Interview with Salvador Holbox by Alim Haider (Uk)

Salvador's Artistic Odyssey: A Journey with Jaz Coleman and the Dawn of a New Sound

The tale of Salvador’s collaboration with the enigmatic Jaz Coleman is nothing short of extraordinary—a melding of creative forces that left an indelible mark on his artistry. Their meeting in the hallowed backstage of the Plaza Condesa in Mexico City on September 21, 2018, was destined to transcend the boundaries of a fleeting encounter. Salvador vividly recalls the atmosphere: the warmth of the band, the camaraderie of the moment, and Jaz, an icon of intensity and passion, pouring wine and engaging in profound conversation. What began as an evening among admirers soon evolved into a transformative partnership.

Salvador recently took time from his busy schedule to speak to the Love Like Blood Facebook group. Speaking from sunny Manchester all the way to South America, I had the privilege of asking one half of Klek about his remarkable collaboration with Jaz Coleman. Read on to uncover the insights and stories behind their groundbreaking work.

The Visionary Bond Between Salvador and Jaz Coleman

Jaz Coleman, renowned for his esoteric philosophies and relentless creative drive, proved to be both a mentor and a muse. Salvador recalls Jaz’s ability to envision music not as mere sound, but as an immersive experience. “Jaz had a clear vision of the music he wanted to hear in a new band,” Salvador reflects. Together with AJ, Salvador set to work on shaping this vision into reality. The creative alchemy was electric, with Jaz’s masterful guidance refining their work into something extraordinary.

Jaz’s intensity in the studio was a spectacle to behold. “He would move as if conducting an orchestra, his hands shaping the flow of sound,” Salvador recounts. This fervor ignited the sessions, bringing a sense of grandeur and urgency to the music. Beyond his artistic passion, Jaz’s philosophy resonated deeply with Salvador: “Enjoy your life doing what you love.”

The Masterful Process: Recording with a Legend

The collaboration wasn’t just about music—it was an exploration of ideas, emotions, and sonic landscapes. Salvador and AJ’s project, Holbox, emerged as a duo seeking to craft music that brought both joy and depth. Their time with Jaz was punctuated by moments of magic, from shared meals to spontaneous DJ sessions at Salvador’s home studio.

“He is not just a producer; he is an architect of sound,” Salvador states. Jaz’s touch shaped the project, weaving his esoteric ideas into the very fabric of the music. The process was seamless, yet every step carried the weight of artistic discovery. For Salvador, it was an unforgettable experience, both personally and professionally.

A New Dawn: Salvador and AJ’s Upcoming Album

Inspired by the foundation laid with Jaz, Salvador and AJ are embarking on an ambitious new journey—a record that promises to redefine their sound. Industrial post-punk meets post-apocalyptic themes in this bold venture, which Salvador describes as a “melancholic yet energetic odyssey.”

The creative process is both meticulous and organic. “We begin with rhythm or melody, letting the sound lead us,” Salvador explains. Synthesizers play a central role, adding texture to the duo’s evolving vision. With tracks like Missiles Fly already setting the tone, the album aims to deliver a visceral, immersive experience.

Themes of Growth and Purpose

This album is more than music; it is a reflection of Salvador’s evolution as an artist and human being. “Patience and communication are the keys,” he shares. The project embodies authenticity, steering clear of trends to forge a timeless sound. Salvador hopes listeners will connect with the raw honesty of the songs, feeling the energy and depth that underpin every note.

A Future of Promise and Triumph

While no release date has been finalized, Salvador and AJ are diligently working to perfect their vision. Four singles have already captured the attention of fans and critics alike, and plans for accompanying videos and live performances are well underway.

For Salvador, this moment represents the pinnacle of his artistic journey—a celebration of creativity, connection, and the power of music to inspire and transform. His collaboration with Jaz Coleman is not merely a chapter in his story but a defining moment that continues to shape his path.

As Salvador looks ahead, his passion burns brighter than ever. “We are creating music that is honest, powerful, and true to who we are,” he declares. With the release of their new album on the horizon, the world waits eagerly for the next act in this grand symphony of sound and soul.

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FULL INTERVIEW:

Salvador your Personal and Professional Relationship with Jaz

1. How did you first meet Jaz Coleman, and what were your initial impressions of him?

I met Jaz and the entire band at the meet&great of the Killing Joke concert at the Plaza Condesa in Mexico City on September 21, 2018. The staff was very kind when they greeted us in the dressing room. He personally opened a wine and served it to those of us who were visiting. I made a connection very quickly with him and he was the one I chatted with the most for hours. It was magical!!

2. What was the creative process like working with Jaz? How did his unique personality influence the project?

Jaz had an idea in mind and inspiration at that time of what he would like to hear in a new band and AJ and I got to work on the first tracks or demo and then showed Jaz the work, Jaz bringing ideas in a particular way to the whole gave his master touch!

3. Jaz is known for being an intense and passionate artist. How did that intensity come through in your collaboration?

Very intense, in every sense, at the time of recording or concretizing ideas and when everything was flowing, I remember Jaz dancing and enjoying the song, with his hands as if he were conducting the orchestra.

