Manchester-Based DJ salute Tells Us What It Takes to Survive Festival Season

Photo courtesy of salute.

This is SOUND ADVICE, a weekly destination for playlists curated by Interview’s friends, enemies, and lovers. Over the past few weeks, we’ve gathered playlists from Malice K, Scout Willis, and our very own Mel Ottenberg. Joining us this week is the face of the UK garage scene’s steady resurgence: salute. The Manchester-based DJ began by mixing DnB beats on their family computer, and returned to that bedroom pop feeling by renting a country home with friends for the production of their latest album, True Magic, in which salute’s radiant beats merge with vocals provided by the likes of hyperpop royalty like Rina Sawayama and Empress Of. As their North American tour approaches, salute took a break from packing to tell us what they were listening to in the English countryside and what the truest magic really is.

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Where do you dance? I can get busy anywhere. 

Where’s the afters? Bed. 

Best and worst part of living in Manchester? The people of Manchester are the best and the food bangs. Also, The White Hotel. Worst: extortionate public transport prices and not being able to go to The White Hotel because I’m mostly away on weekends. 

Fuck, Marry, Kill: Manchester music venues? Fuck Hidden, marry The White Hotel, kill Co-op Live. 

You just arrived at the function. What are you drinking? Lager or tequila pineapple. 

What’s your DJing pet peeve? Excessive phone usage on the dance floor. 

What song on this playlist makes you cry? Sam Wilkes – “Descending.”

What’s the song of the summer? Charli XCX – “360.”

What’s a song that reminds you of your hometown? DJ Antoine – “This Time.”

Name your favorite artist no one knows about: Daryl Johns.

What do you need to survive festival season? Hydration, battery pack, vitamins, common sense, and good company. 

Sunglasses indoors: yes or no? Yes. 

Favorite collab on your new album? “Softly” with Léa Sen.

Who are your style icons? Prince, A$AP Rocky, and Aaliyah. 

What is the truest magic? When the brother at Levenshulme Bakery throws in 2 extra falafel for free >> 

Best setting to listen to your new album? Any mode of transport with a scenic view.