When Chordblossom came into existence, it was always our aim to shine a spotlight on the artists and bands that make up the music scene in Northern Ireland. We’ve been doing it for over ten years now and one of our favourite methods is our Introducing feature.
Put the kettle on, curl up on your sofa and and join us for a quickfire Q&A with some of our favourite new musicians. Who knows, maybe you’ll even discover your new favourite artists.
This iteration of Introducing features the musical talents of Selador who just released their latest single ‘Radio’.
What was the inspiration behind your artist name?
J.R.R. Tolkien, if you know you know.
You’ve just released a new single. How did it come about and what does it mean to you?
For better or worse (usually for worse) drinking in excess is culture here, it really take’s little convincing. I think the opening lines of the song pretty much sum it up: “Familiar conversations… How’s you? All’s good. What’s the plan’s? Let’s have fun, go on a mad one!”
Have you any more releases or studio time lined up for later in the year?
We’ve got the next single mastered and ready to rock, we’re just working on a music video before we drop the song… That’ll be around April all being well.
Tell us about your song writing process.
It usually starts with a pagan sacrificial ritual to the rock gods and then not long after that the music usually just pops into our heads.
Who were your favourite artists/bands growing up? Have your influences changed over time?
It’s a mixed bag amongst us and always changing. The Beatles, Zeppelin, Stevie Wonder are few you could never really knock off the playlist… We call our guitarist ‘Davey Blues’ which you might think indictive too although I’ve caught him listening to Britney Spears a few too many times to not question the nickname personally.
The 2022 NI Music Prize has just concluded, what’s been your favourite album and single released this year?
Favourite Album: Robocobra Quartet’s ‘Wellness’, unbelievable musicianship and craftmanship by the lads. I met them all once before through their sax player Pete (Shoutout to me mucker Pete, I’m not biased at all) and they’re not all just great lads but real outstanding professionals too which is inspiring to see as an independent artist.
Favourite single: Cherym – Gone Girl (Derry massive, I swear I’m really not biased). I don’t know, it just make’s me want to cry, I think that’s a good thing?
If you weren’t a musician, what line of work would we find you in?
Well at the moment me & Davey Blues work in the dole office together. We’re known as the ‘brew’s brother’s’ by some. Better to be working than signing on I guess.
If you could collaborate with one artist or band from NI, who would it be and why?
Dea Matrona. Come on ladies, we could write the next “Rumours”!
It is intensely difficult to be successful in the music industry. What does NI need to do to invest in/develop to boost your chances?
That’s a really difficult question. I think perhaps from our point of view as a new band from Derry/L’Derry it’s been quite hard reaching out past our home town and at time’s it feels like there’s a lack of connectivity between ourselves and the next big opportunities. There is no doubt Belfast is the main hub for the music scene in Northern Ireland..
I think if there were systems in place to integrate more outside artists from the surrounding area’s e.g. Derry, Omagh, Coleraine into the Belfast circuit and visa versa then the whole of Northern Ireland would see the extent of great talent there is in our country. If there’s some tech nerd out there reading right now, get the app happening lad. I want percentage!
What does success look like for you?
Something modest, maybe a couple of Grammy’s and a Victoria’s Secret model for a wife
You’re going out on tour and can have anything you want on your rider, what would we find on yours?
Hmmm, I’m not sure you really want me to say it?
Where and when can we next catch you live?
Keep an eye on the socials @seladortheband for all upcoming gigs and throw us a DM (no nudes pls) for any business enquires.
If you enjoyed this feature and fancy discovering some more new artists, we suggest you jump on over to our archive of Introducing pieces.
If you are a band or musician based in Northern Ireland interested in taking part in our Introducing feature, we recommend submitting new music to us via our Contact page and if we enjoy it, you’ll no doubt hear from us.
