Alchemy is the study of transformation. Sound Alchemy is the study of how sound transforms, and how it influences the environment around it in the process.

Salem has been studying the art of sculpting sound waves since she was born, beginning her life’s journey within a musical family that nurtured her artistic gifts. She picked up singing from her mother immediately, and started studying piano at the age of 6. Armed with her voice and the keyboard, she started to write her own music.

When she was 13, she started formal training on cello with Dr. Jonathan Kramer. Before long, she was performing in the Triangle Youth Symphony and Triangle Youth Philharmonic orchestras. She would continue her cello journey by attending high school at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, where she studied with Dr. Brooks Whitehouse and earned her high school degree in cello. During this time, she performed with the UNCSA Symphony Orchestra, as well as with the A.J. Fletcher Opera Institute. At 18, she moved to Los Angeles to earn her bachelor’s in cello and composition at the California Institute of the Arts. She deepened her studies of expression and ergonomic and extended technique with Erika Duke-Kirkpatrick. During this time, she performed with various local operas, musicals, and small ensembles, including Opera by the Glass and the Celestial Opera Company.

Salem released her debut concept album, Circus of Alice, in 2010 at the age of 14, under the name Madison Chase. She started her composition journey as a self-taught student, learning by ear and analysis, before taking up studies with Eyvind Kang and Michael Fink during her time at CalArts. Her unique sound, referred to as “creepy pop” and “dark cabaret,” is a blend of classical, metal, pop, rock, R&B, bluegrass, and folk.

After her diagnosis with Crohn’s disease in 2019, Salem released her first single under the name Salem Belladonna, titled “Escape.” This song was her first foray into the intentional practice of Sound Alchemy, in which she transmuted the pain of her diagnosis into the most productive and healing means that she had available to her — music. Since then, she has jumped wholeheartedly into the study of alchemy and its application to her life and art on every level.

Salem is currently performing as a keyboardist and cellist with the Nashville-based symphonic metal band, Valkyrie’s Fire. She also composes for horror films, such as Robbie Banfitch’s THE OUTWATERS and TINSMAN ROAD. She is working on writing and recording her upcoming album, Warrior in the Garden. In her free time, she studies Yoga and Alchemy to support her forever-evolution and never-ending healing.

Click here to listen to Salem’s music and learn more about her projects.