Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your childhood impacted your musical direction?
A: Hi, my name is Brian Stemetzki. I grew up in a small town called Riverside in New Jersey. I started playing the guitar in third grade and took lessons from a local teacher who was really skilled. He taught me how to read music, play jazz, classical guitar, and improvise. When I was growing up, the guitar was very popular, and there were many influences and musicians to listen to.
Q: Can you describe the musical style of Valley of Salt in three words?
A: Progressive, creative, and exciting.
Q: How do you stay connected with your fans, and what role do they play in shaping your musical journey?
A: I stay connected with fans through social media. They are an integral part of my musical journey, and I try to keep them updated on what I’m doing.
Q: You have released your single, What Did You See. Is there a story behind it?
A: The song is about John the Baptist and how people perceived him when they first saw him. He was wild-looking—probably like a ’70s rock star. John had a mission that would change the world. It was about his life from birth to death.
Q: What is your favorite track from the album and why?
A: Right now, my favorite track from the album is I Wait For You. The lyrics really speak to me, and I love the arrangement.
Q: Can you walk us through the creative process of producing the album, Voice Of One Crying in the Wilderness?
A: Marty Willson-Piper from The Church produced the album. We recorded it over two months in Texas, working from 10 AM to about midnight each day. Marty did a fantastic job—he has a great ear for production and really helped bring the vision to life.
Q: What has been the most memorable concert or performance for Valley of Salt so far?
A: We haven’t performed live yet, but I’m looking forward to staging some shows in the near future.
Q: Reflecting on your body of work, each song holding its unique significance, could you share a particular track that stands out to you personally? What makes that specific tune special, and why does it hold a place of pride in your musical journey
A: The Love of God Is All Around Us stands out to me. That song is particularly special because I believe it truly captures God’s creation of the world through its different musical sections.
Q: Exploring the diverse creative processes within the music industry is always fascinating. Could you provide insight into Valley of Salt’s unique approach to crafting music? From the initial spark of an idea to the finished song, how do you navigate the creative journey and bring musical concepts to life?
A: I try to create music in the most free-flowing way possible. Sometimes it starts with lyrics, other times with music. I also make it a daily practice, so inspiration is always part of my routine.
Q: As we wrap up our conversation, looking ahead, what aspirations or dreams do you have for Valley of Salt, and what message would you like to share with your fans as they continue to accompany you on this musical journey?
A: I hope people take the time to listen to the album from start to finish. It was an enjoyable process to create, and I hope listeners connect with its message. Most of all, I hope it brings them happiness and joy.
