Sergio Selim is a music producer, writer, performer, multi-instrumentalist, DJ and all -round musician who spends his time between his hometown of Sydney and Los Angeles. His musical journey began at the young age of 4 when he discovered the piano and classically studied the instrument well into his teens. He has been a frequent fixture on the live music scene in Australia for years and is heavily sought after. As a producer, Sergio has worked with some of the music industry’s most elite artists and producers, while at the same time working on his own solo projects. Sergio’s album ‘VERSION’ is his most recent release. With Synths and Keytars being his usual weapons of choice, Sergio delivers hybrid performances with an instrument he is most known for mastering; The Talk Box
Ahead of his performance at the Melbourne Synth Festival, Sergio found time to chat to us from LA
Do you recall the first time you heard an electronic music track that really caught your attention?
I remember being infatuated with “Pump Up The Jam” by Technotronic as a baby. That song is one of my earliest musical memories.
What were some of the music artists or albums that inspired you through your teens?
I have to credit classical, west coast hip hop and 70’s and 80’s funk+soul for shaping me musically. There are way too many to name, but Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis opened up my mind and ears with their genius production work and Prince is and always will be the blueprint of what being a musician is all about.
What was the first piece of music gear that you acquired?
I grew up with an upright acoustic piano in the house which is where I learned to play. My first real synth that I bought myself was a big, heavy Yamaha DX7 which I still have today.
Tell us about the gear you work with now to create your music
I’m a hardcore synth cat with a room full of synths, but with all the love they’ve been showing me this year, my Roland gear is being put to work more than anything else right now, especially the System 8 and I still use my Juno 106 just as much as any other synth that I own. I also use my JD-Xi both in the studio and live for everything from pads, drum loops and especially the talk box. I also love my Roland/Serato DJ-505 for DJ sets.
When did you first get into the keytar?
I’ve always loved the idea of stepping out from behind the keyboard stand with a keytar and jamming on stage, so when I finally got my hands on my first keytar, it was a wrap. I always focused not only on the playing, but on developing an original style with as much finesse and expression as any dope guitarist.
When did you first come across the talk box?
I used to hear the talk box on west coast hip hop records growing up, mostly used as an effect or background vocal and thought it sounded kinda cool. Every now and then I’d hear producers and talk box artists singing hooks which I thought was dope and wanted to give it a try myself. I’m grateful to now to be considered one of the top names in the world for the talk box.
What’s on the gear wish list?
Anything I don’t have! The Moog One looks incredible though.
What can we expect from your appearance at the Melbourne Synth Festival?
I’m going live for my family at Roland, messing with a bunch of their latest gear with maybe a surprise or two… pull up and rock with me!
What’s your latest recording that people can hear?
Check out my album ‘VERSION’ on iTunes, Spotify, Apple Music etc. http://smarturl.it/ssversion
What projects are you currently working on?
I’m always working on different projects with different artists, but I have some new solo material on the way. Stay posted on my socials for them new drops!
What artists are inspiring you at the moment?
I’m usually inspired by new sounds, new colours and new flavours that I can play with. