Marta Ren, Summer's Gone

Marta Ren is a wild and burly voice and the way it contrasts with the soul/rocksteady sound, very characteristic in the 60's, is really catchy and interesting.

Even though, her first music steps were taken with bands like Sloopy Joe, Bombazines and the cover band The Funkalicious - who, essentially, performed songs from Aretha Franklin to James Brown, Marta Ren is now giving her steps as a solo artist.

About the recording sessions for her album, it's possible to see how much it respected the 60 and 70's old school methods, preserving all the typical sonority very used during those times. Along the way, the artist counted with New Max - better known for being part of Expensive Soul.

The best proof of this hard work is the first single Summer's Gone. The song reflects a very joyful and easy-going beat that conquests everyone for being so fresh and original.

This is a great example of the quality that we have in Portugal, artists like this should be widely revealed to the world, it's a pity if others don't see Marta Ren too.

"You passed me by 

You didn't seem real

Suppose I'm digging

To get my dream"

Entrevista // Com Salto

Promoting their debut record, for those who don't know, Salto are a Portuguese band created in 2007 by Guilherme Tomé Ribeiro, Luis Montenegro and Tito Romão.
A few weeks ago, we promoted their single Deixar Cair here.

We described Salto as "Full of personality and freshness from people with early twenties" and gladly that's all confirmed, as you can see on this very relaxed and revealing interview, where they share their story, their dreams and especially their sweetness. But let the interview speak for itself.
First hand information: Salto are performing on Fnac Chiado, next July 30 around 7pm. Don't miss their invitation and the opportunity to see them live!

[Special thanks to Salto for their sweetness, kindness and awesomeness, Maria Lopes for handling all the crazy conversation and for being so nice and to Raquel Lains for everything]

Salto, Deixar Cair

Salto is the Portuguese word for Jump and is also the name of a Portuguese band created in 2007 by Guilherme Tomé Ribeiro and Luis Montenegro, with only 16 years old. Nowadays, they also count with the talented Tito Romão.

In 2010 they were part of Novos Talentos FNAC and Amor Fúria - Depósito de Inúteis from Optimus Discos, participating in big festivals like Optimus Alive.

But 2012 is their year. The homonym album is set to be released next July 2, after a year and a half of hard work. Influenced by such different bands and artists like Rufus Wainwright, Arctic Monkeys or the Portuguese Ornatos Violeta they created a new kind of expression, a new youth style where they celebrate their mother language and mostly where they celebrate Pop.

Full of personality and freshness from people with early twenties, their sound goes somewhere between the 60's to dance, with a bit of New Order and Pet Shop Boys 80's characteristic melodies and at some point some of James Blake.

Salto's record was produced by New Max - better known for being part of Expensive Soul.

The presentation single is the delicious, incredible and really catchy Deixar Cair.

For information about the band check their Facebook page or website.

"Sem ficar eu voltei a cair no que sou.

Sem mostrar fingi não entender aquilo

Que não me disseram nem vão escrever"