Interview for Jazzism (March/April 2015) - I can be happy

Jazzism March/April 2015

Selah Sue - I can be happy 

Text: Jean-Paul Heck       

Photos: Caroline Sikkenk/Photoline

It feels like a century ago that the Netherlands got to know her. With songs like Raggamuffin, Crazy Vibes and Zanna she gave out her business card. There were worries. Selah Sue was extremely open about her psychological state during interviews. Last year she let the Belgium media know that antidepressants are of an eminent importance for her. Meanwhile she is happy in her lovelife and she doesn't make a secret of that. Together with the Danish Rabin Hannibal and the Swedish Ludwig Göransson she recorded Reason in Los Angeles. She got help from Massive Attack-producer Matt Schwartz and Whitney Houston-producer Troy Taylor. That is quite something for this 26 years old Sanne Putseys from the Vlaams-Brabantse Leefdaal.

You took a long time for it. Your debut album comes from 2011.

“Watch out, ey! I have toured around the world with my first record for over three years. To make the songs for Reason, I have reserved four months and within that period of time it was ready. I had to wait a year and a half for good producers. I had a nice list of five producers which I got from my label, because I didn’t have any idea about it (or, I had no vision for it). That is also the reason why the record wasn’t ready until now. Who were on that list as well? Mark Ronson, but he was way too busy with his own record.”

You didn’t create an easy job putting two producers to it. Two captains on one ship….

“It has been a very hard way. I have tried to let Robin and Ludwig work together but that just didn’t work. In the end they both did five songs and have added elements of the other.

Off course I have thought a lot to just hire a Belgium producer during the process. There is enough talent in Belgium and it would have been a lot easier.

You are a true star now. Have you met your ambitions?

“It was never an ambition to be world famous. When I can write and play songs and make my money with it, I am already very satisfied. Nothing has changed. Of course I have seen many countries and that is special for somebody my age. I didn’t become alienated from my family and friends. In the contrary, the bond with them has only become stronger. ‘I don’t wanna die for succes’, I always say and I mean it. I am never away from home for more than three weeks and that is not going to change.

How did you start working on Reason? Didn’t you look up to it after the success of your debut?

“I totally didn’t think about what I would do. My tracks still come from a feeling within. All has to be spontaneous. One song takes a lot of time to make, the other one gets written rapidly. All is actually the same, because it remains very difficult for me to go for a uniform sound. My producers tried to make a complete piece of it and with Reason it kind of worked out. But like on my debut it is an eclectic collection of songs again.”

(Quote on right side of the page: “My songs come from my underbelly-feeling. Everything has to be spontaneous” )

(Quote on the left side of the page: “It is never the ambition to be famous worldwide”)

Your band members joined you to compose. That is kind of special.

“At least three tracks have been written with the band and I think that is cool. The song Daddy has been realized that way but also Stand Back, Gotta Make It Last and Time, which is on the extra edition and on my EP. I have also obtained beats from different producers and I have composed on hotel rooms and at home. Simply : acoustic with a guitar.”

Last year you were very open in the Belgium media about the fact you took antidepressants. That was a brave step.

“I go to a psychiatrist since I was fourteen years old and at home that was not a taboo at all. We talk very easy and open about it. But it was a big relief for me. People now know who I am better and why I behave differently sometimes.

The reactions to your openness were very heavy.
“Unbelievably! The impact was enormous and the satisfaction afterwards was unbelievable. No hitsong can meet that! But I want to give my attention and energy to it. I need help for my psychological disturbances, but that matters to millions of people around the whole world.

Interview with Selah Sue at Café Corsari (Eén)

Watch the interview:
http://www.een.be/programmas/cafe-corsari/mijn-stem-heeft-veel-moeten-verdragen

TV channel Eén
Program: Café Corsari

(click on the photo to watch the interview)

Host: Yes, I am allowed to switch back to dutch, pff breath, eh that is also good for the princess of the fatherland’s soul I shall call her, ladies and gentlemen Selah Sue, hi Selah, I am going to start, before I ask you anything, may I call you Sanne?
Sanne: of course
Host: It's much easier. I have something for you. You know what is beneath this?
Sanne: Nooo
Host: a surprise…  it is..  it is out for a week,  A GOLDEN RECORD.
(during applause: host says: Shall I give it to you? Sanne: thank you?)
Host: I shall explain: The record came out a week ago, so it is sold 10.000 copies in Belgium and Netherlands only.
What do you earn with it? (hahah)
Sanne: Ehm…
Host: no I cannot ask that
Jan: She almost wanted to tell us I think?
Host: no that is rude. You cannot ask age as well, How old are you?
Sanne: I will be 26 within a month.
Host: within a month, I was allowed to ask that. People do ask why you waited so long, four years

Sanne: well after the release of the first record I have been touring for 2,5 years around the whole world, then after I wrote 4 months on the second record.
Host: you write everything yourself, I cannot repeat it enough.
Selah: Yes, Yeah watch out, I did accepted more help for the second record. In example the lyrics English isn't my native language, I did get help from a good friend who studies English, so for that reason the lyrics are deeper. And eh, I have collaborated with many producers and I have also written a few songs with my band. So it was under influence of other people.

