily winning the hearts, minds and proverbial gun fingers of the underground bass scene. Recent singles ‘Silver Tides’ and ‘Castle (Magic)’ are proof enough that, at a mere 19-years-of-age, salute is producing some of the most colourful and intoxicating sounds of the moment. We caught up with the Vienna native, currently based in Brighton, ahead of his forthcoming ‘Gold Rush’ EP (due November 6th via 37 Adventures) to learn a little more about his increasingly auspicious journey.

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TMR: So salute, to begin, what album and/or song has been the most influential for you growing up?

The first two Pendulum albums - Hold Your Colour & In Silico - had more of an effect on me growing up than expected. Rob Swire is a creative and technical genius who wasn't afraid of doing something new and disappointing, even angering drum & bass elitists who wouldn't ever have dreamed of approaching underground music from a more accessible angle.

TMR: Who or what has been the greatest non-musical inspiration for you?

This may sound slightly cheesy and clichéd, but my answer here would have to be Nature. Subtleties outside make for great song ideas.

TMR: You have lived in both Vienna and, more recently, Brighton. Firstly, how are you settling into Brighton? And secondly, does location/environment have an effect on your music?

I've settled in well, it has been nearly 13 months and Brighton already feels a bit like home. It has a huge effect on me - here in the UK, I'm in constant touch with other musicians and my label / management. Apart from that, the nightlife here is completely different. The styles of music DJs play, the styles of music that work (for obvious reasons, Rhythm 'N' Gash will always work better in the UK than in Vienna) so it affects the way I write.

TMR: You’ve had a busy year, what have been some of your highlights?

Releasing 'Silver Tides' earlier this year was a huge step for me - it sort of describes who I am and what I do perfectly. It's my theme song, in a way. Also, signing to 37 Adventures, my current label. Can't express how helpful they've been - there's so much cool stuff on the way.

TMR: Do you have a writing process? If so, how does it unfold?

I don't. I try to convince myself that I have one, but I've recently realised that I never make two tracks in the same way.



TMR: Do you find it more inspiring in the studio or playing out live?

Totally depends, I think. When I'm looking to write mellow, slow tracks - definitely the studio. When I'm looking to write more dancey stuff, the club. Reading peoples reactions helps a lot.

TMR: You’ve toured quite a lot for your 19-years-of-age, but what show/any musical experience has left you with the greatest memories?

The first time I played in Paris, which was last year. I met so many people I hadn't previously seen in real life before - Karma Kid, Bondax and a bunch of Parisian producers. The entire show was incredible, I can't really describe why but everyone was just having so much fun. It genuinely made me happy.

TMR: Do you have a piece of equipment in the studio that is most dear to you? Or perhaps technology isn’t the most important aspect for you?

My laptop.. haha. Currently, I use nothing but my laptop and a pair of headphones. Weird, I know but that's all I really need.

TMR: Your music lends itself to collaborating with vocalists. What would be your dream collaboration (vocalist or otherwise)? Or perhaps you don’t even think about it?

Tyler the Creator or Stevie Wonder. Both, for completely obvious reasons, are incredible musicians. I have learned a lot by just listening to their music. Tyler has this deep, raspy voice and writes absolutely, ridiculously good lyrics. Stevie.. is a god.

TMR: What are your favourite new/up-and-coming producers/bands?

Young Fathers are my favourite band at the moment, but they aren't up-and-coming anymore, are they? I met Aly from the band at Bestival. He was incredibly sincere and honest, I really respect that. Mura Masa is also killing it. He will be one of the leading figures in dance music in a year or two, I think. Also, XO from Stoke-on-Trent. He is criminally underrated in my opinion, one of the best songwriters I know. I actually invited him to come play at a party I'm throwing in Brighton next month. RobLaw, singer from Athens, Georgia - the man can sing. Not many people know about him.. yet. He will be huge soon.

TMR: How do you see the salute project progressing in the coming years?

I want to branch out and score games/films eventually, while writing albums and producing for singers/rappers. I just want to have fun.

salute’s ‘Gold Rush’ EP is out November 6th on 37 Adventures.

Catch him live at ‘salute presents Dime Club’ held at The Green Door Store, Brighton on 19th November (with XO and special guests) and 10th December (with seyr and special guests).

-Karl Jawara