While working with Def Kat records to bring great live acoustic music to the area, John Salaway has been working on his own creation called Acoustic Revolution, pushing musical boundaries with character and poise, letting go of the typical restraints cast upon the over-produced industry hopefuls with greedy producers.
His work with Acoustic Revolution has been promising, including airplay on Lightning 100’s Local Spotlight with his song ’Lonely Eyes.’ Heading to the ASCAP expo in Los Angeles in April, Salaway will be swinging away with some of the best the recording industry has to offer, from songwriters to major-label producers.
Additionally, Salaway manages to help other musicians with their albums and demos, playing everything from guitar to drums and even engineering some of their work.
Salaway believes in Murfreesboro, and he believes it has endless possibilities with great rewards.
’We have, obviously, a great talent pool here in the area, and many A&R reps are really checking out the scene,’ Salaway said. ’These are not just weekly shows, but a way to really network and help each other out. This is a music town with a music school. We are really getting some attention, and I am glad that my shows are helping writers and artists get the attention they deserve.’
This vision of musicians networking and helping each other out may seem na’ve in such a cutthroat business, but for Salaway, it has been worthwhile.
Daniel Scobey’s ITC Productions co-produced the Acoustic Revolution record and Salaway is pleased to see his works as a musician and writer prove successful. Salaway was also happy to include the help of his brother and fellow musician, Mike on the record.
’I am very happy with how the album came out and I have to thank both Daniel and Mike for their hard work contributing so much time and energy to this project. The fun thing about this album is that most of the songs and sounds we captured were improvised spontaneously in the studio, and we never rehearsed or planned the parts ahead of time because we were all busy working on other projects. It was just a great spontaneous collaboration between Daniel, Mike and myself.’
As a songwriter, Salaway has also proven he is a big contender, writing not for a band, but more as a vision or concept.
’This album was a chance to prove myself as musician, songwriter and producer, and I hope to be able to write in the future with other artists that feel the same as me. Music has always been my life and it is a real blessing if you can make it in the biz,’ Salaway said.
His latest work with Def Kat and ITC has been producing the talented Brittany Moses, and there are more plans to bring other Nashville artists down to record in Murfreesboro while helping other Murfreesboro artists record as well. Also, Acoustic Revolution will play at Wall Street on Feb. 23 with Sky Hi, and Salaway hopes to really make a great showing.
’Much of the album was a solo effort with the help of Daniel and Mike, but this time I will have some great friends backing me up. I hope to cast a different crew of musicians at different shows so the band can grow and always be a little different. It could make it very exciting to see a band that has a different lineup on different occasions so each show is spontaneous and new.’
Salaway’s strong work ethic and belief in others keeps himself in check, earning the respect of top professionals in the industry.
’You have to wholeheartedly believe in your talent to be successful. True success comes when you are sincerely happy for the work you are doing for a living’that makes a successful person,’ Salaway said.
As a musician, producer, songwriter, engineer, and father, Salaway has provided a positive role in bringing attention to music here in Murfreesboro. His vision of a new musical revolution has come full circle, bringing a solid intellectual attitude and fierce intensity to the crowds.
For more information, including playing at one of Salaway’s acoustic shows, contact John Salaway at john@defkatmusic.com or myspace.com/acousticatnight.com.
