Artist bio: Sal is a Pakistani-Canadian songwriter and musician based in Ottawa. His music draws from North American folk, country and old-time traditions, combining detailed storytelling with a dry sense of humour and an ear for the strange, tender parts of everyday life.

His songs move through themes of family, travel, loneliness, sobriety and the complications of existence. They are personal without being overly confessional, balancing melancholy with a subtle sense of whimsy.

Sal performs with the old-time duo C.A. & Sonny. Their collaboration has developed into a close musical partnership, built around guitar, mandolin, fiddle, banjo and three-part vocals. Together, they have toured across Canada and released two full-length albums: My Friend the Waitress (2025) and Forthcoming & Clean (2026).