Host: You did get yourself help more than before, I think you didn’t handle with it by yourself

Sanne (with funny facial expression):  Oh I really did exept help from others, with everything. I totally do not have an ego.
Host: allez
Jan: I do have.
(hahahah some laughs)
Sanne continues: “Everything is in service for a good number.”
That is my filosophy, and if I only have written 1% of a number. Fine by me
Host: but luckily you have written much more, we are going to hear that later.
How would you describe the differences between the two records?
Sanne:  difficult to say to judge when you have worked on it yourself. But I think, both records are eclectic. But I really knew better what I wanted. What kind of sounds I wanted for drums, what I wanted to do with my voice, cause for 2,5 years I have been touring, my voice needed to handle a lot. I really learned to know my voice.
Host: I think you have a tricky or hard way of how you sing.
Sanne: yeah, reasonable right you are. Because I didn’t get any lessons, so I do not sing in the correct academic way, to sing deep from within my stomach, so I really sing a lot from my throught, so in that way it is crunchy but also amazing. But I really have to watch out.  I really need to let my voice rest and stuff like that.
Host: Did you grab confidence in your record, which is now being paid out?
Sanne (funny facial expressions) ehm, hmmm..  ehm.. on a musical level I have always be pretty sure of what I wanted . I always had a reasonable strong opinion of what I like. But the difference now is that I was more strict..I told my producers “I want this and that and this and that” and if you do not like it so be it”.
While during the first record I was more that I wanted to be admired by everyone. That is a difference.
Host: But do you listen less to other opinions?
Sanne: Well I still do. (heheheh) for sure
But I can set is apart.
Host: That is possible     (litteral translation, in context you can better say: “you can do that” )
Sanne: That is possible
Host: mumble
Sanne: That is a great difference.
Host: that acquires stability
Sanne: yes, that is true. That why I called the album Reason. With the first record it was about ups and downs, emotion uhg uhg…. But with the second record.
Host:  mumble mumble we heard in interviews it was calmer on the..
Sanne: yeah, Second album I created more of a sense of reason. In this way I could be more of “standing my man” (dutch expression to be in charge of what you do) to achieve what I wanted it to be. Look this is what the record is what it is going to be.  I have to tour with the record so I need to like the tracks. I need to back them, so it has to be what I want it to be.
Host: I like to see you this way, so on fire and passionate  (nice smile on Sanne’s face).
So the documentary of 3 years ago, I feel it is a different woman now.
Sanne :  (nods yes) yeah
Host: Your mother was telling about even before that. And this is what she said then.
Mother: Yeah, on a emotional level, she has battled a emotional battle. I recently said, well I have to watch out I don't get too emotional now, but sometimes there are fragments that come back to me, that get me..  well  that give me a hard time.
Sanne: oh
(Sanne or interviewer???) : Like for example?
Mother: Well when you, ehm we went to the doctor that time. That you really didn’t feel yourself well. I saw it in her eyes, which were hopeless and filled with no control. …
I do not know if this should be on film
Mother continues: That she asked me: “mother this is going to continue” Pfff.. that is how deep she was.

Back in studio:

Host: I am truly in the impression you are really looking back to some kind of past now.
Sanne: Yeah that is true, that really is a past. But I wouldn’t like to change it. I am super gratefull and glad I got through that period. And now really

Host:  Why are you glad of that?
Sanne: because it is .. I can relativate things better (or let go of things better). I know what it is about. It is not about selling many records but it is about being happy. Feeling yourself OK. And I think I feel that within my family and circle of friends. I can place negative comments better now. Because I know what it is to feel REALLY REALLY BAD.
Host: You will struggle with Jan about that.
Jan: I am jealous of her hair. (heheheh) are you busy a long time with it to get it like that?
Sanne: 3 minutes, really!
Jan: how do you do that?
Sanne: well. I actually use some special powder, you put it straight and put a rack(??)  in it and it is done for 3 days.
Host: But your hair is too short for that Jan.
 Jan: you really hurt me always you!

