Matt Tarka has unveiled his latest single, “Salem” — a profound exploration of personal recovery, steeped in alternative indie rock and indie pop sensibilities.
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Matt Tarka “Salem” stands out as a hypnotic and evocative piece, reminiscent of the entrancing tones of Wilco’s ‘Spiders (Kidsmoke)’ and the raw energy of the Velvet Underground’s ‘Run Run Run.’ This single is far more than just a song; it’s an auditory journey chronicling Tarka‘s personal odyssey of recovery from a significant soccer-related concussion. With echoes of a genre-fluid nature and timeless allure, Tarka invites listeners to traverse the landscapes of introspection and emotional vulnerability.
Recorded at Mixtape Studios in Alexandria, VA, a creative haven run by multi-instrumentalist Jarrett Nicolay, “Salem” emanates Tarka’s genre-crossing prowess. The unconventional recording process was inspired by a Jeff Lynne methodology, where the drums were meticulously captured, layer by layer, creating a rich foundation for the track. This approach lends the song a distinctive and unpredictable texture, amplified by the use of an Omnichord, electric guitar, and playful percussion.
The song’s narrative weaves through Tarka‘s experiences, encapsulated during the dimly lit days of recovery underscored by Jack Nicholson’s vivid filmographies. This period of convalescence catalyzed a cascade of creativity, bringing clarity to complex emotions. “Salem depicts how my head was feeling during recovery—confused, uncertain, and out of whack compared to what was happening in the world around me,” Tarka reveals.
Moreover, Tarka‘s dynamic collaboration with Nicolay, who contributed electric guitar and bass layers, reflects a shared artistic synergy that’s palpable in “Salem.” This single, enriched with personal anecdotes and the musicianship of Nicolay, ushers in a new era for Tarka’s discography.
Matt Tarka headlined the Susquehanna River Creative Conspiracy on September 18th in Columbia, PA, with the event doubling as a launch celebration for “Salem.”
As a significant milestone, “Salem” not only exhibits Matt Tarka‘s formidable storytelling and innate melodic instincts but also his evolution as an artist who transcends traditional genre boundaries. With its release, listeners are afforded a rare peek into the heart of an artist unafraid to lay bare his vulnerabilities and forge them into art.
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