Getting To Know.. S.E.L

f: How did you first get into writing and making music?

S.E.L: I’ve been learning music classically since the age of 5. I actually started to write music when I was 14. Started with writing my own songs over the instrumentals of singles I bought, then worked with my first songwriting partner when I was 18.

f: What was the first dance record you bought?

S.E.L: ‘We Call It Acieed’ By DMob – still love this track!

f: How would you describe your sound?

S.E.L: Authentic UK Soul and Soulful House.

f: Who were your musical influences growing up, and did they have an impact on your sound today?

S.E.L: Jamiroquai, Brand New heavies, Soul II Soul, Incognito. Yes! Hugely influenced my sound. All of them are such Legends. I am so blessed to have been part of the Soul II Soul Collective for so long in my early career. I learnt so much.

f: What was your first release?

S.E.L: My debut single was ‘Necessary’.

f: Which of your own tracks was the biggest labour of love to create?

S.E.L: Oh wow, it has to be ‘Falling’- featuring the talented Bryan Chambers.

f: You’ve just released your brilliant new collaborative single ‘Up’ with Michele Chiavarini, on Quantize Recordings. What can we expect to hear?

S.E.L: Authentic Uk Soul with House undertones.

f: And what was the inspiration behind the single?

S.E.L: I wanted to inspire people, but in a ‘don’t take rubbish from anyone and always know your worth’ kind of way.

f: DJ Spen and MicFreak have also remixed the single, what did they bring to the table?

S.E.L: Spen is just such a talented person. He truly embodies the essence of every track he remixes. So blessed to have worked with him on so many projects. MicFreak ,I admire for how he always puts such a personal touch on his remixes.

f: How did you and Michele link up and will you be working together even more in the future?

S.E.L: We have been working together for approximately 8 years now, Michele has been my partner on mostly all of my successful releases.

f: You’ve worked with some big names in music, including Soul II Soul, DJ Spen, Mica Paris, Booker T, SOS Band and Alicia Keys, to name a few. Who else would you most like to work with?

S.E.L: Omar – a true legend, and Speech from Arrested Development, he’s such a lovely person and legend.

f: Have you any plans to release a new S.E.L album?

S.E.L: I’ve released one album so far in 2021, ‘Loc’d In Consciousness’, which peaked at No.1 in Soul charts. DJ Spen and myself are planning a collaborative album next.

f: Who or what inspires your songs?

S.E.L: The need to empower people to be the best version of themselves.

f: Have you any tips for budding singers and songwriters just starting out?

S.E.L: Stay authentic. Refine your sound. Be the driver of your train. Let others jump on and off, but always know where you’re going.

f: What’s your favourite song at the moment?

S.E.L: ‘Black and British’ by Wretch 32. Can’t get enough of the whole HOME? album. It says so much and resonates. A true masterpiece.

f: What else are you working on at the moment that you can tell us about?

S.E.L: I have just released my first children’s book – Millie Dimble goes to the Fair (The adventures of Millie Dimble). Michele and myself are also working on another single. Can’t wait for you all to hear it!

‘Up’ (Original and DJ Spen & MicFreak Unda Da Ground Mix) is out now on Quantize Recordings.

‘Up’ (MicFreak & DJ Spen House Mix) will be released on Traxsource promo October 17th / Full release October 31st 2025 on Quantize Recordings.