For enthusiasts of Above & Beyond and electronic music aficionados, an exciting revelation emerges from the archives of Tony McGuinness, the lyrical backbone behind many of Above & Beyond’s most poignant tracks. Known for crafting the male vocal narratives within the iconic group, McGuinness is now stepping into the spotlight with “Salt,” a deeply personal solo project. This collection offers listeners a unique glimpse into the formative songwriting DNA of an artist who has shaped the sound of contemporary electronic music. Finally, in 2024, fans and curious listeners alike can delve into the origins of McGuinness’s lyrical genius. The nine tracks comprising “Salt” were conceived during an intensely creative period in the mid-1990s, born from the whirlwind of a passionate romance set against the vibrant backdrop of London’s exploding club scene.
McGuinness reflects on this transformative era: “The mid-90s were a period of intense personal and cultural shifts in my life. Immersed in the burgeoning club culture and lifestyle, I found myself compelled to write songs about Shelley and our experiences. Prior to this, songwriting about my own life felt foreign, almost narcissistic. Yet, it became a natural form of expression, unknowingly laying the groundwork for my future collaborations and contributions to the band that would become my life’s work.”
The genesis of “Biker Babe,” a standout track from “Salt,” is rooted in a vivid memory from those heady days. In the afterglow of a night of clubbing, as dawn broke over his Wimbledon flat, Shelley’s simple yet evocative request ignited a spark. “In what I still consider immortal words, Shelley turned to me and said, ‘Go and get your guitar and sing to me,'” McGuinness recalls. “For any creative soul, that invitation, that validation of your creative impulse, is akin to encountering your muse. I immediately grabbed my guitar.”
After serenading Shelley with a medley of covers, McGuinness recounts a pivotal moment of inspiration. “Shelley walked out of the kitchen wearing a Triumph motorcycle T-shirt. In that instant, the phrase ‘biker babe, biker babe…’ just flowed out of me, accompanied by a guitar strum. That spontaneous moment was the birth of the song.”
“Biker Babe” itself is a captivating track, reminiscent of sun-drenched 60s melodies, with subtle echoes of Noel Gallagher’s songwriting style. In this song, McGuinness reimagines his romance with Shelley through the lens of Twin Peaks characters. “The mention of The Roadhouse in the lyrics is a direct nod to that Twin Peaks influence,” he explains, referring to the song’s opening lines, a lovelorn confession penned nearly three decades ago. The narrative thread of “Biker Babe” extends to the poignant reality of Shelley’s impending departure back to America due to visa issues and her ties to her life there.
As their romance deepened, McGuinness found himself in a prolific songwriting phase. Investing in a sampler, an eight-track tape machine, and a mixing desk from the trip-hop group Olive, he began home recording these intensely personal songs. He was supported and encouraged in this endeavor by Bob Bradley, a longtime friend and collaborator.
“[Bob] started crafting these incredible sonic landscapes,” McGuinness marvels, reflecting on Bradley’s innovative early production work. “I was blown away by his approach. He meticulously constructed the drum sounds within the sampler, creating a unique kit and vibe for each song, yet maintaining a cohesive sonic identity throughout the project. His love for trip-hop, our shared fascination with Angelo Badalamenti and Twin Peaks, alongside influences from James Bond soundtracks, The Beach Boys, and Steely Dan, all coalesced into something truly special.”
The outcome is “Salt,” a collection of alt-folk songs imbued with both shimmering optimism and raw emotional honesty. When Shelley eventually returned to America, leaving their whirlwind romance behind, the lingering “salt” of these songs became McGuinness’s enduring memento of their time together.
Tony McGuinness’s ‘Biker Babe’ from the ‘Salt’ project is available now via Anjunabeats, inviting listeners to experience the genesis of a celebrated songwriter’s journey.
