The album was a long journey, spanning from 2005 - 2012. I've grown in so many ways and experimented with many different musical styles along the way. The influences for this joint come from the world I've been exploring for the last 26 years. Needless to say, it's all over the place!

The Idea for "Fresh Delicacies and Leftover Salmin" was to put out all the unreleased tracks I've been working on since my sophomore year in college. At the same time, the latest songs were still fresh enough to be more than just leftovers. Though all songs are by me, there are multiple aliases assigned to each, due to the era, style, or band. Te explico:

DJ Slammon Salmin:
After switching Rap names for my first 5 or 6 albums since middle school, I finally landed on DJ Slammon Salmin in college. This will probably forever remain my Hip Hop and DJ alias. This name is the essence of all my hip hop training on South Lime as a juvenile. I grew from The Enigma > Slerd Wurd > Amic Nieto > MC Mashpotatoes > DJ Slammon Salmin. It was a natural progression of not only the Hip Hop crews I rolled with, but my own underground style. Basically whenever I feel like bustin' a phat flow, cuttin' up some vinyl, or breakdancing to best of my non-ability, that's the Salmin in me.

Los Amigos de Mateo:
This is my live band, and the essence of my style of music. We specialize in getting the party started through upbeat Latin Rock and Hip Hop jams. The idea has always been that I would be the organizer of the band as well as the singer, drummer, guitarist, etc. and any friend who was down to play could join. I've been blessed with so many musically talented friends that the band has taken on several faces with different singers, guitar and bass players, drummers and rappers. Wherever I go, Los Amigos de Mateo will live on. The themes we try to instill in our audience are laughing, dancing, living to the fullest, and peace and goodwill to all. ¡Viva la música! ¡Viva la vida! ¡Viva los Amigos!

TvardiSchtein:
Guitarist extraordinaire Mike Twardy and I combined back in college to form TvardiSchtein. The style is straight Blues and Rock & Roll. Mike shreds as hard as he possibly can and I rip the phattest possible licks on the skins. Though we never played any official live shows, we've had several legendary jam sessions and were even able to record a few originals here and there.

Mateo WarSteiner:
This is where I currently find myself. This alias is my name, pen name, and musical persona. All lyrics are in Spanish and must encompass un sabor Latino bien picante! All the songs must be positive, Allegro, and sexy! That's just the way I get down!


You might notice that much of the Leftover Salmin tracks sound like they were recorded with a $5 mic. That's because they were! I didn't really start messing around with Logic and ProTools until after college. Only one song - "Kokopelirrojo" was actually recorded in a professional setting. I like to think that through trial and error I have gotten good at making the most of my makeshift studios. However, I'll always be a musician first and an audio engineer second.

It is impossible to sum up how the memories, people, and places that this musical journey has lead me on have shaped me. I hope you enjoy the fresh delicacies, but don't let the leftover salmin go bad in the fridge! Kick back, put the windows down, turn the sub up, and blast this album as your theme music on your way to your own unforgettable adventures!

Paz y amor,
Mateo