view archived music Salivating with Saliva: Band's Appearance One of the Bright Spots in a Dismal Musical Summer Rick Coates
Its called “The Sophomore Jinx,” and it happens to a lot of bands. It’s when a band’s second album just doesn’t live up to its first. For Memphis-based Saliva, they were determined that their second album “Back Into Your System,” would stand up to their debut “Every Six Seconds,” which went platinum. As promised, they delivered. Another promise they make is delivering the goods when they take the stage. They are going to prove that when they play the Tribal Motors Entertainment Stage at Streeters Ground Zero Nightclub on Thursday May 26. “I'm so tired of bands who half-ass it. I want people to come away saying, damn that was worth my $20 or whatever,” said Saliva’s colorful lead singer, Josey Scott. “I remember going to some shows and the bands would be so f*cked up, and it would really bum me out. I want to give them a live show that sounds a lot like the record. I hate going to shows and the band plays some way-out version of their hits, when what you want is a really good rockin' version of what's on the album. With Saliva, that's what they'll get.” Salvia will bring an arsenal of hits when they come to town. The popular arena football song “Click Click Boom” and “Your Disease,” from their debut album and “Always,” along with the recently released “Rest in Pieces” from their current release. The group will also debut some new tunes. Salvia has been in the studio since January working on another album that is expected out in early summer.
ROOTS REVIEW Formed in 1997, the group had an independent release on Rocking Chair Records (so in reality, their current album isn’t really their sophomore release, but major labels don’t recognize independent releases). Until Island Records signed them in 2001 it was a four-year roller coaster ride with a lot of uncertainty. “Sure we all had doubts and directional concerns,” said Scott. “We all came from different parts of the Memphis music scene. I think the combination of chemistry and that fact that each of us was looking for something more out of our music kept us together.” That “looking for more attitude” is the approach the group takes into the studio as well. “I like records you can listen to from whisker to tail,” said Scott. “I think it is our responsibility to raise the bar with each new album. We plan to do that with the next one as well.” Saliva has proven its critics wrong. The rock media has been critical of the group, and their albums have received some negative reviews. Group members chuckle at the negative reviews and feel their sales, Grammy nomination and sold out shows are a true measure of the bands claim they are defining rocks current musical direction. But exactly how do you define Saliva? “We're not a rock/rap band, we're just a good southern rock and roll band, I think,” said Scott. “We're melodic with a hip-hop side, with rap used for spice.” The band isn’t concerned with classifications or the fact some think the name is a little too much to swallow. “Yeah, it's controversial and different, and like it or not, you'll never forget it," said Scott. Salvia has fans in the rock world as well. Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx came to the group with the song “Rest in Pieces,” which is the group’s current hit. Ironically Sixx’s current band, Brides of Destruction, lost out last year to Saliva on the Aerosmith/Kiss Tour. Another fan of the band is Nickleback’s lead singer Chad Kroeger. Kroeger selected Scott to collaborate on the hit song “Hero,” from the Spiderman soundtrack. Then there was the collaboration with Jay-Z on the MC “Blueprint” album, which also featured Eminem.
PATH OF EXPLORATION Any concerns from fellow band mates on all of Scott’s work outside of Saliva? “No, in today’s world of the short attention span it is important to keep the name out there and that’s exactly what I am doing during down times for the band,” said Scott. “The guys have been supportive, we all get along remarkably well.” Scott and his bandmates like challenges and they see themselves on the constant path of exploration. “Music is like a sex relationship with a partner you've had for years. You've got to keep it interesting,” said Scott. “In order to keep it interesting you need to bring new things to the table. Growing up in Memphis we learned from some of the best like Al Green, Aretha Franklin and of course Elvis. Elvis did it all from blues to gospel and I think he made all of us realize that music knows no boundaries.” Scott is a fourth generation musician. His father was a semi-successful gospel/country musician. He feels his musical roots have helped to shape his style today. “I draw from a lot of places; heck, I even sang in the church choir as a kid,” said Scott. “A record that changed my life was Fleetwood Mac's ‘Rumours.’ It shaped my heart, and was a defining moment in my turntable history.” Saliva is the one bright spot on what appears to be one of the weakest modern rock summer schedules in Northern Michigan in recent years. Area venues and festivals might take a lesson from Streeter’s whose previous modern rock shows featuring Trapt, Powerman 5000, Shinedown and Silvertide have all attracted capacity crowds. The real “two tickets to paradise,” will be the May 26 Saliva concert. For additional information visit www.streetersonline.com or call their box office for tickets (231) 932-1300.
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