Fern Dells is the musical project of Long Island artist Salvatore Santiago. Blending feeling, memory, and atmosphere, his song feature emotionally honest vocals and dynamic arrangements that create space for reflection and escape. Whether sparse or immersive, Fern Dells is about what it makes you feel — a soundtrack for the in-between moments.

Fern Dells is the musical project of Long Island artist Salvatore Santiago, a songwriter and producer creating immersive, emotionally charged songs rooted in memory, introspection, and transformation. Sal writes and records most of the music himself, splitting time between his bedroom studio and his close collaborator’s studio, Hilda Music Company. The live show brings these songs to life with a band that moves between soft intimacy and full, sweeping dynamics.

The name Fern Dells came after a road trip to the Midwest — an experience that quietly marked the beginning of a story. While brainstorming names for a new project with his close friend and collaborator Joe Rom, they traced their route back to a place they had discovered during that trip: Mirror Lake. At first, they considered naming the project after it, but the name felt worn — something told them to keep searching. It turned out, all they had to do was remember how they got there: Fern Dell Road. It felt right. Like the music itself, it wasn’t about the destination — it was about the journey.

Writing is often subconscious for Sal. Most songs begin with a sound, mumbled syllables, and a feeling. The full meaning only becomes clear in hindsight. His lyrics blur the line between specific and abstract, often processing real-life heartbreak, escape, and quiet moments of growth.

Fern Dells has grown from local open mics and diy shows into a distinct voice in the Long Island scene that is largely dominated by hardcore music. What sets the project apart isn’t just the sound — it’s the way it makes people feel: grounded, weightless, and understood.

With new music on the way and eyes set on touring and festival stages, Fern Dells continues to build something honest, dynamic, and worth following — wherever it leads.

Fern Dells brings a dynamic live show that moves between quiet, intimate moments and immersive full-band arrangements. Whether playing solo or with a group, the goal is always the same — to create a space where the music feels close, grounded, and alive.

Notable performances include the Huntington Arts Festival and the Great South Bay Music Festival, along with sets at venues across New York like Amityville Music Hall and the Stone Circle Theatre. 

With more shows and curated events in the works, Fern Dells continues to grow as a live presence, offering performances that invite connection through atmosphere.