Host: Sanne, ehm,  I think it’s a strick plan. This year you are going to have a “meterschap” (guardianship) of a campaign for youth named “te gek” (“Too crazy”) who askes awareness for psychological problems. Why are you doing that?
Sanne: I feel this as a calling for me because  I know by myself how important is to not to feel alone, to know there are people who around who support you. I really want to do this. I used to think:  “I am an exception to the rule. Nobody can feel like me” but that is not true. I think that can offer help to others. Plus I am an example of someone for which it looked without any good perspective to look forward to. But now I am who I have to be. I really want to do this.
Host: Are you afraid to fall back?
Sanne: Ehm. Y.. I think Yes. But I will be prepared earlier because I know what is going to happen. I know the specific feeling. And I now know what keeps me happy. Sport, Healthy food
Host: yeah?
Sanne: yeah yeah,
Jan: And performing too I hope ?
Sanne: Yeah, that’s true actually.
Host: You perform around the world. We have beautiful footage of Zenith in Lille where you are on your best. They all love you. We do not realize it but you are actually huge outside of Belgium, in France they admire you. Do they look different to you than that we look at you?
Sanne: Yes I think so. I thing Belgium the crowd is more reserved. But in France they put me on a higher rank. In Belgium everyone thinks “act normal, act normal”

Host: We are super happy you are here. You play on April 18^th in Lotto Arena and Wechter too? And in a few moments on our stage in Café Corsari. I think that is very special. Thank you Selah Sue!

Selah Sue private concert at Radio SCOOP(April 7th, 2015)

>Alone

>Raggamuffin

Selah Sue private concert at RTL2 (March 31st, Paris)

Won't Go For More 


Raggamuffin


Alone
 
Always Home

Selah Sue at Europe 1 !

Alone

Valerie  

Order Selah Sue's new album 'REASON' ! ! !

cover 

Order 'Reason' album:

iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/reason/id966913737

FNAC:
http://musique.fnac.com/…/Selah-Sue-Reason-Edition-limitee-…

Vinyl + CD

http://musique.fnac.com/a8117779/Selah-Sue-Reason-Double-vinyle-CD-Vinyl-album

Empik (for Poland):
http://www.empik.com/reason-sue-selah,p1106265580,muzyka-p

Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Reason-Deluxe-Selah-Sue/dp/B00TGF9BV4/

Listen to the studio version of 'Won't Go For More'!

Stay tuned!

THIS WORLD OF SELAH SUE MENTIONED BY SELAH SUE !

Selah Sue wrote about 'This World of Selah Sue' fanpage on her official Facebook ;)!

Post by Selah Sue.

Stay Tuned.

Alone - Limited Edition

Is it really a new revival or is it Selah Sue thinking about the old fashioned collectors? Who knows. Fact is that the Alone EP got released on vinyl. It could be ordered through www.fnac.fr only. But at the moment it's sold out already. (So it's really Limited!) Though you can still order it through FNAC, but those are resellers who rose the price from 9,99 upto 39,99 Euro..... (ripoff!!)

What makes this item even more interesting, is that it is made of 10 inch vinyl. So not the standard format 12 inch (common for albums) or 7 inch (common for singles). 

The tracks on this item are exactly the same as on the CD-EP. And to make it even more relaxing; inside the sleeve there's also the CD-EP, so infact you don't even need a turntable to listen to the music and enjoy the big coverart.

But there's also a big questionmark with the release with this (and other) releases of the EP. Where is the Warner logo? It is nowhere to be found. Does she still have a contract with Warner?

Probably yes....

Because when you look at the Dutch/Belgium official promo CD you'll still see Warner Music is still part of the release

So what's the mystery about the missing logo or any mentioning at all of Warner Music on the vinyl release?

Dreams turned into reality. Concert at Proxima in Warsaw Dec 8th, 2014 (concert & backstage story)

To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe.

 (click on photos to see full sizes)

      I don't even know how to get started. I would like to apologize for the language mistakes but I will try to do my best.

      I cannot describe to you every moment of this story, cause I know photos and videos are important to share, but actually I cannot give back all my emotions and all what is in my head cause it was really emotional and gave me intense feelings. It was more than a dream.

Sit down …and feel it.

       It's been a long time since I saw Selah and the band. I have really missed the energy, the music and the magical atmosphere of their concerts.

      I arrived in Warsaw at noon. So it was early enough to go and check out what's going on. My parents helped me a lot so I would like to thank them for showing me the club Proxima cause I've never been there before. I was walking around the bus(I know how does it look) and I've met Jaya (Sorry If I am wrong). He's in Selah's crew. He was so nice, and he told me Selah's already gone and maybe I should try to catch her later, or maybe some minutes before concert.

