Interview: Singer and Actress Salina Soto Discusses Her Latest Music Video "Pistols"
Los Angeles native Salina Soto is an actress and singer who has appeared in Vampire Diaries, CSI:NY, Days Of Our Lives, UGK’s iconic “International Player's Anthem” music video, Vogue magazine and numerous commercials. She's also modeled for well-known brands and made the cover of Photography Magazine, shot by Peter Hurley. Salina made her musical debut with the release of “The Cusp”, a four song EP which seamlessly blends a smooth mix of RnB, rock, and soul. The visuals for one of the songs on the EP, “Pistols”, was recently released and we had the honor of sharing it on CAB and DCWS.
We connected with Salina for an exclusive interview to discuss “Pistols”, which she co-directed, as well as find out whether she considers herself an actress or a singer first, and much more. After reading our Q&A with Salina, be sure to stream “The Cusp” on Spotify, and follow her on social media.
Congratulations on the release of the “Pistols” video and the EP that the song itself comes from, “The Cusp”. Of the four songs on the EP, why did you select “Pistols” to create visual for?
Thank you! I’m so excited to finally be able to share it. When making the songs, I felt like I could see the video and the feeling I wanted to portray. I really like Pistol’s edginess, and put the visuals for Amnesia out first, just to ease into it all.
Speaking of “Pistols”, you co-directed the video. Was this the first time you have directed anything and do you see yourself doing it again?
Oh yes, this is just the beginning. Pistols wasn’t the very first project I’d directed, but yes, I am very new to the craft in the overall sense of the journey. I have a few videos under my belt but I am really excited to really learn the art form and tell more stories.
You’re not just a singer, but an actress as well. Which one are you first and which one would you say is more difficult to be great at?
Yes, I love expressing myself in both ways. Hmmm... first? It’s hard to say. As a kid I definitely loved to sing, I’d put on shows with my sister for my mom and brothers, and I sung in the choir when I was younger. However, professionally, I went for acting first. Funny story is music actually brought me an acting role last year in a film by Dame Dash (Rocafella). I wrote on a record that was possibly going to be used for The List. So, I think, as with anything, it requires a lot of God given talent and immense dedication to truly be great at it.
If you had to describe your music to a stranger in three words, which ones would you select?
Badass, mellow, soulful
With 2018 winding down, what are your goals for the remainder of the year?
Wow, I can’t believe 2018 is already winding down. It’s definitely to stay focused on the work ahead. I have writing and acting projects that I’m really passionate about that I’m also gearing up for, and I’m working with some more really cool artists that inspire me. I wanna continue to be fearless and have fun!