Interview by Ashley Caroline
Published on Ryze-Up Magazine / Ryze-Up.com
The rising rock band Silversel continues to build momentum with their powerful new single “Warrior,” an anthem resonating with fans across the rock and metal scene. In this exclusive interview, Ryze-Up Magazine’s Ashley Caroline sits down with the full lineup to talk about the story behind the music, their influences, favorite moments on the road, and what fans can expect next.
If you’re searching for fresh rock energy rooted in authenticity, emotional storytelling, and killer live shows, Silversel is a band to watch.
Meet the Band – Silversel Lineup
- Wally Silver – Vocals
- Ricky Saldana – Drums
- Daniel Durden – Guitar
- Stephen Saxon – Bass
- Mikey Burress – Guitar
- Craig Bennett – Guitar
Silversel Interview
What’s the story behind your latest single/album?
“Warrior is our latest single. It’s an anthem, a battle cry for the Everyman. We all struggle daily. Whether it’s mentally, financially, addiction, relationships, and the list goes on. Everyone is always fighting their own battles. Some days, with depression especially, getting out of the bed is a huge challenge. So to us, when you make that conscience decision to get up, to move, to carry on, to not give up. To stand 6ft tall instead of laying 6ft down, you are a warrior, and we stand in solidarity with you. A lot of people every day decide to give up. But if you’re hearing this song, you didn’t give up. You decided to keep going. To keeping fighting. You
are a Warrior.”
How did you all meet, and what made you decide to form a band?
“Rick had a band called Splynter that had done a few things, toured some. But their front man wanted to pursue other avenues. Their last show that their front man was playing with them happened to be a festival, at which Wally was also playing(he was doing a singer/songwriter thing). After the show Rick got Wally’s Number. Wally- “I never thought I’d ever hear from them honestly. Then he calls me up on a Wednesday asking if I’d like to fill in for a show opening for Molly Hatchet. So I go over that evening. We spent 2 days learning the set, and played the show that Friday. That night, in a horse barn(they turned it into a concert venue) Silversel was born. “”
Who are your biggest musical influences — and who inspires you outside of music?
“We all come from different backgrounds in music. I think that’s what makes the Silversel sound unique.
Music and outside influence:
Wally -BB King, and Buddy Guy, to Metallica, and even Counting Crows. I really am that guy who listens to everything. Music is the universal language. For the outside. I’d have to say my family. As well as the world we live in.
Rick – My father, Tony Saldano. He was a swamper in the 80s and 90s as well as Bruce Crump’s(Molly hatchet ) backup drummer. Outside would be my family.
Mikey – I’d say learning to play Rush albums in my room growing up. They were a huge influence on my early career. And outside would be my family.
Daniel -Mine are vast…the big 4,Testament, PANTERA,OVERKILL,7D, MOLLY HATCHET,THIN LIZZY,SABBATH,DREAM THEATER,RUSH,VH,ZEPPELIN, 311,EAGLES,BEATLES, TESLA,OZZY,CINDERELLA, JAMES GANG,PRINCE soooo many more
Craig – My influences: Metallica, Megadeth, Pantera, Sevendust. Really to many to list. Outside of that my family and friends that have supported me through this journey and of course my Silversel brothers are their family
Stephen – Led Zepplin, Jane’s Addiction, FFDP, Alice In Chains, and the list goes on and on. Outside of music, my wife Erin and our family.”
What’s your favorite memory from a live performance?
“There are so many. Way too many to list, in fact. However, we opened for Molly Hatchet at a show in Panama City, Fl. pretty early on as Silversel. There were about 7,500 in attendance. One of our fan favorites from our first album was a song called Scarecrow. The amazing thing was when we hit the chorus, the majority of that crowd was screaming “SCARECROW” back at us. We were all blown away!”
What are your tour bus must-haves?
“Must haves on the bus. Water and Dr Pepper for sure. At some point along the way, Rick and Wally have to have fried gizzards. It’s like a lucky hat, or sock you won’t wash cause the Braves made the World Series when you wore it. Your own pillow. There’s nothing quite like it on a long haul. An acoustic guitar. Some of the best songs were written on a bus heading to play a show.”
If someone shadowed you in the studio for a day, what would surprise them most?
“It doesn’t always work the way you want it to. There’s a lot of “ nope, do it again, this time with more feeling.” “Be one with the click.””
What’s your go-to gas station snack while traveling?
“General junk. Honey buns, beef sticks , sodas, and chips”
If you could give any advice to kids that want to start a band, what would it be?
“Do it for you. Make music that you enjoy. Music that you want to listen to. And don’t follow the trends. Trends are here today, gone tomorrow. Be you, be genuine, be humble, and flexible. Cut your teeth in the bars with covers and originals. Learn the business, before acting like you know the business. Thank your sound man every time you play live. He/she can make you sound great, or like crap. Being nice to them, can help sway that in your favor. And finally, practice everything. Then practice some more.”
What is something we can look forward to with your band?
“New music. New shows.”
Any cool shows coming up?
“Every silversel show is a cool show. Whether there’s 5 or 5,000 in attendance. We do our best to give you your moneys worth.”
Anything else you would like to share with us?
“We truly appreciate the opportunity to talk to you. It means the world to us. If we had anything else to say it would be: #turntheloveuploud on someone today. From holding the door at a store, to a simple smile, can make someone’s day. You never know what folks are going through.”
Final Thoughts
Silversel continues to carve out their place in the rock world through heartfelt storytelling, relentless drive, and a dedication to the fans who connect with their music. With new music, new shows, and their empowering single “Warrior,” the band shows no signs of slowing down.
For more exclusive band interviews, music features, and updates, visit Ryze-Up Magazine at ryze-up.com.
