The Toronto musician’s debut album Big Dog arrives on March 28 via Sub Pop and Royal Mountain
Okay, it’s time to jump back into it and lead with a purpose, even if it’s a tough pill to swallow. Thankfully, musical artists are paving that path easily. Bria Salmena is on it with the release of her latest single, “Stretch the Struggle”, with a paired music video as well. This sonic messaging is just a preview of future magic to come with her debut album Big Dog that will be filling the ears of many on March 28 via Sub Pop and Royal Mountain.
“Stretch the Struggle” leads with a casual yet surreal thumping that captivates. Bria’s low vocals allow the listener to remain and witness. Beyond the catchy vibes that ensue, her signature voice is what really wins the day. Once entranced, the cacophony that follows somehow adds onto it, offering a foreboding optimism that is unexpected. There is an ache towards the two minute and thirty second mark that makes one gasp for a moment. “Stretch the Struggle” is unique through and through. Enjoy the harmonic finale of the song and repeat.
Additionally, fans can watch her latest video for her track Hammer for a full expansion of this musician’s aesthetic. Prepare to take a jump into sounds that crash, soothe, and beg listeners to ponder this era. Bria shared some more of this and all to come below.
What was it like working with Duncan, Meg and Graham on this track? Any memorable moments you’d like to share?
One of my favourite moments from recording is when we did the vocals for “Stretch the Struggle.” I was struggling, no pun intended, to get the take I wanted for this track. I kept doing it over and over and found myself frustrated. At some point, I relinquished and Meg, Steve and Duncan decided we could comp from all the takes we got, so I went to the other room. When I returned and we listened to the take, I complimented them on the comp, and they all told me it was one full take. That was a very proud moment for me.
How has the start of this crazy year gone for you? Are there any hopes you have for 2025 on your end?
It’s funny to speak of being hopeful in a time that feels so hopeless. My hope is not to become apathetic, to try and stay focused and learn how to enjoy my accomplishments however little or big.
What issues in the biz do you want addressed more often and why?
This interview isn’t long enough for me to properly answer this question. But I want this expectation for more – more music, time, content, energy, and emotional labour from an artist to come with compensation that adequately matches the time, energy and emotional labour it takes to make art.
What sounds did you play with for Big Dog? Was there an expansion from your usual genre or style?
I think the emphasis on this record was to play with the range and style of my vocals. I wanted to sing like I hadn’t before in other projects. To challenge myself and our style of production and to write lyrics I wouldn’t cringe at in a year’s time. I don’t believe in the idea of genres anymore, it’s constricting and I want to be as free as possible.
What advice do you have for musicians just starting out? Were there things you wished you had known before you started?
I wished I knew it was okay to be vulnerable, not everything has to be hard, cool or perfect. It’s only about feeling. I guess my advice would be to feel more. If you don’t feel it, no one else will.