4. Did Jaz share any insights or philosophies during your time together that left a lasting impression on you?

In short, the philosophy is: Enjoy your life doing what you like.

The Recording Process

5. What was the concept or vision behind the record you worked on together?

In the talks with Jaz we only imagined the sounds in our minds sharing ideas, the concept is that we are a duo AJ and Salvador Holbox and we want to get closer to styles of music that we are happy to listen to and play live with a lineup that is part of the band.

6. Were there any challenges you faced during the recording process? How did you overcome them?

There weren't really any technical challenges, just the challenge of composing and recording what we already had in mind.

7. Can you share any memorable or unusual moments from the studio sessions with Jaz?

We were at my house and home studio to record and produce, as well as having my special guest at home for two days. At times Jaz would DJ and look for songs to listen to while we shared experiences.

8. How did Jaz’s musicianship and approach to music shape the final sound of the record?

He is a great producer and collaborated a lot in every way to help us get the sound and music to what we all expected.

Jaz as a Person

9. Jaz is known for his interest in esoteric ideas and global cultures. Did any of these interests come into play during your collaboration?

Those ideas were a great influence, it is the inspiration to make those feelings and ideas felt within the music.

10. Can you describe Jaz's working style? How did he communicate or lead during the project?

He likes to do things on the fly and quickly, always contributing.

11. Did you get to see Jaz outside of the studio? If so, what was he like in a more personal setting?

Jaz personally is a very fun and interesting person, always kind, a great friend!!

Legacy and Reflection

12. Looking back, how do you feel about the record you created together?

A great life experience

13. Has your collaboration with Jaz influenced your career or approach to music?

Yes, I learned a lot from the philosophy of life and music and how to get to the sound you have in your head.

14. If given the opportunity, would you work with Jaz again? Why or why not?

I would like to see Jaz again to share with him and be able to collaborate, it is always exciting.

15. What do you think makes Jaz such an enduring and influential figure in music?

That he is a visionary, since he was young.

Behind-the-Scenes Stories

16. Are there any stories or moments from your time with Jaz that most people wouldn’t know about?

I can only say that it is great to meet him personally!!

17. Was there a moment during the collaboration where you felt you truly understood Jaz as a person or artist?

Yes, because we have similar tastes and ideas converge!

Klek working on a new album:

Creative Process

1. What inspired you to start working on this album?

For many years I have wanted to make songs with that sound.

2. How would you describe the overall theme or concept of the album?

It is a type of industrial post punk, with sounds with a post-apocalyptic intention.

3. Are there any particular emotions or messages you’re aiming to convey through this project?

Melancholy and energy.

4. Can you share how your approach to this album differs from your previous work?

I hadn't been composing much in recent years but this new work is more organic and rough than other previous works.

Songwriting and Composition

5. What’s your process for writing songs? Do you start with lyrics, melodies, or something else?

always with some rhythm or melody.

6. Are there any new instruments, sounds, or techniques you’re experimenting with on this album?

Synthesizers.

7. Have you collaborated with other artists, producers, or writers on this project? If so, how have they influenced the work?

We only worked with Jaz at the beginning and now it's just A.J. and I working on new songs, always with Jaz's advice.

8. Can you describe any specific track on the album that stands out to you and why?

Missiles Fly was the first song released and it gave us the feeling that it would be the right direction for the band.

Recording Process

9. Where are you recording the album, and why did you choose that location?

In AJ's studio the instruments are recorded and in my house Cymatic Studio the mix and other arrangements and mastering, we do it that way because we want to do it all ourselves.

10. How has the recording process been so far? Any challenges or surprises?

The process has been one of much learning, the challenge is to obtain the sound that we always look for for each song.

11. Are you aiming for a particular sound or production style on this album?

We want to focus on organic and a modern sound.

12. Are there any moments or performances on the album you’re especially proud of?

We are proud of all the songs we wrote, both in their execution and ideas.

Personal and Artistic Growth

13. How does this album reflect where you are in life right now?

I am in the best moment with more experience and with the desire to always make music.

14. What have you learned about yourself as an artist while creating this album?

That patience and communication is the secret

15. Are there any themes or ideas you’ve explored in this project that you’ve never tackled before?

have an original style without falling into fashion trends

Audience and Expectations

16. What do you hope listeners take away from this album?

that they can listen to honest songs

17. Do you feel pressure to meet certain expectations, or are you focused more on personal expression?

We are focused on expressing what we feel

18. How do you think your fans will react to this album compared to your previous work?

They are reacting very well as it is something that many people expect.

Future Plans

19. Do you have a release timeline in mind for the album?

We don't have a date set for it yet, while we are producing more songs and preparing live performances which is a challenge.

20. Are you planning to release singles, videos, or other content leading up to the album’s release?

So far we have released 4 singles with very good reviews and soon we will also release videos

21. Do you anticipate touring or performing to support the album?

As soon as we have the set ready for live we will organize a tour