Bristol’s rising stars discuss their new EP, the beauty of the mundane, and why Greggs is the secret ingredient to musical success. Check out our latest Hype playlist cover feature.
Words: Stephen Ackroyd.
Photos: Seren Carys.
There’s a theory in quantum physics about parallel universes – the idea that somewhere out there, there’s a world where Britpop didn’t wash up on the shores of its own excess, where guitar music still has a place at the head of the table, and where the champagne didn’t eventually overpower the socialism. Saloon Dion might just be the proof that this parallel universe of evolved euphoria mixed with a modern sensibility exists – and that it’s leaking into ours.
Saloon Dion – Dave Sturgess (vocals), Tom Simpkins (guitar/vocals), Taryn McDonnell (guitar/vocals), Luke Mullins (bass), and Ben Molyneux (drums) – are a band both out of their time, yet perfectly in sync with the zeitgeist. They’re the musical equivalent of finding a time capsule, opening it up, and discovering it’s full of perfectly preserved zesty citrus fruit. Their sound is a glorious mish-mash of eras, a testament to the enduring power of guitar music and the ever-evolving nature of British pop culture.
As we settle in for a chat about their new EP ‘Where You’ll Find Me’, it’s clear that Saloon Dion are riding high on a wave of creativity and camaraderie. The band’s journey from lockdown project to potential festival darlings has been assured, but they wear their relative success lightly, with the easy charm of old friends who just happen to make music together.
“Yeah, it’s been a great year so far,” Tom enthuses. “We’ve been busy developing our sound, writing and recording a lot. Things feel good.” It’s a simple statement, but one that speaks volumes about the band’s current state of mind. There’s no hint of jaded rock star cynicism here, just genuine excitement about the music they’re making.
This enthusiasm is particularly palpable when they discuss their recent recording session in Newcastle. “Recording the EP in Newcastle with Thom Lewis was an early highlight,” Tom recalls. “Heading back to the US and Europe for some shows was another top moment. We’re very lucky to be able to take our music around the world.”
It’s a far cry from their humble beginnings in Bristol, a city that clearly holds a special place in their hearts. “Bristol has a brilliant soul,” Tom declares. “It’s always lively and full of amazing people, and we just love being around the place.” However, they’re not blind to the challenges facing the city. “There are some issues there with gentrification, and things have become expensive for the everyday Bristolian, but it remains a great city.”
This ability to see both the beauty and the flaws in their surroundings is reflected in their music, particularly in their new EP, ‘Where You’ll Find Me’. The record marks a significant step forward for the band, both musically and lyrically. “We pretty much just turned a corner when we started working on this EP,” Tom explains. “It’s not that we wanted to move away from our loose-fit sound, but I think as time has gone by and we’ve grown together as a group, this was just a natural progression for us.”
The result is a more considered sound, but one that still retains the band’s signature energy and wit. “‘WYFM’ feels a lot more considered musically, but lyrically, it remains an ode to our lives and the things happening to us and around us,” Tom explains.
Dave offers some insight into his songwriting process, which seems to be as much about discovery as it is about creation. “The way I tend to write is quite automatic,” he reveals. “We get in a room, and I create melodies out of random phrases and piece together the meaning afterwards. It’s definitely eye-opening to listen back to a voice note after practice and be like, ‘Wow, why did I say that? There’s something to unpick there’.”
This method of songwriting allows for a raw honesty that might not come through in a more considered approach. “The meaning tends to find me, and I think that’s why these lyrics work so well; it makes them timeless in a way,” Dave muses. It’s an approach that has served the band well, allowing them to tackle weighty themes with a light touch.
But creating an EP isn’t all about the lofty pursuit of art. Sometimes, it’s about the more mundane challenges – like transport logistics. “Driving to Newcastle from Bristol in a car packed full of gear is no easy feat,” Tom admits. “If it wasn’t for Greggs, we probably wouldn’t be here talking about this.” They might be making serious music, but they don’t take themselves too seriously.
