Salt Ashes, the artistic alias of Veiga Sanchez, is a UK-based electronic and dance musician famous for her dark synth-pop tunes and dancefloor-ready rhythms. Drawing inspiration from the iconic Giorgio Moroder’s disco-inspired soundscapes, she has established a unique position in the music industry. Since her debut, Salt Ashes has received acclaim from sources including The Guardian and Wonderland, along with airplay on channels like BBC Introducing and Radio 1.
Her career milestones feature the Top 10 achievement of her 2021 album Killing My Mind, partnerships with prominent producers like Dimitri Tikovoi, and supporting performances for renowned artists such as Goldfrapp and Tove Styrke. With a background of engaging music videos and energetic live performances, Salt Ashes consistently demonstrates her talent for forging deep connections with listeners via her emotionally powerful lyrics and strong stage presence.
On November 13th, 2024, Salt Ashes unveiled the music video for her newest single, “Bad Things Right,” solidifying her reputation as a bold pioneer in the dark synth-pop scene. Guided by Katya Ganfeld, this video captures the artist’s investigation of defiance, identity, and freedom in a visually striking and emotionally impactful way. With its striking visuals and engaging storyline, the video skillfully embodies the themes present in the song: the annoyance of being misunderstood and the catharsis that comes from taking back one’s story. The music video creates an exceptional harmony between visuals and audio, providing a profoundly engaging experience.
The video begins with amagnetic opening scene, immediately drawing viewers into a world charged with tension and defiance. Salt Ashes stands alone in a dimly lit room, the camera’s lingering focus on her intense expressions captures the inner turmoil that fuels the song’s narrative, creating an atmosphere of vulnerability that sets the stage for what’s to come. This opening sets the tone for a journey through self-reflection, pain, and ultimately empowerment. The minimalist setting of the initial shots serves to emphasize her presence, allowing her performance to take center stage.
The cinematography in “Bad Things Right” is a remarkable feature, merging light and shadow to establish a dark, nearly surreal ambiance. Bright neon colors and shadowy, smoke-laden settings prevail in the imagery, creating an atmosphere of intrigue and defiance. Ganfeld uses varying camera angles and quick edits to create suspense, while seamless scene transitions keep the story’s rhythm. A notably striking scene showcases Salt Ashes strolling through a bleak city environment at night, with the city’s harsh, uncaring lights mirroring her defiance and solitude. These images not only deepen the emotional resonance of the song but also create a unique aesthetic that is both raw and otherworldly.
A crucial point in the video occurs with the symbolic incineration of a church, and nuns gambling while sipping drinks, a striking imagery that embodies the song’s essential message. The fire surrounding the holy edifice symbolizes a strong defiance of social criticism and a restoration of individual identity. This moment is not just visually captivating but also profoundly stimulating, urging the observer to face the ways in which outside viewpoints can influence—and skew—one’s identity. The combination of fire, representing both destruction and renewal, alongside the song’s evocative synths and bold lyrics generates a strong emotional climax that remains long after the video concludes.
Salt Ashes’ performance in “Bad Things Right” is truly mesmerizing. Her powerful presence and heartfelt performance enhance the video, transforming it into more than just a visual experience but a close depiction of individual challenge and victory. Her expressions vary from deep reflection to intense resolve, reflecting the transition from victimization to empowerment. This genuine emotion is enhanced by her haunting vocals that rise above the intense, pulsating instrumentation, forming a strong synergy between audio and visuals. Her ability to convey complex emotions through subtle gestures and intense choreography makes her performance one of the video’s most compelling aspects.
The production quality of the video is exemplary, with every detail meticulously crafted to enhance the storytelling. The set designs, from the stark urban landscapes to the dreamlike interiors, are both visually striking and thematically resonant. The use of lighting, in particular, deserves special mention, as it not only sets the mood but also serves as a metaphor for the interplay of darkness and light within the narrative. The video’s seamless editing ensures a cohesive viewing experience, with each scene flowing effortlessly into the next. This attention to detail elevates “Bad Things Right” beyond a standard music video, positioning it as a work of art that demands multiple viewings to fully appreciate.
Ultimately, “Bad Things Right” is a testament to Salt Ashes’ fearless artistry and her ability to merge music with compelling visual narratives. The video’s exploration of misjudgment, rebellion, and self-liberation resonates deeply, offering a cathartic experience for viewers who have ever felt misunderstood or constrained by societal expectations. Through its evocative imagery, dynamic performances, and high production value, the video not only captures the essence of the song but also amplifies its impact. With this release, Salt Ashes continues to push the boundaries of alt-pop, delivering a piece that is as thought-provoking as it is visually and sonically captivating.
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