In our latest interview, we caught up with Dua Saleh, the groundbreaking LA-based Sudanese-American artist whose highly anticipated debut album, I SHOULD CALL THEM, is set to redefine the musical landscape. With a sound that intricately weaves together R&B, electronic, and indie-pop influences, Saleh (they/them) uses this collection to explore themes of identity, love, and resilience. Their artistic journey, marked by critical acclaim and a notable performance in the Netflix series Sex Education, culminates in this powerful project that not only showcases their genre-defying talent but also addresses pressing environmental anxieties. Join us as we dive into the depths of I SHOULD CALL THEM and uncover the inspirations behind Saleh’s most vulnerable work to date.
KALTBLUT: Dua, can you share with us the inspiration behind your new album ‘I SHOULD CALL THEM’ and what themes you wanted to explore with this project?
The inspiration stems from my personal relationships with past lovers and one long-term partner. I also use this album as an allegory for environmental concerns I have about the Earth deteriorating. Basically, the lovers and humans and Earth, so it’s about the spiritual propinquity that people have to our planet. The album follows two starcrossed lovers who find each other as the world falls apart.
KALTBLUT: Your music is known for blending different genres and breaking conventions. How do you approach the creative process to achieve such a unique sound?
Most of my writing sessions organically emerge, creating in the moment and allowing elements to influence the creation of what I desire. It’s often more intuitive than constructive, but there is an emotional pull from my life experience that impacts the songs that I write.
KALTBLUT: How do you transfer the essence of your poetry into your songs?
Recently, it’s been about making my music emotionally accessible. Sometimes poetry is helpful thematically, and in storytelling, but I’ve been trying to integrate cultural monikers that most people are aware of so they can understand the potency of the feelings, and fully grasp what the song is about.
KALTBLUT: You’ve mentioned the importance of identity and gender expression in your music. How do these themes manifest in your new album?
I think my lived experiences always influence whatever I’m a part of. Whether that’s being Sudanese or being Muslim. Sometimes I write in Arabic, other times I use Islamic calls to prayers as inspiration for riffs. There are so many complex parts of me that come out in my songwriting.
KALTBLUT: ‘I SHOULD CALL THEM’ features several guest artists. How did these collaborations come about, and what do they bring to the album?
They happened naturally for the most part. They were all serendipitous. I made a song with serpentwithfeet (on ‘unruly’) through connections I made with publishers and labels. I met Ambré (on ‘television’) at a mansion party in the Hills and we became friends. I was connected to Gallant through a mutual friend, Stint, and we had a wonderful session together, which is on the album (‘coast’). Sid Sriram actually heard my song ‘time & time again’ through one of the main producers, Ryan Olson, and took the initiative to lay vocal tracks on the single of his own volition. Everything came about naturally, which is also what the album asks of each singer. It’s beautiful.
KALTBLUT: The song “unruly,” featuring serpentwithfeet, seems to hold a special place in your heart. Can you tell us more about the collaborative process with serpentwithfeet and the message of the song?
I think it was important to me because he’s such an instrumentally profound artist in our musical terrain. He creates music that feels life-altering and spiritually confrontational, especially with his background in operatic singing and the complex indie RnB music he makes. serpent also requires you to hone in on his words and pay attention to what’s being portrayed.
KALTBLUT: Your music and activism are closely intertwined. How do you balance your creative work with your social and political advocacy?
I like to think of myself as more of a supporter of movements as opposed to someone who is directly organizing like some of my friends and peers. I showcase my love for my people and listen to the communities that I’m a part of. For example: Darfur Women’s Action Group (DWAG) and Ya Zol Collective (YZC) in California: Both orgs have been working diligently to garner funds for marginalized communities in Sudan who are affected by the ongoing war and genocide. I can’t say that I can offer more than art and money as a supporting pillar for their work, but I am doing my best to boost their work to the public through music and raising awareness in media.
KALTBLUT: Your music video for “daylight falls” deals with heavy themes like dysphoria and depression. What was your vision for the video, and how did you aim to convey these emotions?
It came about as I was thinking about my personal experiences with ideation. I wanted to show people that there are ways to find a support system at their lowest. It can always be prevented because there’s love out there that can be found for you.
KALTBLUT: You’re also known for your work in TV, most notably on ‘Sex Education’. How does your acting experience influence your music, if at all?
I think they live in two beautiful universes. Sometimes they meet, sometimes they don’t.
KALTBLUT: What was the inspiration for the song “television” with Ambré, and how did the collaboration come to life?
I was stranded at a mansion party on the way to the airport. That evening, I lost my passport and had to stay there while I was sorting it out at a hotel. I ended up meeting Ambré as she was doing a session and she started producing a song. The song came together organically as if the universe wanted us to meet.
KALTBLUT: What message or feeling do you hope listeners take away from ‘I SHOULD CALL THEM’?
To pay attention to what’s around them. I want people to hold on to what they love and cherish the experiences that they’re met with.
KALTBLUT: You’ve expressed that queer love is an act of defiance. How do you illustrate this concept in your music and storytelling?
When the world is constantly trying to murder you for your identity, standing true in who/what you are is courageous. It takes courage to share the stories that we have, as queer artists, especially with legislation being written to stifle and hurt our community. Even writing love songs or songs about a toxic ex is an act of defiance because we’re often eradicated from public narratives.
KALTBLUT: As a non-binary artist, how have your experiences shaped your artistry and public presence?
I think I’ve tried to stray away from being too tokenized honestly, so I don’t always address gender explicitly in my art. Although, It does feel liberating to be able to be my full self in public.
KALTBLUT: Lastly, what are your plans following the release of ‘I SHOULD CALL THEM’, and what can fans expect next from you?
I’m working on more music, so be on the lookout. There will be a few performances that you’ll see as well!
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I SHOULD CALL THEM is out now: https://ghostly.lnk.to/Dua-Saleh-I-SHOULD-CALL-THEM