This ability to find magic in the everyday extends to their inspirations. Luke offers a particularly touching example. “Honestly, I’ve always found beauty within the mundane,” he says. “But if I’m gonna choose one example, it would be visiting my grandparents after work for a quick cup of tea; they inspire me every day and are so excited to hear what Saloon has been up to.”
“If it wasn’t for Greggs, we probably wouldn’t be here talking about this”
Tom Simpkins
It’s clear that family and friendship are central to Saloon Dion’s ethos. This comes through not just in their inspirations but in the way they perform. When asked about moments on the EP they’re particularly proud of, Taz points to a build-up in the song ‘Tangerine’. “It’s just quite an emotional part of the song, and getting to play that on stage with my best friends always makes me appreciate what we have. Proper sappy moment,” she admits unashamedly.
But what about their musical influences? Saloon Dion’s sound has often been described as 90s-inspired, and the band is happy to delve into this. “Guitar-wise, with the 90s stuff, I always found the tone to be effortless, or rather very direct and from the player’s soul without too much thought; it makes everything sound very gritty and real,” Tom explains.
However, their influences extend beyond the obvious Britpop touchstones. “I’m a huge fan of David Roback,” Tom reveals, “and he’s probably most famous for his work in Mazzy Star, but before that, he was playing in a bunch of paisley underground bands in California, the Rain Parade being my favourite. His sound really bridges the gap between the 60s (Beatles, Jefferson Airplane) and the 90s sound we were talking about. Everything just feels like it came out of him in an instant. I try and put a lot of that into my riffs and hooks.”
This blend of influences results in a sound that’s at once familiar and fresh. It’s a delicate balance, but one that Saloon Dion seems to strike effortlessly. And they’re not resting on their laurels. When asked about what’s next, Luke hints at more exciting things to come. “We have some more absolute bangers that trickle into the live set every now and then. After we’ve released ‘WYFM’, and toured, we’ll start getting these tunes recorded.”
But it’s not all about the music. In true Bristol fashion, Luke adds, “I’m also working on fixing a garden fence.” It’s this kind of detail that reminds you that Saloon Dion aren’t rock stars in an ivory tower – they’re regular people who just happen to make extraordinary music.
Looking further ahead, the band is already thinking about their next moves. “Honestly, when we’re in a room together, it’s really easy,” Luke says. “We have songs that are ready to demo for future releases, but I’m thinking something bigger… We just gotta save the pennies and put them in for recording.”
As our conversation draws to a close, Luke offers some advice that seems to encapsulate Saloon Dion’s ethos perfectly. “Promoters can pay you more than £50. Put on your own shows if possible. Don’t let a greedy company take credit for you selling out venues,” he states, before adding, “Also, just try and have a nice time doing music and try not to be a dick.”
It’s this combination of savvy industry knowledge and simple human decency that makes Saloon Dion stand out. They’re a band that understands the business they’re in, but never loses sight of why they started making music in the first place – for the love of it.
‘Where You’ll Find Me’ promises to be a milestone for Saloon Dion, a record that captures a band hitting their stride and pushing their sound into new territories. But more than that, they’re a reminder that great music can still be made by a group of friends in a room, armed with nothing more than their instruments and their shared experiences. They’re keeping the spirit of the past alive, but they’re doing it in a way that feels utterly contemporary.
So, where will you find Saloon Dion? You’ll find them in the sweaty clubs of Bristol, in the greasy spoon cafes of Newcastle, on the stages of SXSW, and anywhere else where good music and good people come together. You’ll find them pushing themselves creatively, supporting each other personally, and always, always reaching for that next level. In short, you’ll find Saloon Dion exactly where they should be – making music that matters, with people who matter, for people who care. And in today’s music landscape, there’s no better place to be. ■
Saloon Dion’s new EP ‘Where You’ll Find Me’ is out 14th August. Follow Dork’s Hype Spotify playlist here.
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