You recently returned from a trip to Scotland, what was that like? Did you have a good time? Do you have a big family?
I’ve actually now moved back to Scotland, it’s been brilliant so far just need to get used to that cold weather again.
A return to Australia will happen in a year or so, just felt it was the right thing to do for the moment.
I don’t have the biggest of families and we aren’t all that close either but I know who my real ones are!
Did you face a lot of challenges growing up?
I had a great upbringing for the most part, moving away to Australia at 13 was crazy but I feel it’s just helped build the person I am now.
I’ve definitely had battles with my demons and still struggle sometimes, but that’s why I’m super thankful I found music and channeled my emotions into it.
Do you have a favorite instrument or sound?
My uncle is an entertainer, so I got into playing guitar through watching him perform with my auntie as a kid, guitar is definitely one of my favourite instruments and sounds.
Loyalty is an important value to you, what does it mean to you?
Loyalty is a must- in friendships, relationships, and day to day things. I think through problems I faced as a youth made me value it a lot. You know who has you, and who doesn’t after going through some shit.
How long have you been singing? Do you remember your first inspiration?
Again I’d say it comes back to my auntie and uncle being entertainers, I loved watching them perform and the vibe of the music and how people connected with it. Think I started properly trying to sing when I was 11 or so, playing guitar and jamming with my older brother. We would write cheesy pop punk tunes so that was mad fun.
Do you write your songs/melodies with your guitar first or what is your process like?
I tend to write to instrumentals, I can’t seem to hold on to a tune when I’ve produced the instrumental myself.. I’m always ready to be working on the next song.
Definitely a song writer more than a producer that’s for sure.
How do you find strength during tough times?
From being a tough Scotsman! haha!!
Nah, I find strength during tough times by not letting my mind get the better of me. Turning negatives into positives if I can. It's all in the mind, you've just got to tell yourself you can get through anything, and you will...the human brain is amazing.
I've trained as a boxer for years so that helps relieve stress and anger. Making music definitely helps me get rid of any negative emotions too. Just got to find ways of keeping busy during hard times.
When did you and Hails first link?
I can’t remember the exact date but it was after he had come to a local gig I was performing at back in 2015.
He hit me up after, we caught up and started working on songs together.
That’s the Goat right there, Chris Hails is a legend of a dude.
Who does your instrumental production, do you work with more than one producer?
Tend to find instrumentals through binge listening to loads of producer's catalogues. I’ll hear something, vibe to it, and normally start just freestyling and writing down the favorite lines I’ll say. Melody definitely just comes from the mind, and however I resonate with a tune.
What goes through your mind while you're recording? Where do you do your recording?
Nothing goes through my mind apart from making sure I’m hearing what I want to hear-
That the tone is right, the melodies are right, and that the vocal projection is spot on.
What do you enjoy most about making music?
I enjoy that it’s a free way to express yourself, that’s so dope. You can literally capture a vibe through music and listen to it again and again.
It’s just straight up fun. The whole process is what I live for.
There are contrasting themes on the album with songs like "Savour," "Lights Out," and then more somber songs like "Drive By" and "Paranoid," can you talk about why it was important for you to have these songs on Ironically Misunderstood?
I just wanted to make sure there was something on there for everybody, no matter what mood or setting they are in. It’s a short and sweet project but I’m super proud of it.
How often do you write lyrics?
I write lyrics quite a lot, if I think of anything throughout the day, I’ll open notes on my phone and write it down before I forget.
Other than that it’s when I’m listening to instrumentals. I can’t force the writing process, it’s got to come naturally.
Can you talk about the message in the opening song "Paranoid" on Ironically Misunderstood and what this album title means to you?
Paranoid was I suppose just needing to speak about the shit in my life that brings on those emotions, I’m super in tune with how I’m feeling, really self aware and I think it’s important to reflect on things. Paranoid was actually going to be deleted when I first recorded it.. my dad heard it after recording at home and said that’s a good tune son.. so I finished it and decided to keep it. Was worried about making music showing that vulnerable side to myself but I’m human and I know others will resonate.
The title “Ironically Misunderstood” came from moving around and over seas when I was younger. I’ve always been the odd one out wherever I am, people never really seem to understand me. To be fair being different is wicked though, too many clones around these days! People really just need to be there genuine selves.
Do you have releases coming up?
I’m currently working on an album that I plan on releasing mid 2021.
Also got a few singles releasing very soon that will feature on the project with artists like Chris Hails, Nelson Dialect and Verbz.
Any message for your supporters?
Thank you to each and every single one of you, I see you!
More new music is always on the way so stay tuned and keep checking in.
Find Saul online at:
insta: @saulvision
youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7avgL_pkRC0Pf07ylLv26w
spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3uF4Czozf70tMZXRwzEL6v?si=hSOj-KpESpGkwztaBILORA
