Stevie Salas
With his free-spirited, raw, and soulful style, Stevie Salas has captivated countless Rock fans and continues to enjoy a loyal following to this day. As a producer, composer, singer, and guitarist, he has built an impressive career, performing and recording with legends such as George Clinton, Mick Jagger, Rod Stewart, Justin Timberlake, and Bill Laswell.
In 1995, Salas released the hard-hitting rock album “Back From The Living” under the name Stevie Salas Colorcode. Now, thirty years later, the album is being reissued as a deluxe edition. While the original release featured different cover artwork and tracklists depending on the country, the new edition brings together all of those variations into one definitive collection.
Listening again today, “Back From The Living still” radiates a timeless rock energy — from its powerful songs and fiery guitar work to its uncompromising sound. It’s a record that stands apart from passing trends, driven by Salas’ unwavering dedication to his own music and spirit. Muse On Muse spoke with Stevie Salas about this landmark album and its enduring impact.
Interview / Text Mamoru Moriyama
Translation Hiroshi Takakura
Muse On Muse : Your album “Back From The Living” is being released as a deluxe edition to mark the 30th anniversary of its original 1995 release. Where does this album sit within the context of your music career?
Stevie Salas : Back From The Living was I think the most important record of my solo career. It took me 4 years to complete it but when it came out my life changed in a BIG way.
MM : The deluxe edition features 18 tracks on the CD and 20 tracks on the double vinyl. Please tell us about the additional songs included in this new edition.
SS : The record that came out in several different countries including China and each country had some different bonus tracks. So the label went and found all those different versions and included all the songs.
MM : Even after 30 years, “Tell Your Story Walkin’” still radiates a timeless coolness. Can you share the story behind how this song came to be?
SS : I remember when Tell Your Story Walkin was done feeling like I made a song that sounded like ME and no one else in the world. I was deeply into rock and alternative rock but I was also deep into funk and James Brown. I first wrote the bass line which to me sounded like it could be a James Brown Soul Power Sex Machine style Bootsy Collins bass riff. Then I doubled it with cleaner rock guitars and also the Stevie Salas Wha Rocker. Once that was done I really felt the need to add power chords like maybe AC/DC would do and there it was. I love that so many kids wrote me to this day discovering that song. I recorded it once early in the record with Bryan Tichy on Drums and Rick Skatore from 24/7 Spyz on bass but about a year later I cut it again with Bryan and TM Stevens on bass and that was the magic take. I would later go back to the original unused recording of the song and slow it down and edit tape making the song Much Ado About Butt’n.
MM : The guitar tones on this album still sound incredible to this day. What are some of the key things or secrets you keep in mind when creating your guitar sound?
SS : My hands are in charge but also I love low output vintage style pick ups and of course old Marshall’s and my 65 Fender Deluxe Reverb. I used many guitars on that record but it’s seems no matter what I use it always sounds like me.
MM : This album includes tracks such as “Tell Your Story Walkin’,” “Crack Killed Applejack,” and “The Lying Truth,” which feature T.M. Stevens on bass. Could you share some memorable experiences from playing in a band with him during his lifetime, and what he brought to your music?
SS : TM Stevens had an energy that was almost beyond human. He could light up a room with his smile and his playing really transferred onto tape well. A true professional and I dear dear friend who is missed.
MM : One of the highlights of this album is the groove created by your guitar playing and the band’s rhythm section. What do you personally focus on when it comes to your guitar work within a song?
SS : Really it all starts with the drums and the groove. To this day I use the same techniques when writing INABA/SALAS songs. We find the pocket and fill in some of the gaps always leaving space. Space and silence is what makes parts seem bigger.
MM : On the flip side, what do you look for in the bass and drums? When bringing a bassist or drummer into the band, what are the qualities or criteria you base your decision on?
SS : Drums it’s tough because I love drummers like Tony Thompson, Bryan Tichy, Dave Abbruzzese, Winston A Watson Jr, Matt Sorum, Chad Smith or Dave Grohl who really know how to hit hard playing alternative rock with a bit of punk rock energy bringing two handed flam fills and also understand funk at a loud volume. Bass players can work in and out on my songs. I use a lot of different ones but the drums to me are the most important. Some of my songs need bass parts that move like a Bowie record and some need that relentless funk line like James Brown.
MM : Thirty years on from this album, you’re now also active as a producer with a broad, overall vision for music. From your perspective, how has the music business and the role of musicians within it changed compared to back then?
SS : I’m lucky to still get to score movies and make records with bands like The MC5 and my favorite Inaba/Salas. The music business is a drag now and I feel bad from young musicians who never get help in the development stages. For me I’ve felt like my career was over many times but then something happens and a Mick Jagger or Koshi Inaba calls them I’m back in the game.
MM : What advice would you give to the new generation of artists who are working hard to create music they believe in and share it with as many people as possible?
SS : Make music that you love and never give up cuz you never know when something is gonna work.
MM : Are there any plans for new releases or live performances under Stevie Salas Colorcode?
SS : Maybe I might put something out. I have a lot of better mixes of some of my older songs that most people don’t know and we might do something. I wish I could come tour with my Trio to Japan but I need a promoter.
MM : Finally, please share a message for your fans.
SS : I’m so grateful to all my fans who have been so kind to me for such a long time. This year I did a giant tour with Inaba/Salas and I was able to see so many old friends. My message to the fans is THANK YOU!
https://www.dekoentertainment.com/stevie-salas
<CD>
TRACKLIST (6-PANEL DIGIPAK)
1. Tell Your Story Walkin’
2. Crack Killed Apple Jack
3. I Once Was There
4. Wonderin’
5. Start Again
6. Born To Mack
7. The Lying Truth
8. Without Love
9. Amelia
10. God I’m Going Down
11. Much Ado About Buttin’ [Suckermangrubby Mouth Mix]
12. I Need You
13. I Think You Need To Think
14. Shake This Town
15. Show Me Some Emotion
16. A Journey Into The Middle Ages
17. Tell Your Story Walkin’ [Mug Masher Remix]
18. Crack Killed Apple Jack [Gravy Booty Remix]
<LP>
TRACKLIST (DOUBLE ALBUM – GATEFOLD)
1. Tell Your Story Walkin’
2. Crack Killed Apple Jack
3. I Once Was There
4. Wonderin’
5. Start Again
6. Born To Mack
7. The Lying Truth
8. Without Love
9. Amelia
10. God I’m Going Down
11. Much Ado About Buttin’ [Suckermangrubby Mouth Mix]
12. I Need You
13. I Think You Need To Think
14. Shake This Town
15. Show Me Some Emotion
16. A Journey Into The Middle Ages
17. Tell Your Story Walkin’ [Mug Masher Remix]
18. Crack Killed Apple Jack [Gravy Booty Remix]
19. Start Again [Live]
20. The Walls Came Down [Live]
