Singer-songwriter Salim Nourallah Q&A 

Introduction

Salim Nourallah, a renowned recording artist, producer, and the founder of Happiness Records, is a prominent figure in the Texas indie music scene. His latest album, “A Nuclear Winter,” has just been released, showcasing his exceptional talent as a singer-songwriter. The album explores the depths of the human psyche and emotional range, with a captivating blend of indie-pop, rock, power-pop, and roots-rock, infused with hints of Americana and folk influences. Collaborating with his band, the Treefort 5, and Marty Willson-Piper (former guitarist of The Church, who co-produced the album with Nourallah), Salim Nourallah continues to deliver music that demands attention and recognition.

Discussing “A Nuclear Winter”

Q: How have things been for you?

A: Things have been going remarkably well. I’ve been fully immersed in the studio and have been performing at various gigs. It’s been an exciting time, especially with Marty Willson-Piper back in Texas. We are currently working on his first solo release since 2006 and recently played our first band shows in almost four years. The energy is palpable, and we are all thrilled about it!

Q: Your new album, “A Nuclear Winter,” is receiving tremendous acclaim. Can you tell us more about it and how you assembled this collection of songs?

A: Thank you for your kind words! I’m incredibly proud of this record. “A Nuclear Winter,” co-produced by Marty Willson-Piper, was actually recorded back in 2018, but its release was delayed due to the pandemic. It marks my first “band” record in over a decade, and I’m fortunate to have a phenomenal backing group called the Treefort 5 (consisting of Joe Reyes, John Dufilho, Jason Garner, and Richard Martin). We are all longtime friends and have played music together for many years. It feels incredibly gratifying to have another new record under our belts!

Exploring “Under Attack”

Q: One of the standout songs on your new album is “Under Attack.” It immediately captures attention and leaves a lasting impression. Could you share more about this song, including its inspiration, and the writing and production process?

A: I’m glad to hear that “Under Attack” resonates with you—it’s also one of my favorites on the album. Interestingly, it was one of the last songs I wrote before we began recording. The lyrics were inspired by a friend who constantly battles an aggressive and negative inner dialogue. The song emerged after a conversation with this friend. It struck me that our subconscious can sometimes seem to actively sabotage certain individuals. However, it’s crucial for all of us to be mindful of our own negativity and how it can undermine our lives.

Q: Can you share some insights into the recording process of “Under Attack”? Do you have any memorable studio stories to share?

A: We recorded “Under Attack” at Welcome to 1979, a vintage studio in Nashville. Our priority was to capture the band’s energy by setting up everyone to play together. This approach was important to both Marty and me, as it creates a cohesive sound. Welcome to 1979 has a distinct vibe with its wood paneling, vintage instruments, and shag carpet. Stepping into that time capsule allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the studio’s atmosphere and shut out the outside world.

Q: How did the song come together during the recording process?

A: Joe’s intricate guitar part played a pivotal role in shaping the song. While we were working on laying down the rhythm section, Joe started experimenting with the guitar riff. Tocapture the essence of his playing, I quickly recorded a video so that we wouldn’t forget it. When the time came to focus on recording Joe’s part, we referred to the video and meticulously worked on every nuance of the riff. Since Joe had limited time to track all his parts—only two days—Marty and I coordinated our efforts. I worked with Joe on one song until we captured all the necessary tracks, and then Marty would take over for the next one. Given the time constraints, the process was intense. However, Joe handled the pressure like a true professional and delivered some of his best work.

Q: Are there any specific lines from “Under Attack” that resonate with you? What makes those lyrics particularly meaningful or impactful?

A: One of my favorite lines comes from the bridge of the song: “The daylight sacrificed is a shrine for your misery, misery keeps you company, always feeds you lovingly lies.” I feel that unhappiness can become addictive. The allure of playing the victim and constantly feeling dissatisfied can insidiously consume us. We become accustomed to this negative state and find comfort in it.

Q: What do you hope listeners take away from “Under Attack”? What is the intended message of the song?

A: My hope is that “Under Attack” prompts listeners to reflect on their inner dialogues and the messages they tell themselves. It’s essential for us to observe and not necessarily engage with every negative thought that arises, as they can profoundly impact our lives.

Collaborating with Marty Willson-Piper and Crafting the Sound

Q: You worked with Marty Willson-Piper, former guitarist of The Church, on this album. Can you describe what it was like collaborating with Marty in the studio?

A: Working with Marty is an absolute joy. His dynamic and energetic presence infuses every project with enthusiasm. It’s nearly impossible not to have a great time while collaborating with him.

Q: Your sound on this album blends various genres, incorporating elements of Americana, pop, folk, rock, power-pop, and roots-rock. The result is fantastic. How did you settle upon the overall sound of the album and the distinct vibes of each song?

A: Thank you once again for your kind words. Over the years, my extensive experience in writing and recording has become the guiding force behind the cohesion of my sound. I firmly believe in creating compelling lyrics, and if a song doesn’t click in that regard, I usually don’t see the point in pursuing it further. As for the music, melody is king in my book. These are songs, not just poems. While I have a wide range of influences, ranging from The Beatles to The Comsat Angels, my own musical journey has developed its blueprint over time. Each record I’ve made has informed and influenced the subsequent ones. For example, “A Nuclear Winter” draws inspiration from our last band record, “Hit Parade.”

Expressing Vulnerability and Future Endeavors

Q: Your album “A Nuclear Winter” was born out of a challenging period in your life, which you refer to as your “nuclear winter.” The songs delve into raw and personal emotions while maintaining a universal appeal. Is it difficult for you to explore these deep places and express them through your songs, both during the writing process and now that the album is released? Or do you find it therapeutic to share your truth?

A: Songs have always been a therapeutic outlet for me. They saved me when I was just a kid, which led me on this musical path many years ago. So, not only did writing these songs help me unload emotional baggage, but performing them continues to provide solace. I never anticipated how liberating it would feel to play “The Sound of Suffering” until I performed it livefor the first time. Similarly, “Under Attack” has been a rewarding experience. However, I must admit that performing “Avalanche” can still be emotionally challenging. The feelings associated with that song are still raw, and I prefer to avoid revisiting them, even after all these years. So, at least for now, I have no plans to include it in my live performances.

Q: What’s next for you?

A: Recently, I had the pleasure of playing shows in Texas with the Treefort 5 and Marty. It was an incredibly special experience. We are also considering starting another record with the band while Marty is still here, although we’ll need to see if time permits. Additionally, Billy Harvey and I have been collaborating on a substantial amount of material that I plan to release soon. While the details are still being worked out, there’s a wealth of recordings in the pipeline that I’m genuinely excited about. Moreover, I’ve begun working on the third installment of “A Break in the Battle” with Paul Averitt and Chris Holt. I highly recommend checking out our previous records; they feature some of my favorite music that I’ve ever been involved in.

As Salim Nourallah continues to evolve as an artist, his latest album, “A Nuclear Winter,” stands as a testament to his musical prowess and ability to craft deeply resonant songs. With the support of his talented band and the collaboration of Marty Willson-Piper, Nourallah’s music continues to captivate listeners across genres. As he moves forward, Salim Nourallah embraces new projects and ventures, ensuring that his journey in the music industry remains as vibrant and compelling as ever. Credit: VentsMag