Peter Salett's "After A While" (Dusty Shoes Music) is a bold departure from current trends in musical overproduction. The album's spare arrangements are as much a surprise as Salett's rich voice and his ability to translate emotional insight into song. "I feel like so much of today's music is jumping out at you, trying to grab your attention," he said. "This record kind of sits back and lets you walk into the inside of it. The albums that I love also have that quality."
Recorded in New York, Austin and Los Angeles, and produced by Craig Ross (Patty Griffin, Spoon) the album features longtime band members Don Piper, Bill Dobrow, Ed Portobello, and Joe McGinty, whose musical contributions have helped further develop Salett's signature style.
Based in New York, Peter Salett creates music "rife with infectious pop melodies and sticky choruses" (Billboard Magazine). He has earned widespread recognition through independent releases, songs featured in several film soundtracks, his participation in four of the last six Sundance Film Festivals, and performing in support of artists such as David Gray, Rufus Wainwright, They Might Be Giants, Ron Sexsmith, John Wesley Harding and Wild Colonials.
"After A While" is a remarkable record for its range of material. While the lap steel work gives songs like "She Won't Wait Forever" and "Still Alone Without You" a lonesome country vibe, the standout pop track "With Anybody Else" fits into the world of The Smiths. "I Fly So High" is a moody solo acoustic piece, while the solo piano "Colorful Dream" and the simmering rock of "Crying Shame" reflects Salett's truly classic songwriting.
Two songs from "After A While" are featured in Salma Hayek's directorial debut, The Maldonado Miracle, premiering on Showtime, October 2003. Salett has composed songs for a number of other films, including the end title of the cult classic "Wet Hot American Summer".
Salett's prior release, "Heart Of Mine", garnered attention around the world, including a Top 5 single in Thailand. A "Featured Artist" spot on Napster brought over 100,000 fans to www.petersalett.com in just one week. The title track was featured in "Keeping The Faith", a film directed by and starring Edward Norton. The song resonated with Norton, and he chose it as the centerpiece of the picture. Norton remarked to INTERVIEW Magazine, "it was the strength of Peter's voice and his old-school lyricism that really struck me. Peter's got these wonderful melodies, but there's also a bittersweet longing in them that I was looking for."
In spite of the accomplishments he has achieved so far, Salett's own vision of success remains simple. "It is playing for people in towns across the US where they know the songs, and having that same relationship with fans around the country that I've established with my fans in New York", he said. "I feel the best is yet to come, and I'm looking forward to getting out there and going to new places."