Selma Judith verbindet Sounds, die vorher noch nicht verbunden wurden. Die Basis sind Beats aus dem Genre des R&Bs und der Pop-Musik. Dazu paart sie die Töne ihrer Harfe, die sich sanft über die Tonspuren legen. Ihr Stimme bietet dabei den körnenden Abschluss ihrer Songs. So komplex wie sich diese Beschreibung anhört, ist auch das Album der dänischen Sängerin, das aber im bestmöglichen Sinne.
Flutwelle hatte die Möglichkeit, Selma Judith genauer zu ihrem Album „Getting Angry, Baby“ zu befragen. Im Interview geht es um die komplexe Zusammensetzung von klassischer Musik und Pop bzw. Rn’B in ihren Songs, aber Selma hat auch noch einen guten Ratschlag für alle ambitionierten Musikerinnen, die sich schon lange nach einer eigenen Schulband sehnen.
you started playing the harp when you were 15 years old. Have you always been interested in playing the harp or was it a coincidence that you chose it?
Ever since I was a child, I have always wanted to learn how to play an instrument – but it wasn’t something I was put to do by my parents, as a lot of other children are in Denmark. Around the age of 15, I was convinced that I was too old to ever learn to play an instrument, but at the same time I thought to myself that it didn’t matter if I became good or not, I just wanted to learn how to play – and at the time and I listened a lot to Joanna Newsom’s music and I became inspired to play the harp.
how did you originally come up with pairing the harp and R&B/pop music?
It just happened naturally, as that was the instrument I knew how to play, and I wanted to be a part of the band. It isn’t the first time the harp has been paired with these genres. There are a lot of examples out there, where you are able to hear the harp here and there, but I definitely think that on this album the harp has a more dominant role – which is a bit atypical.
your first single "Kind of Lonely" was a big hit on the radio. Can you remember the moment when you heard your own song on the radio for the first time?
Yes, it was so strange! But in a good way. I was in Rome with my mother when they first played it on Danish radio, and I remember that it was a big and special day – but also a bit strange not being at home with my friends and team.
your album has 20 tracks, which is almost unusual nowadays. Why are there so many songs on the album?
The reason why there are 20 songs on the album is that we were interested in examining different outer poles, where there had to be enough room to investigate all the parameters.
by combining classical and modern music, your album seems incredibly complex in its musical composition. Were there also moments when you lost the overview or did you always have a concrete plan in your head?
A bit of both I think. I believe you have to loosen your grip on your concept, if you want to be receptive to new inspiration and impulses, and have the option to follow your intuition sometimes. But I definitely had an overall idea where I wanted to examine the aspects of classic music versus pop music.
what story should your music tell?
There isn’t a predefined story I want the music to tell. I believe the ideal situation is for listeners to decide themselves what kind of story the music has to tell. I’m telling the stories from my point of view, but more as overall feelings, as it is up to the listeners to decide what story they want it to tell.
What message do you want to communicate to the listeners with your new album?
It’s up to the listeners. That’s the beauty of music and culture. It is what you make it to be. But of course, I would be glad if the music communicates anger, helplessness, and rage about how the world is acting at the moment.
There are so many different instrumental solos in your album. Can you name one that you particularly like?
I have a special affection for the trumpet and harp solo in ‘Nature Boy’, where the super talented Helen Davies and Palle Mikkelborg play.
if your music was a color, what would it be?
Red, as it’s a distinctive color and eye-catching, and at the same, it can be pretty scratchy.
you are from Denmark, in the last year we have all been back home. Is there anything you have learned to appreciate even more about your home town/country during this time?
Yes, for sure. Even though it has been under difficult circumstances - it also gave me a much-needed break and time to think about who I am and what I want to do with my life.
I read that you were part of an indie girl band during your school days. Usually, there are primarily male bands at that age. What advice would you give young girls that encourage them to express themselves musically?
Just do it! No matter if you are good or not. It’s the same for everyone. Everyone gets better with time. And also! Remember to enjoy that period of your life – when you aren’t perfect at doing things or playing a specific instrument. Don’t use your time to be perfect all the time, it’s really not that interesting.
who would be your dream music feature in the future?
Uh, that’s a difficult question! There are so many awesome and talented people out there, but if I had to choose I would maybe say Flume, because he is super talented and aggressive in his way of doing things. Or James Blake, that would be so cool!
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