Photo Credit: David Terranova
Selett learned early on that chaos is what you make of it, so she managed to spin it into a New York City apartment. A place where she will jot down a lyric here and there on whatever is closest. It’s what has propelled her to this point in time, on the verge of her self-titled EP being released on January 26th. We talked about that initial chaos, the music, and more including artistic control. All of that and more await!
Kendra: Like a lot of artists, you have a lot of layers to you and you’ve already showcased a couple with your first two singles – but what did you start to build that initial layer of creativity on? What was the foundation of your songwriting and love of music spawned?
Selett: I don’t want to piss my family off too much, but there was a fair amount of chaos I felt around me. In my experience, chaos holds an energy you are forced to deal with in one way or another. From a fairly young age, I took refuge in my voice almost as protection through expression, and as soon as I could write I was writing little poems. The music aspect became more or less ancillary in that regard.
Kendra: Sticking with those layers, one of them happens to be an interesting aspect of romance. You noted when writing “Wheels Within Wheels” you were “ overtaken by a sense of romance in between faulty mechanisms of communication.” What led you to that moment when the wheels started to turn and this song started to take shape?
Selett: You know how you catch a virus, like a cold? It’s kind of like that. You catch things whether or not you intend to and in this case, I think I was transfixed in a daydream while mulling over some personal shit.
Kendra: You also touch on the idea of puppetry in life in your other single, “Marionette.” It can often feel like we are just pieces on a board and not in control of the moves we make, and I think that in music – that can be a huge fear for artists; losing that creative control and becoming a money-making marionette. I’m reading Britney Spears’ memoir right now and that was her reality for far too long. Do you think instances like that are why so many artists don’t mind being indie and traveling that DIY route?
Selett: While that is obviously very subjective I do think overall there’s accuracy to what you’re suggesting. I’m not sure anyone enjoys being controlled for a long time although if I’m being honest we are all controlled in society regardless. It’s the illusions you choose to live in that shape your life.
Kendra: I want to talk more about your writing as you tend to do it wherever an idea strikes from your living room to the bathroom, but I’d like to know more about your writing tools. I have a certain mechanical pencil and a stack of composition books, but what about you? Do you have to have a certain writing utensil and notebook, or are you the type to grab whatever’s close and something like a napkin?
Selett: I wish I had that kind of organized discipline you’re alluding to for yourself. It’s a lot more practical than writing on old junk snail mail, receipts, etc. But, I think I’ve learned that sometimes it’s more memorable for me this way.
Kendra: You’re out in New York City, a place with one of the most notable music scenes in the US, and the world. For you, what’s the most intriguing aspect of the NYC music scene that people who aren’t in it would find the most interesting?
Selett: It’s a melting pot of artists and musicians and you just never know what you might happen upon at any given moment whether it’s a busker who steals your breath away or something special you might find at a venue.
Kendra: Time for a side note – With it being January and us all starting a new year, I’d love to know what non-musical resolution you have set for yourself.
Selett: I feel like quoting Biden’s resolution to, “Come back next year.”
Kendra: Lastly, with your new EP out on January 26th, what else can fans be on the lookout for as we get into 2024?Selett: Definitely more music! I have a lot more music on the horizon.
