Interview: Selah Sue

Belgian-born singer/songwriter Selah Sue rocketed to success with her self-titled debut album back in 2011. The 23-year-old has also been racking up the awards: in 2011 she was awarded the European Border Breakers Award (EBBA), and then in 2012 the BBA Public Choice Award. We got a few minutes with Selah Sue while she calmly negotiated a lost luggage crisis.

I’m OK. I’m Portugal at moment getting ready before tonight’s show. The airline company managed to lose my luggage, so I’m shopping for an outfit in Portugal. Right now I’m buying shoes!

Yes. I really, really enjoy it. I love going to new places and meeting new people. Seeing different nationalities and seeing the differences in how they party and enjoy the show is always interesting for me. I have my boyfriend on tour with me plus around 13 other band members. So I never feel lonely.

The Belgian music scene is more focused on rock. There are pockets of electro but the main focus was on rock music. I was around 12 or 13 I discovered soul music through MTV and MySpace. Then I started going to the local house parties and where they were playing raga & dancehall. That’s where my love of reggae comes from! I really cherish those parties!

These days I’m listening to a lot of different music. It’s another good thing about traveling. I like to pick up musical tips from people along the way. Right now I’m listening to a lot of Flying Lotus. His production is really interesting and exciting. I love Squarepusher, too. I would love to work with him one day. I’m always trying to learn about new producers or bands, I’m really eager when it comes to these things.

I haven’t, no. I have been wondering what it’s going to be like. I played France not so long ago and it was great. Also Portugal the first time was insane. The people really went crazy for the music. So, I’m hoping the Czech audience will be the same! Ready to dance and have a great time!

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