As an artist that always looks to put her heart and soul into everything she creates, emerging artist Selina is now looking to continue her positive ascent as she shares her latest single 'Blue'.
With nods to fellow swooning songstresses such as Solange and Kali Uchis, 'Blue' makes for a fresh and enticing return for the artist. Combining subtle RnB harmonies, ethereal beats, and her own sweeping vocals, this new release cements her as one of the more progressive and captivating acts arriving on the scene right now.
So with her new offering taking our breath away throughout, we sat down with her to find out more about her origins and what has inspired her most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The first instrument I fell in love with was the guitar. From a young age, my uncle would always come over and play the latest Beatles song he learned. When I was around 7, I started guitar lessons and worked on my craft a little more. My teacher was the first person that really introduced me to the technicality of music but also how we can share a story through progressions, tempo etc. This was also when I began song writing as I would make up short songs and weird chords that fit how I felt at the time.
What has been the most prominent inspiration behind your music so far?
I would say the most prominent inspiration behind my music is simply what I have learned over the past 17 years. I am young, but I have tokens of wisdom that I cherish and experiences that I hold close to my heart. From there, I write and create music that feels like those experiences, or shares a message that helped me get through it. A lot of it has been from romantic relationships and the journey of finding and losing myself, but often I will create something that stems from experiences outside of love and something that truly comes from within.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
In my earlier years I loved listening to Adele, Sade, and M.I.A. I admire strong women, and I heard the confidence or emotion that they poured into their music. Now, in my later teen years, I love Frank Ocean, Jorja Smith, and SZA. Similar to what I admired about the music I listened to years ago, strong messages, powerful emotion, and raw. Frank Ocean has been and still is one of those artists that make me feel so understood and so whole, even if I’m empty. SZA’s music really opened up my eyes to taking control of a situation and finding my worth, as with Jorja Smith. I look upto women like Jorja and SZA because they are unapologetically themselves. I hope to continue making music incorporating the things I admire about these artists.
Can you remember the first song that made you want to pursue a life in music?
I think it was 'Rolling in The Deep' by Adele. I was so young and had never fallen in love but, that song made me feel like I had. I was so fascinated by the way music could be written about one thing, but you could interpret it into another, or just relate even if you haven’t been through that exact thing. She could be singing about heartbreak, and maybe that applied to another aspect of my life. But also the way that the music carried what she was saying, the ideas that she was portraying, all came through to me, and that song still runs through my head.
How many of your songs have you written about people in your life?
I can say for sure, every single one of my songs have been written about someone in my life. Whether it was a dream I had about them, something they do, or said, it’s in one of my songs. It can be a little scary to create something so personal about a situation but it’s the way I cope and express myself, and I know it might be able to reach someone that is going through the same or can apply it to their situation. Listening to music for me, is about comfort, and solitude, finding a home within a record that makes you feel secure or understood. So, being 17, and going through the stuff a lot people are going through, I find it most beneficial to stay true to myself, and share it authentically.
What has been the most unusual moment in your career so far?
Hmm. I’m not sure that I would call it unusual, but definitely feels out of the ordinary when people message me from across the world that they had found my music and connected with it. A year ago, if someone told me I would have people reaching out like that, I would not have believed them. But, when people reach out, it is so refreshing and brings me so much joy to know that I helped them in any type of way. I get so surprised everytime it happens but it gives me so much more passion and drive to keep going.
Outside of music, what is your biggest passion?
I would say I focus on two things, one being music, my purpose in life, and the other being myself and people I call my family/friends. Through music, I have learned so much about myself, and been able to process so many things, that I can easily connect with others. I love to love people, and give what I have to offer to them. But I also have learned how important it is to give to yourself, to take care of our mind, body, and soul. So, I guess other than music, I am most passionate about growing and evolving, being the best version of myself, for myself and for the people I love.
If you weren’t a musician, what other path do you think you might have taken?
If I was to not pursue music as my career, and I would definitely pursue a career that helped others in some way, I have always wanted to start a non-profit organization that helped teens or children that have struggled or are struggling with mental health to help them get proper healthcare or anything they need. Growing up, I had severe mental health issues and I never want anyone to go through that, and not have access to something that might help.
And what advice would you give to other musicians looking to start a career in music?
Advice I would give to other musicians starting their career in music would be, don’t do anything because you think someone else will like it, only do it if it speaks to who you are or something that you truly love. Often, I have found myself wanting to please others or do something because someone said it would further my career, but it’s your journey, and you have choices as to how you progress. Don’t let someone’s opinion hold you back or detour your destiny. Follow what makes you happy, what makes you feel whole, and be who you want to be.
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Selina's new single 'Blue' is available to stream and download now. Have a listen to it in the player below.