Salt Tree Release New EP “Swell”; Share New Single “We Were Young”
October 4, 2024 BY Emma Orland
Western Australian folk duo Salt Tree are excited to release their new EP, Swell. Alongside the six-track record, today Salt Tree also kickstart their Australian headline show, playing shows in capital cities and regional towns across the country before they take their new record across Europe and the UK.
With a shared love of the ocean, mountains, forests, and rivers, Tom and Nath – two surf-obsessed friends from contrasting backgrounds – found their connection through the raw power of nature and their shared passion for music.
Swell is the first of two collections of music in ode to the ocean and surrounds of their Margaret River hometown. Influenced by the experiences of their childhoods, with a focus on mental health, curiosity, inner-reflection and the new unknown, Swell is more than just beautiful songs – it’s a reflection of the environment that inspired it, a tribute to the serenity and strength found in nature, and a testament to the power of perseverance and creative independence.
LISTEN & SHARE: SALT TREE SWELL
https://salttree.ffm.to/dreamingofafuture
Of the EP, Nath says, “’Follow Me in the Ocean’ and ‘Dreaming of a Future’ discuss my struggle with mental health, past trauma, and addiction. Being surrounded by nature and the ocean helps me really let go. Tuning into the sounds of the forest and surfing some of the best waves in the country here at home give me inspiration to put into lyrics.”
Tom continues, “‘I’ll Be Here’ and ‘Take My Hand’ capture those first sparks of connection – the thrill of new encounters, exploring unknown places, and the joy of sharing these moments with those who matter most. ‘We Were Young’ and ‘Garden’ are reflections on time – what was, what is, and what could be. We believe there’s power in appreciating every facet of life. Our past shapes us, genuine connection lives in the present, and we choose to look to the future with hope and optimism.”
Self-written, produced, and mixed entirely in the confines of their bedroom studio, the EP is both earthy and atmospheric, characterised by delicate acoustic guitar melodies, smooth vocal harmonies, and subtle percussion. Often revolving around delicate fingerpicked acoustic guitar, which serves as the backbone of their sound, the music evokes a sense of warmth and nostalgia. This is complemented by ethereal vocal harmonies that drift seamlessly over the instrumentals, creating a dreamy, almost meditative quality. The songs capture the laid-back, coastal vibe of their roots, with introspective lyrics and a sound that is both soothing and resonant.
In the remote landscape of Western Australia, three hours from the world’s most isolated city, the music of Salt Tree was born. Their music reflects their lives, filled with stories of personal growth, love, loss, and the beauty of the natural world. Their music is a soundtrack for those who find peace in the ocean, mountains, and forests — who see the world as a place of exploration and reflection.
After embarking on their first Australian tour last year and in 2024 already having performed at Zermatt Unplugged (Switzerland), and across Europe supporting Jon and Roy, there is no slowing down for Salt Tree as they approach the end of the year. Today, they will begin their headline Australian tour in Albany, Western Australia, playing shows across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia, before finishing up in Perth on November 3. On November 8, they kickstart their EU/UK headline run in Cologne, Germany. Full tour dates and ticket links below.
Of their upcoming tour, Nath says, “When we tour, we’re always looking for cool places to go and this makes it the best times with friends on the road. Relationships are important to me, and the support and connection from this I’m forever grateful for. We get to share stories on stage that help people feel and connect with our music and honestly, that drives me everyday to realise I’m so lucky to be doing what I love and never want to stop.”
SALT TREE 2024 TOUR DATES
AUSTRALIA
04 Oct | Eve Late Night Bar, Albany WA
05 Oct | Froth Craft Brewery, Bunbury WA
11 Oct | Solbar, Sunshine Coast QLD
12 Oct | Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane QLD
13 Oct | Mo’s Desert Clubhouse, Gold Coast QLD
16 Oct | The Beach Hotel, Byron Bay NSW
17 Oct | The Station Boardstore, Crescent Head NSW
18 Oct | Stag & Hunter, Newcastle NSW
19 Oct | Trocadero Room, Sydney NSW
20 Oct | Seeker Brewing, Wollongong NSW
23 Oct | Bright Courthouse, Bright VIC
24 Oct | Volta, Ballarat VIC
25 Oct | Northcote Social Club, Melbourne VIC
26 Oct | Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong VIC
27 Oct | Grace Emily Hotel, Adelaide SA
01 Nov | The River, Margaret River WA
02 Nov | Mojos, Perth WA
03 Nov | Mojos, Perth WA
EUROPE/UK
08 Nov | Jaki, Cologne DE
09 Nov | Ponyhof, Frankfurt DE
11 Nov | Milla, Munich DE
12 Nov | Sunny High Club, Stuttgart DE
13 Nov | Exil, Zurich CH
14 Nov | ISC, Bern CH
16 Nov | B72, Vienna AT
17 Nov | Lark, Berlin DE
18 Nov | Hebebühne, Hamburg DE
19 Nov | Tolhuistuin Zonzij, Amsterdam NL
21 Nov | The Waiting Room, London UK
22 Nov | Disorder, Manchester UK
23 Nov | Academy 2 | Dublin IE
26 Nov | Sidecar, Barcelona ES
27 Nov | Moby Dick, Madrid ES
4 Dec | Bar Brooklyn, Stockholm SE
Tickets are on sale now – visit linktr.ee/salttreemusic for more details.