On the occasion of a new release Sataray has graciously agreed answer a few questions about their work. Currently based in Olympia, they have previously released on Scry Recordings. From their Bandcamp:
Sataray is a one-woman dark ambient creation. It is ritualistic in nature, intoning incantations, whispers and deathly vocals within a realm inhabited by exquisite synth lines, masterful ambience, entrancing production and hypnotic rhythms, creating a raw dark terrain. All music is composed and recorded by Sataray, with live support from N’amor.
Seattle Noise: Can you tell us a little bit about your background? How long have you been making music for?
Sataray: I’ve essentially been doing music my entire life, with a lot of formal vocal studies throughout my youth and early adulthood. I started Sataray in 2006, which at first consisted of just myself and my harmonium, but then from 2006-2008 it existed as a full band, based in Bogotá, Colombia. In 2008 I returned to the U.S and from thereon out I’ve continued as a solo act.
Seattle Noise: You describe yourself as dark ambient, a term sometimes with different meaning? How do you feel your music fits into that label?
Sataray: The way I think of dark ambient is a somewhat general term for music that is dark in nature, with the music being slow and minimalistic. There is usually more of an emphasis on the instrumentation, with any vocals being used as a sort of soundscape. I’ve had trouble trying to figure out how to categorize my music, so dark ambient seems to be the closest fit. I have often described it as ‘vocal-based dark ambient’, as my music has more of an emphasis on the vocals, not just the music; the vocals are the main driving force. They are used melodically as well as a soundscape. My music is also different in that most of the songs are composed with melodic progressions and repetitive riffs at least part of the time, as opposed to the more abstract nature of most dark ambient music compositions. So I think my music fits into that label in terms of its essence and general elements, but the more intricate nature of it is hard to classify.
Seattle Noise: Genre labels can be helpful in discovering different music. I also noticed you used the tag dungeon synth. I like to think of dungeon synth as being a little more heavy on having a beat, but I also think it is meant to invoke a certain feeling as if you are on a quest or playing a video game. Do you have any thoughts to add on that?
Sataray: I find dungeon synth to be pretty vast in terms of how it’s presented; yes, oftentimes it has beats, but other times it’s completely ambient, and definitely has certain feelings invoked depending on the artist. I find my music closely matches dungeon synth in that there is an emphasis on the melodic keyboard progressions, which don’t necessarily follow a linear path, but instead take the listener on a kind of journey.
Seattle Noise: You also live in Olympia which is near plenty of forest and quiet river valleys. Are there any places you enjoy or have found inspiration from?
Sataray: Definitely; since moving to Olympia many years ago I have found that it’s deepened my compositional process simply by being in a more quiet place surrounded by nature. There aren’t necessarily specific places I’ve found inspiration from, but more so the nature that’s readily available everywhere helps enhance my inspiration.
Seattle Noise: What’s the best way for people to follow what you’re doing?
Sataray: My personal Instagram page, @sataray7 is the most active, up-to-date source, though I do keep up with Facebook as well.
Check out a live recording by Blueheronvideo on March 20, 2022 at The Star Theater in Portland, OR.