Gemini by Slow Salvation
Gemini is the second album by Slow Salvation, the shoegaze and dream pop project of Travis Trevisan and Christina Hernandez. Continuing the soothing sway of their debut album Here We Lie, the pair’s new album Gemini is composed of dark-washed waves of dream noise. Travis and Christina answered a few questions about the album and their other music projects. You’ll also learn how Christina gets her voice into a Slow Salvation mood and what it was like to work with Mark Gardener of Ride, who mastered Gemini.
Why the name Gemini for the album?
Phonetically, Gemini has a nice, fluid sound. It rolls off the tongue in a way that just felt right for the album. Beyond that, the word has a lot of layers to it, which I thought fit the vibe. From astrology, the twin symbolism in Greek mythology, and the recent launch of Google’s Gemini AI there is a lot of symbolism to be pulled from one word.
I'm not that into astrology but Geminis have always been close to me. From my grandmother to a few of my closest friends, it’s a sign that’s been present throughout my life. so it felt like a fitting title for an album.
When we talked about “The Ghost of Last Christmas” you mentioned new songs that “push our sound further and explore new sonic territory”. What did you choose to push and why?
I feel like I went a little crazier with the guitars this time around and let some of the songs breathe a bit more, with space for transitions to open things up. Also, the first album was created entirely remotely, but this time I really wanted to be in the room while the drums were being recorded. I brought in an old friend, Matt McCartie, to play drums, and it was great to reconnect. Being able to give feedback and bounce ideas in real time instead of over email made a huge difference in how the songs took shape.
What’s the story behind the song “Gemini”?
“Gemini” came together pretty quickly, the guitar riffs and chord progression flowed rather quickly, and the melodies followed soon after. Lyrically, I pulled from a mixed bag of visual memories and experiences: riding a train in Italy, catching the chemtrails from a rocket launch in Florida, and having my horoscope digitally read by a stranger at bar in Nashville.
Christina, you have a beautiful voice, how do you get into the Slow Salvation mood to sing? Who are some vocalists that you admire?
Thank you! I love to make myself a cup of tea with honey as a ritual to warm up my voice. Usually what I do before recording is listen and sing along to current songs I have on repeat. I have so many inspirations. Honestly, pop vocalists give me a lot of inspiration. Lana Del Rey is probably at the top of my list. Ariana Grande, Frou Frou, Margo Guryan. Love them all.
As a project that doesn’t currently play live shows, how have you developed an audience? What has been most useful or productive in reaching new listeners?
I think it’s been mostly word of mouth. We try to cast a net through Instagram, YouTube, and email, reaching out to people who’ve followed our creative work and various projects over the years. Bandcamp has also been a really valuable tool. It’s one of the more equitable platforms when it comes to supporting artists directly.
How was it to work with Mark Gardener on the mastering of Gemini?
Our friends in the band Blushing recommended Mark. I was already familiar with his name since Ride has always been a huge influence, so having him master Gemini felt both surreal and meaningful. He brought a really balanced, cohesive touch to the final mixes, everything felt more glued together without losing the dynamics. Even though the process was remote, he was super thoughtful and easy to work with. It meant a lot to have someone with that kind of legacy be part of the project.
What does the rest of 2025 look like for Slow Salvation or other music projects you are each working on?
Christina: I make music under the name Eveningbird. I released my first album last August and am currently working on an EP, and I'm hyper-focused right now on making sure the process of creation feels good and fun for me. Without that, it always feels like a chore or like I'm forcing something unnatural. I'm planning to do my first performance in early fall, which is exciting too.
Travis: I’ve got a few projects lined up. I’m releasing the debut album from my band Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament, it’s a IRL band where we get together once a week, jam in the same room, and play live shows. It’s good to have that balance to break up the monotony of staring at a screen and do things the old-fashioned way.
I’m also wrapping up recording for another project called UV Ghost, a collaboration with some friends in Southern California. It’s a little hard to describe, we will see where it lands.