Selkie Named June “Best Vocalist Of The Month”
With Her Song "Your Eyes”
Selkie
Selkie, a promising pop/rock singer/songwriter based in Cape Town, South Africa, has won the June SingerUniverse “Best Vocalist Of The Month” Competition, for her performance of her song “Your Eyes". Notably, this song was produced by London-based hit producer Stuart Epps, who is known for producing Elton John, Robbie Williams and Oasis.
“Your Eyes” is a distinctive, midtempo pop song which showcases Selkie's vocal performance and her songwriting. The arrangement starts off with just vocals and acoustic guitar, then piano is added, and then a full band comes in. Selkie's vocals are soulful and expressive--it feels like we''re listening to an interesting new artist with her own style. It's clear that the excellent production of Stuart Epps is an important contribution to the success of this cut.
Selkie (who is also known as Jess Yallup) grew up in the city of Durban, which is on the East Coast of South Africa. She started playing guitar and writing songs in 2008, and she also now plays piano. During high school, Selkie studied music theory and classical singing. She has been inspired by listening to such artists as Jeff Buckley, Radiohead and Coldplay. Selkie has also been involved with acting--she's entered acting competitions and performed in musical theatre productions.
Following high school, Selkie attended college for two years and studied music & drama, but then she decided to pursue her music career. In 2010 she formed a '70s-infused rock band, but her musical style has evolved. "I feel like I'm only really finding my sound now," explained Selkie. "I have over 30 original songs that I need to get recorded, but I don't plan on rushing anything. So right now I'm at a new chapter and at the beginning of a commitment I've made to myself, to be as true to my music as possible." Also in 2010, Selkie entered the South African version of Idols, and she became a Top 10 finalist.
Selkie
With the writing & recording of "Your Eyes," Selkie is off to a good start. She caught the attention of producer Stuart Epps by submitting her demo of "Your Eyes" for a free critique on the popular site, Music Xray. "Stuart loved the song and offered to produce it," she said. "It was quite an interesting process because I recorded the guitar and vocals with sound engineer Roger Scheepers in Cape Town, and the we sent the files off to the U.K. for Stuart to produce. It was a wonderful feeling, hearing it back when he had finished."
Currently, Selkie has been busy playing live as a solo act. She's completing a gig in Cote D'Ivoire (Ivory Coast, in West Africa) where she performs her original songs plus cover versions for five nights a week. She has also travelled to Qatar, Dubai, Jordan and the Seychelles. "I have written a song in every place I've travelled, and always include my own compositions in my sets. Without fail my most requested songs have been my own--which motivates me."
In addition, Selkie is looking forward to visiting the U.K. and collaborating there. "I'm making sure I have everything in order for a fruitful visit, now that I've made some good contacts there."
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To enter the next "Best Vocalist Of The Month" Contest (the deadline is the last day of each month), please Click Here
