Selwyn

Move over Usher and Craig David, because new R&B artist Selwyn has his sights set on world music domination. Plucked from obscurity, Selwyn has already made waves with his catchy debut single release "Buggin' Me". We caught up with the talented performer recently.


GIRL: Being an Australian R&B artist, do you think that the music coming out of the country at the moment is of the same standard and quality as the rest of the world?

Selwyn: Well the R&B music to come out of Australia at the moment isn't sounding really American or British, but it's sounding Australian with it's own kinda vibe from here.

GIRL: And that's a good thing?

Selwyn: Yeah that's a good thing, you've got to be different sometimes. Like with my tracks, they don't really sound like American or British R&B, it just sounds like it's coming from here. And that's kind of the feel I am going for.

GIRL: Why did you decide to go down the R&B track with your music?

Selwyn: When I grew up in South Africa I was influenced a lot by hip-hop and R&B, I have always listened to that music. So it was natural for me to go down the R&B path with my music and singing because that's the music I've grown up with.

GIRL: You are originally from South Africa - what is the music scene like over there?

Selwyn: There is a really big R&B and hip-hop scene in South Africa, music is taken very seriously there. I grew up listening to it all the time with friends and music was a big part of our lives.

GIRL: In comparison, how would you describe the Australian music scene?

Selwyn: Over here it is more rock 'n' roll and pop. There's not really a big R&B and hip-hop scene here in Australia. I think it's still coming up slowly.

GIRL: It must have been a huge culture shock moving from South Africa to Australia?

Selwyn: In the beginning it was a little hard for me to adapt to the Australian way of life but now I have made friends and I am more comfortable. I know this is the place I want to be.

GIRL: Do you have a favourite nightspot in Australia?

Selwyn: Not really, I just like to go and chill out. I am in Sydney at the moment so I like to go down to Darling Harbour and chill with friends, take a walk, go clubbing, play some pool.

GIRL: Why did you decide on "Buggin' Me" as your first release?

Selwyn: It actually wasn't my idea it was my record company who decided on that as my first song.

GIRL: And obviously you're happy with their choice?

Selwyn: Yeah I am happy with all the songs I do because I put 110% into it.

GIRL: "Buggin' Me" has done extremely well as a single, were you a little surprised with how well it's been received?

Selwyn: Yeah I was actually really surprised because "Buggin' Me" isn't a full R&B song, American hip-hop in-your-face kinda beat. It is more of an R&B feel with a commercial pop beat. That's what I was trying to go for, you know, a mixture, and it did very well. R&B listeners bought the single as well as listeners of other contemporary music. So I was pretty shocked at that. It's done pretty well and I am proud of myself.

GIRL: You auditioned for the last Popstars series. In hindsight, are you glad that you weren't picked for the group?

Selwyn: At this point of time I can say yes, but at the time when I got cut, I was really disappointed. But I look back at that experience now and I think to myself that everything happens for a reason and I don't believe in luck, I believe in fate. So it was meant for me not to make it in the group and it was meant for me to be doing what I am doing now. And I'm really happy – I get to write music and be myself, I get to wear what I want.

GIRL: What is your opinion of shows like Popstars?

Selwyn: Popstars was a good experience for me because it got my foot in the door. It's a really good show because it brings these kids from all over the country and shows off their different talents. It is every kid's dream to be a singer and performer and that show brings all the kids together and inspires them to reach their dreams and goals.

GIRL: When you're not performing, what do you like to do for fun?

Selwyn: I like kicking back and watching DVDs, shopping, writing music and chilling with friends.

GIRL: Do you have any plans to tour soon?

Selwyn: I am actually going to do a national tour when my album is released.

GIRL: Can you tell us a little about your second single release?

Selwyn: The second single is called "The Way Love's Supposed To Be" and it's about this guy and a relationship that is rocky and is not always perfect. Relationships are about the good times and the bad to make it through, and if it is true love, the couple will stick together. And that's what the song is about. No relationship is 100% perfect.

GIRL: Where did the inspiration for that song come from?

Selwyn: It's not really based on a personal experience I've had but it's just me thinking about it and seeing friends of mine go through that.

GIRL: When songwriting, do you look to any artists for inspiration?

Selwyn: I am a really big fan of Craig David, R.Kelly, Jagged Edge, Usher – I mean all of them, I look up to them and they are all so young and talented. They write their own music and are doing what they love and that inspires me to sit down and write down my thoughts and feelings and put it out there.

GIRL: Musically, what would be your ultimate dream? How far would you like to see your career go?

Selwyn: I would really like to see my career go internationally, perform in other countries, work with big artists overseas. I want to achieve the same level of success as Craig David if I can.

GIRL: Well you seem like you have the determination and the passion to succeed...

Selwyn: For sure, you know, I really want it. And if you believe in yourself strongly enough and you think positively, you can be successful. So at the moment I am working towards this.

GIRL'S 60 SECOND QUIZ

Middle Names: Edwin Cedric
Nickname(s): Selly
Star Sign: Gemini

Fave Food: Pasta
Fave Film: Training Day
Fave Actor: Denzel Washington
Fave Animal: Tiger

Describe yourself in 3 words: Sweet, sexy & cool
Best Feature: Eyes
Worst Feature: Nose
Person You Would Most Like To Meet: Michael Jackson
Hobbies/Interests: Reading, singing, writing, music production

First Job: Trolley boy
A Talent You Wish You Had: To be a poet
The Best Advice Given To You: Don't ever doubt yourself, keep your head up, stick your chest out and handle any problem that's in your way.
What Can You Never Leave Home Without: Money
If you were a cartoon character, which one would you be? Snoopy
If you were told you had a minute to live, what would you do? Go and sit in the church and pray.

- Annemarie Failla & Michelle Palmer