      So I left this place, but I was really upset. I made some special gifts for them and I really wanted give it in person. But ok…

      Few hours later I was again in front of Proxima (It was about 5 pm).  I was at time… the rehearsal. So yes, I was standing behind doors, and acually the view was nice. I heard 'Always Home' and some 'Daddy' I think, all people who noticed I am there were looking at me strange, but I know, maybe I was annoying but it was about my dreams. I met the driver Hans(It was nice to meet You!). There was a small talk, I told him 'Don't worry I am not dangerous' and he was laughing a little bit and said 'If you wanna wait here of course you can'

     I saw Laetitia, Erik...but Sanne was still inside. So after standing there about 2 hours in the cold I decided to give all these gifts to Yannick. I told him I am from TWOSS and he was like 'Oh Inez!' I was really shocked… he knows my name just so. He was so kind and he promised me to give all these gifts to Sanne.

      About 6.30 pm I decided to just stay in front of the door and wait for the concert. I met Eryk(polish fan) he helped me a lot at this concert, with posters and all this stuff so I wanna thank him here. It was his 1st concert (Selah, If you read this… You have a new truly devoted fan of your music!).

      The doors have been opened… so I was trying to take all my stuff and run fast to the 1st row. I decided to buy new Selah's EP there cause…sorry, but Because Music is really late with my order :<

You really have to know how intense I was thinking 'I have to be in the 1st row again' so yes ..I managed to do it! We were waiting for the concert with my new friend. Time has passed slowly. (you know that feeling, right? You've been waiting for something so long and the concert lasts like 5 min? …ye.

      We were looking at the crew on stage. Jordi checked his drums for the last time before concert. And of course some other people I could recognize were there.

      There was really hot! I was out of breath when all these people started to be closer and closer to me, but of course, I couldn't give up.

But then something happened… Kurt(you should know him, he's very important!) came to me and said'Hey, stay here after concert, We will take you backstage'…and I was like …WHAAATTT??!!!!

      I couldn't really stop thinking about it through all concert :)
      Before the main concert, there was a little support...Yannick was DJing for us. Thanks Yannick, I was full of energy and the music was great!

We've heard the first sounds, the lights went out. Excitation. Happiness ;) Selah came on stage and after 3 seconds someone gave her a large bouquet of roses. She said'Ouu flowers and I didn't even play one song yet'. Soo this concert was very special from the beginning.

     The first song was 'Always Home'. It's calm one but on the other hand it's really lovely song and I was listening to this really closely. Its been ages since I heard her voice ! ;)

Ohh this story is gonna be a long one…

I don't wanna tell you about every song one after the other…But can You imagine how good it was to heard new ones??

      I was crying (a little bit) during 'Time'… and I've heard, guys from the band noticed my tears (Sorry! ;) You know what I think about it). These vibes live make me crazy. Just beautiful.

Reason. LIVE BOMB. Really love this song, and I think it's gonna be huge hit soon! And what I would like to say more... Selah, I love your rapping in Together,  I wanted to say it's… cute.

I was trying to show my poster (look above) at every song just for a little bit. I had also few smaller posters at other songs. For 'Alone' it was 'NEVER ALONE WITH SELAH SUE'…

And there was a time for SOLO. I showed to Selah small poster with 'Please, choose one of these songs. Valerie, Appletree, I truly loved ya' and actually I had another one that flew away on stage accidentally. Ups

      You can believe it or not, But Selah said 'Ohh how nice you give me 3 songs to choose(hehe) ok I am gonna play 'Valerie' for Inez, yes, I know her'

      I am stupid or something, but I was so surprised, shocked? whateverr.. I just forget to turn on my camera at the beginning and I don't have it on my camera(If you have it please send me/proszę jeśli ktoś ma nagrane całe Valerie z koncertu w Warszawie niech wyśle mi wiadomość!)

       So… When I was already like the most happy person in the world I was informed by Laetitia (tourmanager) that I should stay here and wait 10 min. And then it happened to me…I was going with her to meet all the band. My hands were shaking, I was shaking in the inside. My mind was exploding but I was trying to stay strong hehhe…

       I am not able to tell about all things that happened there(I don't want to!). Some of them are just for me and for them .

      When I came in to the main room(If I can say so) there were many things at the table…shhh I won't tell to everyone You all love polish vodka ;P 
       Selah welcomed me as one of her friend and from the very beginning She was so nice to me. For first 5 min probably I forget all English language and any language I can speak actually to be just in one room with all these people that I admire.

