Next up is Israeli musician, producer and DJ – Salto Honduras who now resides in Berlin. Who is a well known figure within the electronic music community, playing drums alongside some of the hottest live acts in the scene. Now he’s making quite a name for himself as a solo artist both via his own productions and djing. We premiered his debut release on Ombra a few months ago and we reckon there are great things to come. His mix was recorded during his quarantine time in Tel Aviv and in his own words he told us ‘ …strange days I must say which affected my mix a lot. I aimed to record something that will sound chaotic, trippy and unclear but at the same time, I couldn’t stop thinking about “the day after”, when all of us will go back to our normal lives, or to a new life that we are less familiar with’.
Dig in and get the lowdown on his highlights, inspirations and plans for the future.
1) Introduce yourself?
My name is Shachak Itzkovitz, aka Salto Honduras.
Before I became an electronic producer I used to play live as a drummer in a Post Punk – New Wave Shoogaze band called “Soda Fabric”. Touring playing on a weekly basis at dirty venues across Europe.
After approximately two years off stage, I had the opportunity to share it again with some very talented friends such as Luca Venezia aka Curses. We are both coming from the same musical background and we share the same influences, so it was really like a hand to a glove type thing. Luca is an amazing person and a killer musician. He also introduced me to another friend and a great musician Annegret Fiedler aka Perel, who I played a few shows with, that were absolutely amazing, she’s a star!
2) What have been your highlights from the last 12 months?
On December 19’ I released my debut track called ‘Betonada’ on the amazing label Ombra Intl run by Curses. It was a huge milestone for me, and I’m thanking Luca for giving me the opportunity.
I’m also part of an eclectic art collective called “Solarium”. In the last 3 years we are throwing underground events in Berlin. In July 19’ we launched the first “Solarium Festival”. It was an extremely stressful experience as we did everything ourselves with zero funding but it was very rewarding and a great success and I’m happy with the results.
Then the big one.. Since I was a kid, I always dreamed about playing at Glastonbury festival. On 19’ edition I had the privilege to be a part of the amazing lineup of Beat Hotel stage. It was by far one of the greatest experiences of my life.
3) What do you have lined up for the coming year?
As everyone else in the business, the Covid-19 shifted our plans drastically. Festivals I was supposed to play at got cancelled and other plans were changed too. Now I’m focusing on creating and producing my own music as much as I can.
4) Do you have a favourite track in the podcast?
It’s hard to say who’s your favourite child right? But if I must say, I think it will be Roe Deers- S.A.T.U.R.D.A.Y. (Edit), What a tune!
Available via bandcamp here
5) What tracks have really stood out for you in the last year and why? (i.e, dance-floor bombs, originality, inspiration)
Here’s a few…
Fantastic Twins – Read My Palmer, Laura.
It’s a pure Post Punk banger! This track sends me back to the time I was a crazy post punk fan. Great production, especially the vocals.
I highly recommend to check the compilation Bongo Beats and Bankruptcy on I’m A Cliché, it’s great!
Phil Kieran, Douglas McCarthy- Fall Rise (Druggs Mix)
Absolutely fantastic vocals from vocalist of Nietzer Ebb, and the Cowbell
here is WOW.
Bexter Dury- I’m Not Your Dog
I was exposed to his music only recently. I knew the name through his father (Ian Dury) but I never really listened to his music. I’m Not Your Dog is a dirty Ballad that makes you wanna listen to it over and over again. Dury’s voice is one of a kind and the way he expresses words is just phenomenal.
Beesmunt Soundsystem- Nova Zen
What a trip. This track is a banger, punkt!
Stevie R – Delias (Simple Symmetry Remix)-
I know the brothers from S.Petersburg for years and we’re good friends. I think they’re one of the best producers out there. Their musicality is outstanding and they know how to create memorable and fascinating music at the highest levels.
6) Who or what are your biggest musical influences?
As a kid who start playing drums at an early age, I was immediately sucked into the Rock world. Bands like The Clash, The Ramones were a big influence on me and later bands like New Order, Joy Divison, The Smiths, The Stone Roses , The Jesus And Mary Chain, My Bloody Valentine, Ride and more. It took me years to get into Electronic music and it just happened 3-4 years ago tbh. As a musician, producer and a DJ I’m trying to combine all of my influences into my own “Salto World”.
7) Tell us about 3 DJ’s / Producer’s we may not know but should be looking out for?
I’ll give you four…
Olta Karawane
Rudolf Abramov
Moody Mehran
M LovE
8) What is your favourite Venue or Festival to play at and why?
Glastonbury Festival without a doubt. The whole thing is an experience that I cannot explain in words, it’s the best.
9) Do you have a ritual before you start playing or straight after?
Nothing in particular. I’m trying to feel the vibe in the room and then dive in.
10) What is your favourite bit of kit? (Music production)
I don’t have one in particular. As long as it’s a live instrument I will use it.
Plus I like to create sounds from non conventional objects that are not necessarily from the musical world.
11) What is your favourite film score?
That’s a good one. I might go with Buffallo 66 by Vincent Gallo.
12) What makes you smile?
The beauty in simple things. I can smile just by hearing strange sounds or listening to an old favourite track that I haven’t listen to in a long time. Also definitely a good home cooked dish.