Multi-artist Salami Rose Joe Louis is back with new single “Arm fell asleep.” “the song is about a person steering a ship through a storm, but one of their limbs has fallen asleep and they are unable to wake it. “I was reflecting on a period in my life when I had lost agency in my life and forgot my strength and ability to steer my ship to safety,” explains Olsen. It is a terrifying thing to be so under the influence of hegemonic forces that a part of you falls asleep. In the final section of this song, the person emerges back on land, limbs awake, but despite their return to safety, they are pretty bedraggled and are freshly confronted with the complexity of reality: their body is weak, they are overwhelmed by social etiquette, and how to heal in a fast paced, ruthless environment.”

Olsen makes her unique sounds with her long term musical partner – the Roland MV8800 lovingly nicknamed FunFunFun. This sampler and synthesizer has long been her principal instrument but in a twist to her modus operandi, for “Arm fell asleep” she made a pact with herself to not use a computer at any cost so the song was entirely composed, produced, arranged and mixed on the MV8800. “It was a hilariously involved process,” she says. “But I experienced a breakthrough that catalyzed a new chapter in my production journey and the end result I am proud of – a song that captures the quaintness and nostalgic quality of the MV8800, yet there is more intricacy and intention than I have been able to achieve in past MV8800 productions.”

Olsen, has played with Flying Lotus, TuneYards, and Toro y Moi among others. She is currently on the road supporting Sungazer on their North American tour.

Salami Joe Louis 2025 Tour Dates

Jan 22 – Mahall’s, Cleveland, OH
Jan 23 – Summit Music Hall, Columbus, OH
Jan 24 – Outset, Chicago, IL
Jan 25 – The HiFi, Indianapolis, IN
Jan 26 – Old Rock House, St. Louis, MO
Jan 28 – Crosstown Arts, Memphis, TN
Jan 29 – The Vinyl Lounge, Nashville, TN
Jan 30 – Terminal West, Atlanta, GA
Jan 31 – Motorco, Raleigh, NC
Feb 01 – 9:30 Club, Washington, DC
Feb 02 – Thunderbird Cafe, Pittsburgh, PA

[supporting Sungazer]

Order “Arm Fell Asleep” HERE