Mermaid of Salinas

Album: Junto (2014)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song came courtesy of a friend of Basement Jaxx, the Italian classical and flamenco guitar player Andrea Terrano. The Jaxx duo of Simon Ratcliffe and Felix Buxton had the track for the song for about a year when Terrano played them a smooth jazz piece he was working on. The duo combined elements of their track with parts of Terrano's, and came up with the basis for the song.
  • Las Salinas is a very well-known beach on the island of Ibiza. The lyrics of the song, penned by Andrea Terrano and Basement Jaxx' Felix Buxton, recount the true story of a sexual liaison between the Italian guitarist and a stranger in the sea.

    In our interview with Buxton, he explained that in 2012, he and Terrano went on holiday to Ibiza. Terrano was a free man, having recently broken off a long relationship. He was, however, feeling a bit down over the breakup. His spirits were lifted when he met a lady and the couple went for a walk in the waves. When they came to shore about an hour later, Terrano had a big smile on his face. "It was a spiritual, healing moment for him," Buxton said.
  • Andrea Terrano is not known as a vocalist, but he sang lead on this track. The chorus vocalists were folks who had come through the studio over a period of a few months; many of them weren't pros, but just happened to be around. Basement Jaxx will often have friends and acquaintances record vocals for certain songs that don't need Juilliard graduate.
  • The bridge came about during a live show when the duo was DJing. While playing an early version of the track, they stopped the music and Terrano played some live guitar, which according to Buxton was "wicked." Using a recording of the performance, Terrano did it again in the studio, and that part was added to the song.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Kip Winger

Kip WingerSongwriter Interviews

The Winger frontman reveals the Led Zeppelin song he cribbed for "Seventeen," and explains how his passion for orchestra music informs his songwriting.

Charlotte Caffey of The Go-Go's

Charlotte Caffey of The Go-Go'sSongwriter Interviews

Charlotte was established in the LA punk scene when a freaky girl named Belinda approached her wearing a garbage bag.

Tim Butler of The Psychedelic Furs

Tim Butler of The Psychedelic FursSongwriter Interviews

Tim and his brother Richard are the Furs' foundation; Tim explains how they write and tells the story of "Pretty In Pink."

Jason Newsted (ex-Metallica)

Jason Newsted (ex-Metallica)Songwriter Interviews

The former Metallica bassist talks about his first time writing a song with James Hetfield, and how a hand-me-down iPad has changed his songwriting.

Michael Franti

Michael FrantiSongwriter Interviews

Franti tells the story behind his hit "Say Hey (I Love You)" and explains why yoga is an integral part of his lifestyle and his Soulshine tour.

Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & Palmer

Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & PalmerSongwriter Interviews

Greg talks about writing songs of "universal truth" for King Crimson and ELP, and tells us about his most memorable stage moment (it involves fireworks).