Salem Randall (Salem)

Where are you from?

I’m from gizzy. My iwis are rongowhakaata, ngati porou, and kahungunu.

Was there music around you when you were growing up / how?

My mum has been singing in church and all sorts since before I was born. My brother is also a musician who’s been singing as long as me. 

When did you start making music? How has the music you make changed over time?

I started playing guitar and piano 2 and half years ago. I’ve been writing music since I was 10. I started with Christian music and then it started evolving to love songs and then turned in to more complicated songs in the past 2 years

Did you participate in Smokefreerockquest? If so, how was that experience for you? 

I’ve been doing rockquest all through high school. My band got into the national finals for tangata beats in 2022 and we got a couple awards. Then I won the national finals the following year in solo/duos. 

Do you have any advice for this year's Smokefree Rockquest participants, or young musicians in general?

My advice is always just to not be embarrassed. I’ve been made fun of for singing for the past couple of years because it’s not very ‘manly’ but don’t listen to anyone. Go for your dream no matter what anyone says.

You have played on some major stages and had some great media coverage of projects you've been involved in... is there any part of your musical journey that stands out as particularly special / a favourite moment?

My favourite moment would be performing at the spark arena in 2022. Being able to perform on a stage that many of my favourite artists have performed on is a true honor. 

When you're writing, what do you start with? What is your process from beginning to end?

When I’m writing I always start with the guitar then write a melody around the chords. Then I write lyrics through the whole song and if I want to add more chords I do so. 

How do you choose what songs to release?

When I’m choosing what songs to release I choose the songs that are closest to my heart. That I put all my blood, sweat and tears into. If I write a song I’m not completely happy with I put it in my notes and try to improve it over time. I’ve written dozens of songs and a lot of them I would never release because I’m not happy with them.

What are two things you have learnt along your journey, that you would tell yourself if you could go back in time?

If I could back and talk to my younger self I would tell him to just be yourself. Write music that you believe in and don’t write music to go viral. That will come with time. I’d tel him to keep going and to never back no matter what. Which is something I still struggle with to this day.

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