Meet Michael Saleta | Songwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michael Saleta and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michael, why did you pursue a creative career?

Thinking back to where and when it all began i would have to say it really started in the late 80’s in a small town in country Victoria, Australia. I grew up with my Mom Fay being a rock n roll dancer who loved the likes of Elvis, Buddy Holly, ABBA and also Charley Pride. It was a good music mix growing up.

Mom had 4 brothers who were musicians that played in a successful local band. Being in a family surrounded by music in the 70’s and early 80’s definitely influenced me becoming a songwriter and musician as a teenager. I’d been learning guitar for a few years and in the late 80’s i started my first band Pheonix Rose with some high school buddies.

Back then there was no Ultimate Guitar website to help you learn songs and you had to order sheet music from a music store which usually took a couple of weeks. I found it challenging trying to learn how to play songs listening to records or cassettes back then so i decided to start writing my own songs.
I had very supportive parents so when it was time to go to a recording studio my parents were more than happy to help out financially. That feeling of writing a song and creating something from nothing became a buzz for me and i just continued to enjoy writing songs. At that time i was heavily influenced by hair bands from the 80s and the good times they portrayed.

That first band became quite popular in my home town and i think the feeling of creating songs, recording them, playing them live and other people in the community enjoying the songs became one of my driving forces to continue into the 90’s, 2000’s and beyond. Music has remained in my life because of the feeling it gives me when i listen to it and when i create it.

When i was younger, i tried most sports growing up in Australia and as an adult I’ve had jobs in some industries outside of music but music is and has always been a part of who i am and i couldn’t imagine my life without it. It really feels like its my purpose in life and my true north. I don’t think i would feel as complete or happy in life if music never existed. It moves me in ways hard to describe. Im sure those out there who have done music most of their life would understand them feels. It is truly my life’s work, life long passion and addiction. Without a doubt, Songwriting and music is something that will continue in my life until im unable to play guitar or sing melodies.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

I am a full time songwriter and multi-instrumentalist hailing from Australia. Been doing music since i was 12 years old with many successes in the music industry over the past 35 years and in the past few years I got super serious about focusing on songwriting with Artists and for Artists. As a songwriter Ive had song cuts in the USA, Canada and Australia, being a writer on 5 #1 songs and multiple top 10 songs in Australia and Canada over the last 4 years. The genres i predominantly write in is Country Country Pop and Americana style music.

I think what sets me apart from others my professionalism, dedication, commitment, organisation, knowledge and that I’m a good hang in a cowrite…

Im proud of all songs i write but especially the ones that get cut by artists and released out into the world. Its pretty cool to have someone sing a song you wrote and it ends up on the radio and they perform it live. I’m proud that i never gave up on music and songwriting, I’ve been in a few bands during my life and most of the guys i played in bands with don’t do music anymore and went on to live normal kinda lives, glad i never went that way.
Im excited about upcoming releases in 2024 from Artists i’ve been writing with.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Ok well when it comes to Nashville there is always plenty to see. It depends on the type of traveler someone is but heres some of my go to for a visitor.

First would be my music related things to do
In no particular order…
The Country Music Hall of Fame with the Studio B tour is a must.
A show at The Grand Ole Opry and/or A show at The Ryman Auditorium

Every night there are song writers rounds around town which i believe is something worth experiencing. There is plenty to choose from ranging from hit songwriters to up and coming writers to new in town.
My top 5 spots to experience great songwriters rounds would be: The Commodore Grille, The Local, Live Oak, The Listening Room and The Bluebird Cafe.

For those that like to party then broadway is fun if you enjoy coverbands. I usually recommend visitors to at least check it out one time to experience it for themselves and then decide if its something they wanna do again. There definitely is a buzz on broadway and people are there for a good time, people watching down there is interesting too.

If you enjoy the outdoors then there is Radnor Lake State Park, Percy Warner Park, A walk or bike ride along the Cumberland river and across the pedestrian bridge.
Taking a drive down to Leipers Fork via Natchez Trace Parkway is a scenic drive and Leipers Fork is a quaint small town for a visit and on the way back to Nashville you can drive through historic town Franklin.

The hop on hop off old town trolley tour is fun and informative. it covers some great spots in Nashville all in one day including Music Row, Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, Marathon Motor Works, Centennial Park featuring the Parthenon and some other cools things to do around town.

Heres some food suggestions…
Most people go for the touristy Hattie B’s hot chicken but i prefer and recommend the original and the best – Prince’s Hot Chicken.
Theres plenty of BBQ places but nothing that really stands out to me from the ones I’ve tried.
For the great family style Southern eating experience for breakfast, lunch or dinner id recomend Monell’s. If you would like to experience a taste of Australia then “Hearts” cafe in East Nashville or 12 South has great coffee and an Aussie influenced breakfast.
I recommend Maggiano’s for the Italian food, Velvet Taco for Tacos, Chuy’s for Tex-Mex, DeSano for NY style pizza, The Slider House for sliders and Husk for a special night out for dinner, their menu changes daily.

For those with a sweet tooth for ice cream Baked bear is real good ice cream.

That covers things i believe are worth a look and experience and should take care of you for the week

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Yes, absolutely. Firstly that would definitely be NSAI, Nashville Songwriters Association International. I joined them in 2018 and have learned an incredible amount about the songwriting business and the craft of songwriting. They are great advocates for songwriters and work to protecting the rights and future of the profession of songwriting and to educate, elevate and celebrate the songwriter and to act as a unifying force within the music community and the community at large. They have weekly workshops to help songwriters including song pitching to publishers, song feedback, the ins and outs of the craft of songwriting and performance opportunities. I attribute them to being a major part of my professional journey as a songwriter. NSAI has mentors you can work with as well as the Membership Reps which have been a great support in my career.

Secondly, my cowriters over the last few years and those cowriters before that. I couldn’t do this without people who love to write songs as much as me. Theres a lot of them so i cant name them all but they know who they are and I’m super grateful.

Thirdly and the most important person, my wife Sarah. She definitely deserves more than a little credit for her love, encouragement and unwavering support. Being a songwriter isn’t the most financially rewarding profession when you are making your way in the music business. She gives me the freedom to write songs every day whilst financially supporting us both. She has changed my life completely. This journey means nothing without her next to me through all the ups and downs.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelsaletamusic

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michaelsaletamusic

Other: SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/mikalrock Linktree: https://linktr.ee/michaelsaletamusic

Image Credits
Personal Photo credit to – Savannah Grimm & Nashville Songwriters Association International