Summer Salt is an indie-pop band from Austin, Texas. The band consists of Matt Terry (vocals, guitar), Eugene Chung (drums), and Phil Baier (bass). Summer Salt creates music that is a  unique blend of vintage pop, bossa nova, and surf rock. Their songs are full of catchy melodies, jangly guitar riffs and laid-back vocals. They sing about love, nostalgia, and the joys of everyday life. Their new album release is timed well with the beginning of Summer 2023, their music is a perfect the sun and the sea.

The band formed in 2012 during Matt Terry and Eugene Chung’s senior year of high school. When they graduated they moved to Austin, Texas to pursue music. They met Phil Baier, who joined the band as their bassist. Initially, the band started off playing shows at local venues in Austin and recording music in Terry’s bedroom. Their early sound was heavily influenced by surf rock and vintage pop. Their debut EP in 2014 received a lot of attention from the indie scene and established the band’s signature sound. They’ve gained a devoted following for their upbeat and feel-good music, which evokes a sense of carefree nostalgia and summertime vibes. “As we get older and write more songs, Matt and I are getting more interested in the production side of things and trying to make things sound a little different than what we’ve been doing,” says Chung.

The new record Campanita (release on Wax Bodega label) is a delightful and personal tribute to love, family, and everything that lies in between. It takes the listener through a journey of warm memories that are colored with nostalgia and serenity. Relationships and hardships are deeply embedded in a range of musical genres such as jazzy tones, bedroom pop, beachy bossa nova, and indie rock with a hint of desert-night feel. The new album, Campanita, by Summer Salt is a truly delightful and intimate tribute to love, family, and all the things that make life worth living. With a release date on the Wax Bodega label, this album takes the listener on a journey of warm and comforting memories that are infused with a sense of nostalgia and serenity.

Campanita gets its name from a term of endearment that was used by their grandmother for Terry’s sister, Madeleine. The tragic loss of Terry’s cousin, Angelina, in January 2021, deeply affected him and it was the first time he experienced such a profound loss. This loss became a driving force for Terry to create something that would endure and commemorate the lives of both his sister and cousin.

The initial track of the album is called “Campanita,” and it starts with a mellow and dreamy chord progression. Followed by the entrance of the drums played by Chung that sound like an engine starting up. This drives the song forward, creating a background of harmonized humming vocals, while Terry’s smooth tenor vocals add a laid-back southwestern vibe to the track. “You are so smart, and you’re gorgeous, Campanita/But you’re good, and that is why I need ya,” this is a phrase Terry and his sister would repeat jokingly to one another.

“Sana,” is based on a traditional Spanish nursery rhyme. This particular track was written and performed by Anthony Barnett, who is Terry’s cousin and fellow band member. This was one of Maddie’s favorites, so it was recorded as a tribute. The song features Anthony’s soft and soothing Spanish vocals, creating a calming and peaceful atmosphere.

Each of the album’s 12 tracks weaves together a rich tapestry of personal experiences. The album also features a hint of desert-night feel, which adds a layer of mystique and intrigue to the overall sound. Maybe that’s something they’ve picked pop from living in Austin. Despite their diverse range of musical styles, Campanita is a cohesive work that flows seamlessly from one track to the next.

Chris Beeble produced and engineered it, and Joe LaPorta mastered the record. Anthony Barnett and Winston Triolo contributed guitar, bass, and backing vocals, and will join Summer Salt on their headline tour this spring. Chris and Joe offered the band a more professional and polished sound. Of course, they didn’t loose their personal touch. 

Overall, Campanita is a deeply personal and heartfelt album that is sure to resonate with listeners. With its warm and comforting melodies, it’s the perfect soundtrack for those looking to escape the stresses of daily life and immerse themselves in a world of blissful serenity. This is another signature-sounding album that is as soothing as a warm summer breeze.

Follow Summer Salt on Instagram.