In June of 2018, Jason Saltiel, an independent singer/songwriter from New York, will be making his directorial debut with the thriller film, Beach House, when it premieres in Brazil. Beach House, starring Willa Fitzgerald and Murray Bartlett, explores the story of a young woman named Emma. While Emma vacations with her parents in a quiet beach house off the shore, a man from her mother’s past comes for a visit and ultimately entrances her in his mysterious and alluring demeanor. As their relationship develops, Emma begins to suspect he may be guilty of a crime beyond her wildest beliefs. It has reviews rolling in from publications like Hollywood Reporter, LA Times, and Roger Ebert, but what some of these writers may not know is Jason Saltiel’s beginnings.

Jason Saltiel released his first album in 2013, creating his own indie twist on 1950s crooner music, and from there, he explored genres like jazz, acoustic singer/songwriter, folk, country, Americana, pop, and alternative. His latest single, “Dungeon of My Heart” is an exploration on electronic pop. It’s safe to say Saltiel is not only eclectic, but well-rounded. In celebration of his new film venture, let’s throw it on back to one of his country/Americana songs from 2016, “I’ve Never Felt This Way Before”.

The song begins with the strumming of a banjo and a mandolin, so in-sync they almost blend together to make one full sound. Then, a bluesy electric guitar comes in with a lower range, giving the sound more depth. Saltiel begins to sing the words he wrote, his voice having a higher range and a certain nasal quality that creates a droning effect. This drone and almost lack-of-effort sound to his singing embodies Bob Dylan’s style in a way, though their tone differs greatly. They add a subdued percussion next, something you almost wouldn’t notice with the great tambourine beat clattering. A nice little harmonica solo comes in near the end of the song that not only adds to the Dylan comparison, but aids the old school Americana feeling he has created.

I’ve sailed oceans and missed the shore,

I have had riches and still felt poor,

but money went, I hold your hand to feel more.

I’ve never felt this way before.

He has made his way around, met new people, seen new things, but still feels like he never found that sunny shore he was looking for. He’s had all the finer things in life, but they never made him feel any happier. What makes him happy is having his lover by his side.

I’ve been all over, played every part.

I’ve been heartbroken, broken hearts,

but if I do you wrong, I’ll be sleeping on the front porch.

I’ve never felt this way before.

He’s had his fair share of relationships, some ending badly. Either he is left feeling hurt and lost, or he is making his lover feel that way. But he knows better than to play that game with his lover now. She is strong and refuses to put up with that behavior. He wants to be good for her.

Oh and I’m all alone with my hole in my soul.

I’ve felt all the rage of the world.

Now things have changed, I’m rearranged,

girl, you were all I’m waiting for.

He’s felt empty and angry. He’s been miserable for some time trying to find some light. His lover is the light and she has changed him for the better.

So I could ramble the whole world wide,

climb every mountain and touch the sky,

but heaven knows that where I go, I’ll be yours.

I’ve never felt this way before.

He could travel the whole entire world, go on the grandest adventures, go higher than no man has ever gone, but no matter what, he will always belong to her.