IN CONVERSATION WITH SALOME

interview ANANO SHALAMBERIDZE

SALOME’s musical odyssey began in her teens with classical training, but it was a pivotal trip to Kyiv that reignited her passion for music. From there, she embarked on a journey that took her from the vibrant electronic scene of Georgia to the pulsating heart of Berlin’s techno culture. Along the way, she graced the stages of iconic venues like Bassiani and Berghain, leaving an indelible mark with her electrifying sets.
In our conversation with SALOME, we explore the cultural influences that shape her sound, the creative process behind her upcoming EP "HACKER," and the milestones that have defined her meteoric rise in the music industry.

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SALOME, reflecting on your journey, can you share with us how it all began? What initially sparked your passion for DJing and producing electronic music?

Music has always been at the core of who I am. I started with classical music during my teens at the conservatory, and unlike other career paths I've tried, music never lost its charm for me. But it wasn't until I took a trip to Kyiv that my passion for music reignited. Hearing Ukrainians play electro music blew my mind and sparked a genuine epiphany. Right then and there, it hit me: this is what I want to do with my life.

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Your path from Tbilisi to Berlin seems like quite an adventure. How has your cultural background influenced your music, especially your distinctive blend of electro, acid, and techno?

The Georgian electronic scene kickstarted my journey, but it's been Berlin and my travels that really shaped my sound. It's still a work in progress; the more I travel and soak up local vibes, the more my sound evolves. With a wide-ranging taste, I enjoy mixing different genres in my sets. My sets reflect my personality and experiences. From playing piano to dancing hip-hop, folk dancing, and choir singing, I've explored a variety of fields. These diverse experiences inspire me to switch easily between genres during my performances.

From Bassiani to Berghain, you've played at some of the most iconic venues in the world. What do you think sets Berlin and Tbilisi’s techno scenes apart?

I'd describe the current scene in Tbilisi as quite political. Clubs like Bassiani are at the forefront of political protests, particularly regarding LGBTQ+ rights. They've become pivotal platforms for social change through direct challenges. Meanwhile, Berlin is buzzing with opportunities for work and collaborations. Overall, while both cities are vibrant and influential hubs of electronic music, each has its distinct flavor shaped by its unique history and culture.

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Your rise in the electronic music scene has been meteoric. How do you navigate the pressures and expectations that come with such rapid success, both artistically and personally?

At first, it was a lot to take in. There was this undeniable pressure to deliver my best as I stepped onto the stage at major festivals and clubs for the first time. I felt this huge responsibility to represent myself. But despite all that initial stress, my love for music and the chance to share it with people from all around the world have been incredibly grounding. To be honest, they help me keep things in perspective and balance out any stress or pressures that come my way.

With your upcoming EP "HACKER," you're diving into themes of love and vulnerability. Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind this project and how you've translated these themes into your music?

The EP is called "Hacker" because I wanted to convey what it feels like to be sentimentally submerged, hacked, and paralyzed by love. For the rest, I let my emotions translate into music. I allowed my emotions to flow freely and directly into the music.

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Your EP includes tracks produced by yourself as well as remixes by Manni Dee and Umwelt. Can you tell us about the decision-making process behind selecting these artists for collaboration?

Umwelt was a significant source of inspiration for me; I find his style really clicks with my own taste, motivating me to explore my creativity. And as for Manni Dee, I'm a big fan of his vibe, especially tracks like "Pillow Princess," which are absolute favorites of mine. It's amazing they were interested in remixing my work, adding their own vibe to the tracks. I’m over the moon.

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"HACKER" seems to offer a diverse sonic experience, blending delicate melodies with thunderous breakbeats. Can you walk us through your creative process when producing tracks that fuse different genres and emotions?

I love starting with melodies and letting them guide the way, much like I do with emotions. In "HACKER," the theme of love and its complexity inspired me to create tracks with rich, abundant elements. While this approach may seem excessive to some, to me, it mirrors the overwhelming nature of love itself.

How do you stay creatively inspired and motivated, especially during times of uncertainty or creative block?

I am currently looking to purchase a classical piano to revisit the pieces I played during my music school years and to create new compositions. This is especially beneficial for me since I like to build my tracks around melodies. Yet in general, my motivation and inspiration often come from discovering new artists and labels, listening to fresh sets, and meeting interesting people: this inspires me to create.

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Looking back on your journey so far, what are some moments or milestones that stand out to you as particularly memorable or significant?

Releasing my first EP was a special personal experience, like sharing a part of myself with the world. The fact that people welcomed and enjoyed it meant everything to me. Another significant moment was moving to Berlin, a city that offered me a sea of opportunities and trust. Here, I met my musical idols and inspirations. I would say playing at big renowned clubs like Bassiani, Berghain, and Tresor also felt like major milestones in my career.

Can you share any rituals or practices you have before going on stage or entering the studio to create music?

I almost never go pre-partying; I’d rather be in my own company in a quiet place. It's the calm before the storm.

What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?

Stay true to yourself and your sound. Don’t rush.

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TEAM CREDITS:

talent SALOME GVETADZE
photography CHARLOTTE HELWIG
styling MAGDALENA ROE
makeup and hair NATALIA SOBOLEVA using LA BIOSTHETIQUE
photography assistance ANNABELLE FENN
styling assistance KILIAN JACOBS
interview ANANO SHALAMBERIDZE