Interviews

Salty Miller’s album “Album #1” was originally released in 1980 in tiny quantities via a private pressing manufacturer. The album took 10 years to create and blends elements of soul, disco and mid-tempo steppers. It’s a love letter to the Beach and the Beach Music scene during this time but also pushing beyond the classic Beach Music style into something a bit more stormier and gritty. We talk to Miles Away label boss Dom Williams ahead of the release.

Why do you think this album was so important to reissue?

The first track I heard from this album was One More Time. I loved the opening string arrangement and the kind of moody, reflective nature of the song. I feel like its one of those tracks that makes you reflect on yourself in the moment. I love it when this happens. I then stuck the rest of the album on and was blown away by the consistency of the tracks. Music Makes Me High, the opening track, blew my socks off. Then every other track had some element that I enjoyed. I didn't know this was an in-demand album at this point, but I knew I wanted to own it. So I took to Discogs and found I couldn't buy a copy. I felt that if I enjoyed this album, other like-minded people would too and so I set about trying to reissue it. I felt it was important people had the chance to experience Salty's music again.

Tell us a little more about the artist?

Nelson "Salty" Miller was a notable yet overlooked figure in Carolina Beach Music. He rose to prominence in 1964 with Hey! I Know You as part of The Monzas, a University of North Carolina band named after the Corvair Monza Spyder. Formed in 1961, the group played local events and released several 45s before disbanding in the late 1960s.

After stepping away from music, Miller settled in North Carolina's Outer Banks. By the late 1970s, driven by creative ambition and financial stability, he returned to recording, working at Mega Sound in Bailey and collaborating with top musicians, including members of The Embers.

Explain a little about 'Beach Music'

Beach Music emerged in the American South during the late 1940s, drawing from doo-wop, soul, and R&B of the 1950s and 60s. It gained popularity among white Southern youth, particularly in Myrtle Beach, who discovered this "race music" on vacations and at parties. Local bands like The Tams and Doug Clark and the Hot Nuts tailored their sound to fit this growing scene.

Radio station WLAC in Nashville played a key role in spreading the genre, broadcasting R&B and soul to a wide audience across the U.S., influencing both listeners and future Beach Music artists. By the 50s and 60s, acts like The Drifters, The Temptations, and Chairmen of the Board helped define the genre, with even some pop songs embraced for their rhythm and feel.

Though its mainstream presence faded in the 70s and 80s, Beach Music endured, with iconic tracks like Carolina Girls and I Love Beach Music emerging during this time. The genre remains tied to social dancing, especially the Carolina Shag—North Carolina’s official state dance—known for its smooth, relaxed style perfect for beach parties and casual fun.

Talk us through a few tracks from the album

One More Time - this track really reminds of that Alessi Brothers track Seabird. Utterly magically and emotive. The oceanic soundscapes, and emotive string arrangements set the tone from the outset combined with introspective lyrics creates an amazing piece of music.

Music Makes Me High – painfully short in length. This is a crossover soul masterpiece that could’ve been picked up on the soul scenes in European had it not been for it’s humble origins. For this release I created an extended version so we can enjoy the music for a little longer. Check the Avalanches version on their most recent album too.

Drink’n Wine & Feel’n Fine – a super up-beat positive tune that you can help but enjoy and tap your foot or nod your head along to. Lyrics reference going to a party and having a good time. In essence, the very foundations of what Beach Music is about.

Tell us who this album is for..

This album is for lovers of Don Brown, Carrie Cleveland, George Smallwood, Steely Dan, Alessi Brothers.