Selena 7tySix
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
What Selena 7tySix is putting out there is who she is. Inside and out---a woman, in love with life, with love and with music, navigating the journey and picking up wisdom along the way; a work-in-progress with an ever-expanding heart and sense of self and wonder that shes just aching to share.
So where'd it all begin?
Singing before she could even speak, Selena always knew she wanted to be a singer so she enrolled in Etobicoke School of the Arts where she studied music. At 15 she went on to win the YTV Achievement Award for "Best Young Vocalist in Canada" and performed for a broadcast that went across the country alongside the The Barenaked Ladies before their break-through. After completing one year in the Vocal Jazz Program at Humber College she hit the road (or the seas) traveling to various parts of the world.
With a voice that is most certainly world-class, Selena is also a multi-instrumentalist, whose extensive musical skill includes: the saxophone, guitar, keyboards, drums and bass. She has spent much of her life listening to and learning from many different artists and musical influences which has helped to lend sophistication to her approach in her songwriting, playing, and creating and she demonstrates this on her first album, This Girls Life. With a definite R&B flavour, Selena also injects a bit of reggae, jazz, pop as well as some classical harmony into her sound; all elements found in her musical history, travels and personality; staying flexible keeps her happy.
Selena's experience has led her to work with many musicians in various parts of the world. Shes shared the stage with The James Brown Band, Jocelyn Brown, the Nylons, Tia Carrere and Bruce Willis. She has written with talented musician/songwriters such as producer Kwan (a writer/producer for Boys II Men) and their former Musical Director, Fred Cooper. Her most recent project was a collaborative work with producer and co-writer Patrick Stephenson, co-writers Toya Lexis and Kate Bowen, as well as many up-and-coming rappers: Lazah Blazah, Phenomenal Utz, and Life, to name a few. To date, Selenas debut album This Girls Life graced the radio airwaves across Canada and went on to garner two nominations in the 2007 Ontario Independent Music Awards as well as an honourable mention in the 2007 John Lennon Songwriting Contest.
"My music stands for me. There are thoughts in my writing that are meant to encourage as well as help us to accept who and what we are. Because Im passionate about music, my sound is also indicative of my need to not be limited in my style or writing. Good music is good music period regardless of genre.
Selena is back in the studio creating her sophomore album due to be released in Spring/Summer 2008.
Lucky for us!
Now,
Listen...
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
I play live all the time but under a bands assumed name (Ascension). This upcoming year will be more me than before!!
Your musical influences
Prince, Janet Jackson (Jam & Lewis III), Michael Jackson, Kim Burrell, Whitney Houston, S.O.S Band, Earth Wind & Fire, Chaka Khan & John Mayer, Alicia Keys, Sting, Seal, India.Arie, Ella Fitzgerald, Kelly Price, Teddy Riley, Baby Face, Siedah Garrett, Bob Marley, Aretha Franklin, Mint Condition, Marvin Gaye, Pat Metheny, Olu, The Beatles, Oleta Adams, Anita Baker, Jennifer Holiday, Alliyah, TLC, Faith Evans, Bebe & CeCe . . .
What equipment do you use?
My guitars change according the mood or sound I'm shooting for and I have a Vox modelling amp that I love.