      There was already the gift I've made for them so Selah put her t-shirt from me (look at this pic with me and her) and I was like in heaven seeing her in this piece all the time. There was a lot of laugh, fun, enjoyment of these moments. Truly blessing.

      We took a lot of pictures, I have many many signs, and I am truly thankful, all the band and the crew have shown me so much kindness and love that I felt like in the big family there. <3

      
      I was talking with Sanne more than I could ever expected. About music, about her voice, about her inspirations and how does she write songs actually.

She asked me about my music, and then We went to her small wardrobe(oh yes, Poland I am not proud of you).  Sanne You are so beautiful soul. Sorry If my words are too big but I really admire you even more after this opportunity.

     She was listening to my videos on yt with me in this one room, and I couldnt take my breath looking at this situation. Dream.  SANNE I hope You will record this song you promised, and even If I can be forgotten, one though will keep me alive… maybe I could inspire Selah Sue to rethink her old songs again, cause they are so so magnifique! 

      After 2 hours almost they had to go back to Belgium I think but If I could I would stay there one week longer or just go with them and help them in carry their towels on stage. 

      The club closed my jacket inside so I was lost and in so magical way they was able to give it back. Uf.. 

       I went upstairs to see them all together again. Selah showed up for few fans standing outside(almost 2 hours?!) and she was so nice to take some pics and give them signs. Of course, only the most nicest person in the world could do this.

She said to me(cause I was in the darkness with hood on my head and she didn't recognize me first 'Oh yes I was just looking for You!'. I was happier and happier with every second of that day/night

I know some people are gonna hate me or love me. Some of them can believe it or accuse me of lying but this is my life and I just wanted to share with you ;)

> NOTE TO THE WHOLE BAND AND CREW

Sanne, Joachim, Yannick, Erik, Jordi... I would like to say thank You very much once again, cause I know my English was sometimes very weak while this meeting cause I was too emotional and some things mixed in my head. I am really really thankful for this opportunity and turned my huge dream into reality. I didn't ask about anything and I received so much, It's gonna stay in my heart forever. 

     I create This World of Selah Sue page not for praises, but just for the people who admire your music, your hard work and all the passion you have for it. Music makes something magic with people and I can be sure, Selah's fans are not just normal people, they believe in amazing things and they believe in your music truly. It can heal them, it can make them sad or the happiest in the whole world, but what is the most important...its just true, there's no fake thing about Selah Sue music. I have so many beautiful friends already who just need your music in their lives ;)

     I also wanna say BIG THANKS to Laetitia(You were the best photographer, so kind, so natural and you are the best tourmanager ever!), to Kurt(Yes, You will have your hoodie very soon!), to Jaya, to Hans(thank You for the small talk and for noticed that 'I am not dangerous'...ok sorry I will try to remind all these names but also thanks to: the lightman, soundman, to all these people I was talking to on Monday. I will keep it in my heart. It was more than my Dream. 

I miss you all already...and I am looking forward to seeing you very soon! 

LOVE, HUGS, PEACE OF MIND. 

I am so happy I can be the small part of THIS WORLD. 

Cannot wait for the 2nd CD. 

....You are the best ! :) :* <3

How beautiful we are? 

___________________________________________________________

If you wanna read about my 1st meeting with Selah, go here:

https://www.facebook.com/notes/this-world-of-selah-sue/selah-sues-concert-in-sopot-30072013/485256204895340

my first photo with Selah signed;)

follow your dreams.

New album

As you might probably know, the EP will be released December 1st, give or take 2 days. The tracks for this EP entitled "ALONE" are already known;
1 - Alone
2 - Together (feat Childish Gambino)
3 - Time
4 - Won’t Go For More (Acoustic)

But after that...... There's the album. Set to be released exactly 4 years after her 1st album, March 5th 2015.
The big question is: Which tracks will be on that?

Let's unlock the secret....

Some weeks ago Selah Sue already gave us a small hint by publishing this photo;

 

A mysterious photo posted in September by Selah Sue herself. Hard to read indeed, but several people gave it a try and found out the next;

Falling Out
Alone
Always Home
Daddy
Time
Sadness (?)
Stand Back
I Won't Go For More
Fear Nothing (?)
Reason
Together
Let Me Feel (?)

12 tracks, sounds realistic.....
After a little search these don't have to be a surprise to you anymore when the album get released, because Selah Sue performed them during her 2014-2015 tour.

Haven't heard them yet??? Most song-titles above are clickable ;)

NEW EP 'ALONE' (1st December 2014)

NEW SELAH SUE EP IS GONNA BE RELEASED 1st December 2014 !

