Valley of Salt’s upcoming concept album, Voice of One Crying in the Wilderness, brings the story of John the Baptist into the sphere of progressive rock, combining vintage instrumentation with timeless themes of faith, resilience, and transformation. In this interview, the artist discusses the creative process behind the album, the influence of prog-rock greats, and the collaborations that shaped its organic sound. From recording with vintage guitars to layering intricate melodies, the conversation explores the personal and artistic ambitions behind the record.
Welcome to A&R Factory! It’s great to have you here to discuss your new album Voice of One Crying in the Wilderness and all the inspiration and artistry behind it.
Thank you for having me. Voice of One Crying in the Wilderness was inspired by the life of John the Baptist. I wanted to create a progressive rock opera and concept album using vintage guitars and equipment to capture an authentic, timeless sound.
Voice of One Crying in the Wilderness is such a striking title. What drew you to John the Baptist’s story, and how does it fit into the album’s overarching narrative?
I was drawn to John the Baptist’s story because it’s a tale of courage, purpose, and conviction. He was a voice for change, willing to stand apart from the crowd to speak truth and inspire others. His story reflects timeless struggles, and I believe it’s incredibly relevant today.
The overarching narrative of Voice of One Crying in the Wilderness is a journey of purpose, resilience, and transformation. It tells the story of an unwavering commitment to a calling, even in the face of doubt, isolation, and opposition. My hope was that the music and lyrics would weave his story into something both universally resonant and deeply personal.
This project is deeply personal for you. Could you share how creating this album fulfilled a lifelong dream and what it represents in your artistic journey?
Creating this album has been a dream come true. I’ve always wanted to combine my passion for storytelling and progressive rock into a cohesive concept album. This project represents my journey as an artist—exploring themes of faith, self-discovery, and redemption while using the tools and sounds that have inspired me since I first picked up a guitar.
Vintage instruments and progressive rock elements play a significant role in the album’s sound. What inspired you to take this approach, and how did it influence the creative direction?
The producer, Marty Willson-Piper, has an extensive collection of vintage equipment, and I’ve always been drawn to vintage guitars myself. Marty encouraged me to use vintage gear throughout the recording process. It truly influenced the direction of the album, giving it an authentic progressive rock feel. We didn’t use any plug-ins—it’s all vintage sounds, which made the music feel organic and timeless.
How did your partnerships with Marty Willson-Piper and other talented musicians come together, and what impact did they have on the final result?
Working with Marty was a privilege. He brought a wealth of experience and creativity to the project, and his guidance helped shape the album’s sound. The musicians we recorded with in Dallas, Texas, were incredibly talented. Their expertise and passion elevated every track. It was truly a collaborative effort, and I’m so grateful for everyone’s contributions.
Faith, self-discovery, and redemption are central themes in the album. How do you hope these themes will resonate with listeners, and what personal significance do they hold for you?
Faith, self-discovery, and redemption are universal themes that speak to everyone. I hope listeners can find their own connection with these ideas. Faith, to me, is about trusting in something bigger than ourselves, like God, even when the path isn’t clear. Self-discovery is a journey we’re all on, and redemption is a reminder that renewal and growth are always possible. These themes are central to my life and inspired much of the music on this album.
The songwriting and recording process can be just as transformative as the finished product. Could you share any standout moments or challenges that shaped the album?
The album took two months to complete, with 12-hour days in the studio. Recording in Dallas with such talented musicians was a highlight. One standout moment was layering over 25 guitar tracks on various songs to create a rich, textured sound. While challenging at times, the process was incredibly rewarding. The musicianship and creativity in the studio made the entire experience unforgettable.
How did the annals of prog-rock influence your sound, and what specific artists or albums inspired you along the way?
Progressive rock has such a rich history, and bands like Yes, Genesis, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, and King Crimson were major inspirations. The album Fragile by Yes, in particular, had a huge impact on me. I wanted to honor that legacy while creating something fresh and uniquely my own.
The album’s release must be an exciting milestone. What can fans expect in terms of upcoming performances and ways to connect with your work?
The release of Voice of One Crying in the Wilderness is a huge milestone for me, and I’m thrilled to share it with everyone. Fans can look forward to live performances, content on social media, and videos for several tracks to bring the songs to life. The album will be available on all major streaming platforms, and we’ll also share behind-the-scenes glimpses of the creative process. I can’t wait to connect with everyone and hear how the music resonates with them.
How do you feel the themes of the album speak to today’s world, and what message do you hope listeners take away after hearing it?
I think the themes of this album are incredibly relevant today. We live in a time of uncertainty, and John’s story reminds us that even one voice, guided by faith, can inspire hope and spark transformation. My hope is that listeners come away feeling encouraged and inspired.
If you could describe Voice of One Crying in the Wilderness in a single sentence to someone discovering your music for the first time, what would you say to pique their interest?
Voice of One Crying in the Wilderness is a progressive rock opera and concept album that weaves powerful storytelling, intricate melodies, and timeless themes of faith, purpose, and redemption into a journey that’s as thought-provoking as it is musically captivating.
Stream and purchase Voice of One Crying in the Wilderness when it launches on Bandcamp.
Connect with Valley of Salt on Facebook and Instagram.
Interview by Amelia Vandergast
