Dallas-based singer-songwriter/producer Salim Nourallah sat down with @skopemag to talk about his new EP, “See You in Marfa” (out now).
@skopemag: Tell us about your new EP.
Salim: These five songs were part of 16 songs we recorded at Welcome to 1979 in Nashville. “See You in Marfa” was sonically an outlier. I loved how it turned out, so I thought it should be the lead track of something. It made sense to couple that song with a few of the other songs that didn’t quite fit in with my vision for the album.
@skopemag: What is the story behind “Hold on the Night”?
Salim: I had this simple refrain, “hold on to the night, before you let in the day,” but couldn’t think of where to take it. I bounced it off of several songwriting friends but nothing clicked until I played it for co-producer Marty Willson-Piper. He chimed in with the “sky full of jewels” line. We had a fun afternoon working on the song, and it felt great to finally finish it!
@skopemag: What was your favorite part about recording this EP?
Salim: Working with my band again – Joe Reyes, John Dufilho, Jason Garner, and Richard Martin. We hadn’t recorded as a unit since 2010. I’m not saying I’m Tom Petty, but I feel like I’ve got my very own Heartbreakers. They’re a ridiculously good band!
@skopemag: How was it working with Marty Willson-Piper, who used to be in Australian band The Church?
Salim: Great! He was super positive and keen on working toward the best possible results. Marty lives for music, and he’s happy any time he gets to have anything to do with it. Plus, he’s got lots of great stories. We really hit it off!
@skopemag: Who are your biggest musical influences?
Salim: The Beatles. They’re responsible for me becoming a musician. I’ve loved them since I was 9 years old, and I still listen to them today with my kids. I love how they elevated pop music to an art form. It’s what I’ve always aspired to do with my own music.