'ALONE'

Tracklist:

1. Alone

2. Together (feat Childish Gambino)

3. Time

4. Won’t Go For More (Acoustic)

buy on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.fr/Alone-EP-Selah-Sue/dp/B00OSL6ZQU/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1415647837&sr=8-3&keywords=selah+sue

buy on official Selah's page:

http://www.because.tv/shop/Selah-Sue/alone---ep-cd-4-titres-201925

Stay tuned!

Start of the 2014 tour.... Try in Out Leuven

June 18th 2014 Selah Sue kicked their new tour off with a Try-Out in Het Depot (Leuven Belgium) Amongst some songs from het previous album and tour, they also tried some new songs. And believe me they sound more then just promising......

So far all other concerts during the tour are part of festivals.

Time

Stand Back

 

I Won't Go for More

Alone

Interview for Glide Magazine - Nov 2012

        An immediate connection with Lauryn Hill’s MTV Unplugged record was what first cultivated Selah Sue’s passion for music. At the time, thousands of miles away from the United States, ideas were beginning to grow inside Selah Sue’s mind within her home country of Belgium. The singer-songwriter is coming off the debut of her self-titled album that released at the end of August. The record is highly derivative of reggae, hip-hop and soul styles of music, and as an artist Selah Sue takes to heart the power that those forms have had on shaping her music. In a recent visit through Philadelphia, Selah Sue took the time to discuss with Glide the process behind building her debut album in addition to her developing career. 

To begin, can you enlighten me on music scene in Belgium? 

Well first of all, it’s very separated; the Flemish part from the French part. I live in the Flemish part, everything is close together, there are ten million people living in Belgium. In our part, I think me together with Milow are almost the only artists that crossover; that are as big in the French part as in the Flemish part. In the Flemish part, it’s mostly rock music. Electro as well, which is really cool, the dub step scene is also pretty big.

It seems like you have been involved in music from a young age. In your song “Crazy Vibes” you sing, “I was never really into music, until I was about nine years old.” Was there a lot of initial inspiration and support from your family? 

It’s not that I had a very musical family; it was something that I had to learn myself and discover myself through social media and interactions. I live in the times of social media so if you’re in Belgium you are able to listen to music especially from the United States. So I started listening to Erykah Badu and Lauryn Hill, those two were my biggest influences at the time. 

 Was their music something that friends had introduced you to?

 I really just figured it out. I immediately had a real strong taste when I saw the MTV Unplugged with Lauryn Hill. Even though I was still young I knew that this was the thing I really loved. It was the first album I went and bought as well, so it was really special. 

Was she popular at the time in Belgium? 

No not really. Underground of course, with the Fugees. “Killing Me softly” was a hit back then, but it’s not a big market in Belgium; soul music is just not a big market in Belgium. I think myself with one other artist are almost the only soul artists who are big in Belgium. Milow is an incredible guy, he really forced me to support soul and forced me to write more songs, because I had only had two songs at the time. But his style is very singer-songwriter based, like a style of Jack Johnson. 

I understand that you had worked a bit with Jerry “Wonda” Duplessis on this record. What did he bring to the table? 

I was strange actually. I was just in the U.S. and we did “Fade Away.” He heard “Ragamuffin” and he was a fan so he sent a message to my management, and I was in New York at the time. So I was open to do co-writing and things alike. And I was like ‘Okay, why not if something comes out.’ But nothing did of course, and at the time it wasn’t my thing. Sometimes it can be that it’s forced and some good things do come out. But if writers are real focused on writing a hit song everything tends to go a bit to the side. So I went into the studio and he let me hear some beats. First he let me hear a song which already had lyrics and had been sung, thinking that I would take it and sing over it. And I was like ‘Are you crazy, how could somebody just do that?’ But the lyrics and the melody were already on it, and he just wanted to sell the song to me. And it was totally not my thing. But then he let me hear some other things because I was of course curious of what else he did. And then he let me hear the “Fade Away” piece, and I had an instant inspiration with it. So I went into the studio and within one hour was totally finished, sometimes it can go really fast, and it did with “Fade Away.” 

So the instrumental side came from him? 

Yes, it did. 

Were some of the other tracks processed with the same method? Like “Crazy Sufferin’ Style” and “Peace of Mind.” 

 Yeah, I didn’t really have a way in my head how I wanted to work it. It’s also a coming of age, with some of the songs that I wrote when I was seventeen that are still important. But they’re all written in different ways, because I never thought about it. I think half of them were written on guitar and vocals first, then instrumentals after. And half of it was written from a beat, which I received from my producer Farhot and I sang over it. “This World” came from a band jam. “Fyah Fyah” and “Break” all on guitar. “Peace of Mind” and “Crazy Sufferin’ Style” came from a beat. I think it’s interesting to see the whole process of building a song. From the idea, to putting it down on paper, to where it becomes musical. 

