1. You’ve got a lot of influences (like the ones listed on your site – Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen, Nick Cave, Suzanne Vega, Nina Simone, Eastern European, Arabic and Celtic musics) that is verrrry diverse, which is cool. But how did that come about? Do you have a family history with any of those regions that drove you to explore specific regions or style? Just an interest?
We do share a strong dose of Eastern European blood. I believe the thread that connects all of our influences is passion, and a sort of dark romanticism. Saldaje is a fusion of all the music our hearts were ever broken to.
2. How challenging has it been over the years to merge all of those diverse interests into your sound?
It happens naturally, it is not generally something we set out to do. The songs just come.
3. What’s your favorite thing about performing at St. Ambrose? You’ve been here a few times recently, so we assume you must enjoy it 🙂
St. Ambrose is a special place that just keeps getting cooler, bees are magical and mead is good!
4. Where’s your favorite place to shop for the awesome band wardrobe? Custom made? Thrift shops?
Ahh, the wardrobe…my favorite part…I design and make much of it. We are also avid thrift store up cyclers. I am a visual artist as well, so how we are painted on stage is important to me. Shaun is just dapper in general.
5. Any awesome new projects in the works?
We are presenting a special, winter-themed show at Higher Art Gallery in Traverse City in February that will involve a bit more theatrics. We are also recording a new CD, probably out next year.
Check out some Saldaje performances in the videos below!
And visit their website here