Photo Credit: tommyworldx
Bristol five-piece Saloon Dion release their second single ‘VHS’ via Disobedient Records on August 6th. It’s the follow-up to their debut ‘Deal Or No Deal’, which opened all the right boxes when it was released earlier this year by Permanent Creeps.
Their unique blend of post-punk and ’80s synth rock can be likened to The Stranglers or Talking Heads, but they draw influences from across the board, from Gang of Four and the Beastie Boys to Parquet Courts and Squid. Their satirical lyrics sit atop a backing that is simultaneously heavy and funky, with songs formed around driving synth and bass hooks, with flurries of intricate guitar and multi-vocalist mash ups, and ‘VHS’ lopes along in a suitably playful but slightly menacing manner.
Tell us about the genesis of your project. How did you get to where you are now?
It was all from post gig ramblings two pints too many, we all wanted something new to do
What does music and being an artist mean to you?
It’s just good fun, we enjoy it
What are some sources of inspiration for your lyrics and storytelling?
We like to embody different characters. Wether it be a play on a Better Call Saul line, or somebody pretending to be a racing car driver
Who is an artist that you look up to more than others today?
We look up to all the artists grinding it out on the Bristol scene right now. And Robbie Williams
All time favorite record?
Licensed To Ill
Tell us about your latest release and how it came about
It’s one of the old crackers from our first practice, it’s changed a bit but it’s pretty much the same as it was then, with more cowbell
You seem to be fusing several musical genres. What inspires your sound?
Electrical appliances, microwaves / toastie machines that kinda thing. And dogs barking that’s a big influence. The sound of cars backfiring is another
What are some things you do to deal with anxiety and creative blocks?
Switch off from the world a bit, get that phone off, read walk and swim
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Alive and well travelling endlessly from Leeds to London on HS2
Your style is very original and elaborate. How do you take care of your aesthetics?
We believe in taking care of ourselves, and a balanced diet. In the morning, if our faces are a little puffy, we put on ice packs while doing stomach crunches. In the shower, we use water activated gel cleanser. Then a honey almond body scrub. And on the face, an exfoliating gel scrub. Then apply an herb mint facial mask, which we leave on for 10 minutes while we prepare the rest of our routines.
What was the most daunting moment in your career so far?
When bens dad shredded a guitar solo right into our oily post punk brains
What is the best advice you’ve ever gotten?
Brush your teeth twice a day and don’t walk over wooden bridges like the one at the end of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
Where do you think the next game changer will be in the music industry and entertainment scene?
It’s likely to be right under Simon Cowells nose