Were there any other producers that had significant inputs? 

Really that was it actually; them together with Patrice. The songs were ready and I have a real strong opinion about how I want it to sound. But my best working together with was with Farhot, he made the beats. And Patrice he was also a producer, he is an artist himself, and he found the musicians to play in the record, because I didn’t know hardly anyone at the time.
Had you recorded the album in the United States? 

No, everything was recorded in Germany. The whole record was recorded there. 

And are the musicians who were on the record touring with you as well? 

No. When I recorded the album, before that I was still playing solo. So after the album was recorded, I had to search for a band to play it live with me. 

Especially when a lot may be programmed, drum patterns and other instrumental parts, it’s important to be able to capture those elements? 
Yeah, it took a while. You don’t have a lot of really good hip-hop drummers in Belgium; it was a search. I changed drummers like three times or something. Even to have a band that speaks your language, that’s real cool, and it brings you closer, and now we’re all real good friends. 

Have you found that your music performing live changed much? 

Yes, of course. That’s actually been hard, because you record your record and then you play it live for a year and it’s getting better and better live. But you still stick with the fucking songs you recorded on the album. So it’s ten times better live than on the album. 

Do you find that different elements are brought out when playing the songs live? 
From the album? Yes, things that are necessary. For example, I don’t want a lot of vocals on tape because if you play live, you need to fill that out. But sometimes samples or kicks make it better live. That’s the thing I had to make a decision about because I have a lot of vocals on my album, and I’m a solo artist. I didn’t want to have all those vocals on tape, because it’s not always necessary. 

 Did you have an idea in your mind about how you wanted to layer the vocals on the record? 

I found that when listening, there were many subtleties and harmonies that were layered to fill it out in addition to developing a rhythm to the vocals. Yes, that’s something I wanted to do one hundred percent, totally myself. My melodies, vocals and my lyrics, that’s something I have to do and control myself. And the label knows that already. We had to fight a lot, but it’s so clear that everything with the art has to be the way that I see it. 

Was there any co-writing, lyrically? 

 No not yet, not on the first album. It’s hard, English is not my native language. But I’m really open to it if it’s the right words and things I want to say, then I’m open to get some help. 

And that led me to think of something else. Sometimes the label may have an idea for what they want the artist to be, and that may or may not agree with the intended direction for what the artist actually wants. But at the end of it all, the artist needs to have themselves engrained in the music. It’s also important to be conscious of that from a business standpoint, in maintaining a degree of control there. 

It’s true. Prince said the same thing to me actually. He said make sure you always have a little credit on what you write. I asked him for advice and that’s one of the things he said to me. Yeah, when you consider branding in music, you correlate artists, bands and musicians to brands. And you need to maintain how you want to define your brand. The music will help develop that brand and build it, but it’s important to consider how it is both received and perceived. Making sure that it’s what you want it to be. Especially for myself, I need to sing the songs every day and they need to represent me. I can’t imagine doing something that’s not yours. But I’m really tired of most songs, I wrote most of them when I was seventeen or eighteen, and I’m now twenty three. So it’s also a lot like ‘Fuck do I still want to do this?’ But then I think, at that time it was really honest and I really thought it was good at the time. Like, “Mommy” I was seventeen when I wrote that song. 

 And music is really a snap shop in time. Your ideas on day one may be much different from day five, year seven. It changes. The way you write is going to change after working with other musicians and absorbing different types of music, especially when traveling and playing in different countries. Have you felt that audiences receive your music differently from place to place when playing live? 

Yes, very much actually. I feel it more in Europe than I feel it here. In Europe, it changes with every country. Here, in the U.S., it’s the same good feeling here up until now. For example, when I play in Belgium people are really reserved like I am as well when I go and watch a show. I can be really serious about watching something and think it’s really good. I love it too when people are silent and a bit more shy. In the Netherlands they’re crazy. In Poland they’re completely nuts(yes yes I am always laughing at this one). And in the U.S. it’s been interesting; everything’s been good up to this point.    

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Post by This World of Selah Sue.

