Meet Salem Moran | Producer, Songwriter, Artist

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

Hi Salem, why did you pursue a creative career?
Sometimes, I think artistic careers choose us more than anything else. Being inherently creative and needing to express that part of myself constantly is something that I learned my soul actually needed to cope and survive hard times.

There have been days or weeks when I have tried to give up, or I let my own negative self talk stop me from pursuing music…but only for a short time, because the level of depression that would ensue would become too strong.

I found out early on that making music, or pursuing anything creative is more than just a hobby; it can be a way of life and seeing the world through your own unique lens. We can never truly appreciate how our art and music is received by others until we continue to put ourselves out there, at the risk of not working a traditional job, or at the risk of being perceived as different by most of our peers.
I pursue art because it helps me learn about myself, and I know for a fact it brings joy and fulfillment to other people in ways i might never even know. And I think everyone should pursue art, not for the sake of becoming great or renowned for it necessarily, but to learn about yourself. Who knows? Your art could change someone’s life for the better!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ll start off by saying that my journey has been anything but easy. I started my music career in my late teens, not knowing or understanding the dangers of having an ego when pursuing music, not knowing how to create a brand and being generally scattered in my approach to music. This however, is a pretty typical start for most artists; you have to try everything once to find out what you like, what you’re good at, etc. But over the past 6 years total of teaching myself to produce, rap, sing, and create content, it’s pretty satisfying to share my music and videos with brand new people who can appreciate my efforts.

Being transgender has been intertwined with my music journey thus far, which i’ve talked about in boom bap style songs like Bruised. But as introspective, melodic and philosophical as my music can be, I also have an edgier side that explores my newfound masculinity through progressive rap and hard hitting beats that blend EDM and cinematic pop. In 2024, Salem Strikes will be fun, and focused, while still reminiscing on the pretty vocals and my feminine side that still persists alongside my new identity.

The theme for my brand this year will be BALANCE. Balancing the masculine and feminine energy, the past and the future, calm and rage.

This means that on my upcoming 2024 album, THE HERMIT, there will be some contrast musically. I can’t say too much yet, but let it be known that my excitement for this next project defies description!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I can’t talk about my infamous home city without bringing up Downtown Santa Ana! Most outsiders believe we have a bad rep, but so much has changed in the past decade.
There are huge festivals like Artwalk, that happen the first Saturday of every month! I even host my own local open mic (Estrella Open Mic on Instagram), but there are at least 3 open mics that happen every month, bringing in artists from across the country. Most famously, and the place that got me started on my music journey is the Coollab Open Mic at 4th St Market, now hosted by rapper and ARTivist Samy Love. So I would have to bring my bestie there first and foremost! We could get food and drinks there from lots of local businesses.

For the graffiti and hip hop heads, I would definitely hangout at GCS (Giants Casting Shadows.) It’s a small shop nestled in an open alleyway surrounded by Santa Ana’s most astonishing graffiti- a giant image of MF Doom towers over the door, and Aztec and Indigenous Mexica symbolism lies everywhere in the city, actually. Inside there’s DJs spinning vinyls, sick shirts with artwork by local artists, and even some art supplies for the aspiring graffiti artist!

For dinner, I’d say its a tie between the newer Hammerburger (a smashburgers and beer place) or Wursthaus (gourmet hotdogs, fries, and beer). Either way, we’d be full and happy!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
If there is one person throughout my career who I’ve always been able to depend on, it would be my best friend Devin. She’s also an extremely talented artist and rapper who I could come to as a friend and as a coworker. We first met in a local open mic, where I asked her to write a song with me that was a pre written rap battle (of sorts). Looking back now the song itself probably went over a lot of people’s heads, but a friendship was born that day like no other. We’ve been working together and making content with/for each other for 4 years now, and we have both grown and learned so much! Thanks to Devin, I’ve been able to become a better producer, a better videographer and content creator, and especially a better friend. Through all of the tough things independent artists have to learn, like how not to get scammed, how to be willing to take critique, and how to stand up for yourself and the art you worked to create, Devin motha-effin Sunshine has been through it all with me for the past few years. I couldn’t have made it this far without her as my bestie. She has such an awesome catalogue of music and I heavily admire her dedication to herself and her message, which is a huge reason why we decided to create our spooky duo known as Freaks Edge. We both seek to create a safe space for other creative wierdos and outcasts, especially those in the LGBTQIA+ community who need a freaky, edgy outlet to give them permission to be themselves. And of course, both myself and Devin will lead by example!

Website: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4syrP43WQMg0GNzaxPQLq8

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sstrikeworld

Image Credits
Eren Batum Vex