Seyblu

Finding her 'rock in the rapids' and sharing her fresh and bold R&B sound

• Seyblu is a dazzling jazz R&B songwriter and performer who radiates diversity and ferocity through her fashion sense and live shows. With a sound that seamlessly blends dreamy jazz chords, intimate songwriting, and ethereal vocals, Seyblu has crafted a fresh and bold R&B sound that is truly her own. Her latest EP, Silk Sessions, was created during a rustic cabin retreat with producer SLWJMZ, bringing to life romantic imagery through soulful melodies, raw lyrics and vocal harmonies, all set against the tranquil sounds of nature.

• In her recent single, "Backwards," Seyblu opens up about finding her "rock in the rapids" with a new lover. The R&B ballad is a tender piece, with a sparse accompaniment of acoustic piano and cello that highlights her powerful vocals. As the song builds towards its climax, it erupts into a beautiful harmony that showcases Seyblu's musical prowess.

• On the 24th of February, "17" was released, a powerful song born from a unique Instagram songwriting challenge. The lyrics reflect on loss of youth and societal constraints and invites listeners to reclaim their teenage freedom. Accompanied by a visually stunning music video that encourages authenticity and self-identity.

• Seyblu, you’re an accomplished and seasoned artist, could you share your journey in music with us? What inspired you to make music your career.

• Hey! So I have a lot of relatives who are classical musicians so (like everyone in my family), I started learning piano from about 5 and trained classically until I was about 15. Then I switched to jazz and sang the classics for many years. Even though I always wrote my own music, I didn’t take my songwriting seriously until I was about 26. It took a lot of self discovery and courage to leave my vocal jazz persona behind. But honestly, I always wanted to publish my own work. So now that it’s all I do, I just try to be authentic. For me right now, that means living out my own “eras” fully. I have chapters in my life that sometimes really consume me and right now, it’s a chapter of working really hard and wearing whatever I want. Just being a bit reckless with fashion and looks that inspire me. Even if it’s temporary. I think the reason I made music my career is because I can't imagine NOT doing it. I will do it whether people pay attention or not. And ultimately what I've learned about myself is that I have something to say so I feel a responsibility to share that.

• Your track 'Backwards' has left a deep impression on us. What was the inspiration behind the song's message, and can you walk us through your creative process of writing and recording it?

• Ohh man, that song happened to me like I just turned on a tap and the perfect song poured out. And that doesn't always happen! I do these songwriting challenges where you write a song per day for a month (a couple of times per year) and on day 6 one month, that song just happened. It was January 2021 and I was spending a lot of time with my partner during all of the restrictions of the pandemic. I had so much uncertainty in my life, without being able to perform etc and he was such a rock for me. It was easy to sing and write about that at that time. Then when it came time to record, I recorded a group of songs on the piano at my family cottage and it ended up being the perfectly warm and dreamy piano we needed. When we got back to the city, the idea came to get cello and bass and after putting those in, it felt like we shouldn’t add any more. Like, adding something would’ve spoiled it or something. So, there you have it.

• Your mastery of songwriting is evident in your work. Could you shed some light on your creative process and how you continue to grow and refine your craft? Additionally, who are some of the artists that have influenced your sound and themes?

• The songwriting challenges have been a huge growth and learning process for me. Just allowing yourself to create a mess everyday is such a great way to flex the writing muscle. And evidently, you’ll be surprised with the songs you end up loving. Then I feel like it’s a process of being able to let go of the pieces you don’t like and embracing alllll the elements of the ones you do like. Just being able to stand your ground on WHY you love a sound, melody, or chord progression.

• Some of my fav groups and artists for writing are: (past) Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone, Stealy Dan and (new) Anderson Paak, Snoh Aalegra, Charlotte Day Wilson, Solange.

• What exciting developments, or projects can we expect from you in 2023?

• So I just released my single "17" and it's one of the most vulnerable songs I've ever released. I've never been so excited to release something. And I’m releasing 8 more songs from now until early 2024 with the help of the Ontario Arts Council! My producer and I have been working hard on them for the last 6 months and they will come out mostly in singles. It’s very exciting :)))

• As a magazine with a strong focus on music and food, we are curious: if your music could be represented by a drink or food item, what would it be and why?

• I like to think of my music as a black coffee with a croissant. My favourite type of coffee is dark roast, black, and full-bodied. I want it bold and straightforward. This is my real and vulnerable side. But to contrast, I also love the buttery, fluffy and light character of a croissant. It’s like a soft-landing, a sweet kiss, a warm blanket on tumble dry. I feel connected to both.