Selah Sue at Reyers Laat - talking about her depression

Scroll down and click on FULL SCREEN to watch it
TRANSLATION:
Reyers: Hi Sanne and mister De Wachter. Sit down please.
Reyers: So, welcome both of you, we brought you here on request of Sanne. Hello Sanne, I’m gonna call you Sanne because you’re not here as Selah Sue but as Sanne Putseys.
Sanne: Yes
Reyers: It’s about a reportage from a few weeks ago on Panorama with the subject ‘Taking pills for depression’. You have some questions about it?
Sanne: Yeah, questions is a big word, but I wanted to highlight a part of the reportage because I felt that It was not clear enough. I wanted to do this a long time ago but it did not happen because my music was more important.
Reyers: Good, I’m curious. Let us watch a part of the documentary.
- IRVING KIRSCH - 
Sanne: Yeah then I thought that’s ridiculous. Then I have to say, the people who get better with a placebo, wouldn’t have been really sick. In my case,I am 100% of who I am, by medication. Without antidepressants, it had never succeeded. I'm not saying medication is everything, but for people who are really sick, I think it's so wonderful that we live in this society now.
Reyers: You gonna explain ‘your case’ later. But first we gonna listen to Mister De Wachter. Why are you here?
De Wachter: 1 million people in Belgium are taking antidepressants and they are not all ‘sick’.
Reyers: Yes Sanne, when did it go wrong with you?
Sanne: It started when I was about 13 years old. But the depressions were already in the family, so for me it was partly genetic. For me it started with a small incident, what happens a lot in puberty. Be rejected, love from friends. I really don’t blame them because when it was not happened, there was probably something else that could go wrong. My family have helped me a lot. They are incredible. Also the help from psychologists and before that: sports, write everything down, do everything that can help for not being ‘desperate’. I came through until my 18 years. And then it started. It actually began on Marktrock, when I had to play on the Vismarkt, my first big performance. Then I wasn’t already ‘sick’ but I was very close. I know a lot of people will now be shocked with what I going to say now, but I remember when I had to go on stage, I had no contact anymore with friends, and nobody knew I was playing there. Before I had to go on stage my mother and sister were there and they were like ‘Come on Sanne, put your pants on, get dressed and go on stage, you can do this’. So, I did that. But while I was playing I wasn’t enjoying the fact that I was playing in front of Leuven, my own city, but I was thinking: ‘ Soon, I need to face all these people, how…’
Reyers: Many people will be shocked now. We have found a song by you which is really intimate. The song called Break.You have written this song when you were about 16 years old?
Sanne: 16, 17 right
 - BREAK -
Reyers: Isn’t it hard for you to watch this?
Sanne: No. It is actually a ‘life lesson’ and it is very important for me. It is all OK, life is a lesson and there is as much pain and sadness in the world than luck and happiness. I think people have to accept the fact that it’s not all about being happy. When people accept this, they will not use medication so quickly.
Reyers: But without medication you hadn’t been here.
Sanne: No. I needed that little push to go on with my life. I don’t say that it’s all from medication that I am here. You have to talk a lot and the environment is very important. But if you are really sick, it is the best method to get out of the depression.
De Wachter: I’ll try to answer this. Antidepressants will only work by people who are really sick. The same with antibiotics, people use them to much when it’s not really necessary. In 70% of the cases will antidepressants work when people are really sick, if it doesn’t, then we are talking about something else. Our family is also very very important and you have to talk with them, the environment, and your own motivation. I’m glad that you came here with your story because for people this is going to mean a lot. You are beautiful, successful and for people it is important to see that you had also a difficult puberty and you had to fight to be where you are now.
Sanne: How do you know when people are depressive? What are the symptoms because I really want to know that.
De Wachter: When people are really tired, reduces appetite, if they have suicidal thoughts, if they can’t enjoy life anymore and everything is too hard…
Sanne: Yes I’ve been there. Not for a very long time because I wanted to get out. I can identify with the symptoms. Get out of your bed, brush your teeth, get dressed, everything was so hard and no longer livable. Reyers: You are still taking pills?
Sanne: Yes, it was my birthday 2 days ago, I’m 25 now.
Reyers: Happy birthday!!
Sanne: Thank you. I tried to stop taking the pills 6 months ago but I failed. I just failed. I want to clarify that all my success isn’t the beginning of being happy. It’s not what made me happy. It’s really handy but it is not necessary.
De Wachter: yes, people have to know that they CAN BE unhappy.
Sanne: Yeah it’s a taboo that people have to be always happy. De Wachter. Exactly.
Sanne: I am just really lucky that I have my family. They were always there for me. I have really close friends and they cannot express their feelings. I think that’s ridiculous.
Reyers: I hope many people do something with your story and I hope it will help for them
Sanne: Yes that’s what I want.
Reyers: And now something for Selah Sue, when do your 2nd album comes out?
Sanne: It's something about November I think.
Reyers: Then we ask you again for an interview in November. Sanne: That’s ok (smilee)