Fresno Famous

Matt Salazar is an accomplished producer and engineer who started in Fresno then moved to Los Angeles, where he works at O'Henry Sound Studios. He's seen and worked with some of the music industry's biggest names. Then he started Analog Sway with vocalist Mikey Segerstrom. This week, Salazar is coming back to show his hometown what he's been up to, as Analog Sway performs Friday at Starline.

So Matt, tell me about your history in the Fresno music scene?
Well I started playing in various high school bands when I was 14, and
that naturally progressed into wanting to get involved in the
recording/production side of thing. When I was 15 I put together my first studio (in my parents house) to record my own band. The demos started getting around and bands started asking me to work with them, and record their material. I ended up recording probably around 20-30 bands in a three year period before I left to L.A. As far as the band thing goes I sang and played guitar in the band Tripwire. We played the normal Fresno music venues along with playing a couple of bigger shows in and out of town. We did a lot of radio-sponsored shows and opened up for bands like Fear Factory and Machine Head when they were in town.

When did you move to L.A.? What made you go?
I moved to L.A. about 4 years ago. I was hearing stuff that I really liked from the bands there, and I really wanted to immerse myself in the scene,
and start working with (producing) some of the artists that were hanging
around. I felt like I had something to contribute.

Since you've been there, what have you been up to?
Mostly producing and writing. I'm fortunate enough to have my brother down
here with me, and he really knows my taste and really filters the artists I
work with. We just finished putting together our new studio and Analog Sway
has pretty much been stuck in there for the past four months putting the
record together.

Tell us about Analog Sway. How did the band start?
Really by fate. Mikey had called me and told me that his band had broken up
and I just said, hey, why don't you come over and try to put some vocals to this new thing I'm working on. He came over and that little idea I had turned into the song "Sleep Walking." I wasn't necessarily trying to put a band together, I was just experimenting with this new "sound" I had in my head. But after hearing what Mikey brought vocally, I was like, people
are going to want to hear this on their radio. So we formed Analog Sway.

The band sounds very 80s. Where does that come from?
A lot of places. I think that's what 80s music was to begin with. Just this huge melting pot of everything. But it really came from the love of 80s bands like Duran Duran, Def Lep, Tears for Fears, and so one. As well as the early metal stuff, you know Metallica, Megadeth, Pantera. I would say that it's the combination of the two that gives the 80s sound to our music.

Now, what's bringing you back to Fresno this weekend?
We're going to be playing a show at the Starline on Friday. Also, we'll be on KFSR at 5 p.m. on Friday.

You guys haven't played live that much, right? Are you excited to finally get out there and perform?
Yeah, we haven't played out at all. I think everyone is really happy to
get out of the rehearsal room and onto the stage.

What's next? When can we expect an Analog Sway album?
Well I'm hoping for a summer release with a tour to support it. There should be various shows before that time to get us ready. Hopefully Fresno has a chance to see up again before the summer.

Analog Sway performs at 9 p.m. Friday at Starline with Sparklejet and All Good Things. Tickets cost $6. Hear Analog's Sway music at www.myspace.com/analogsway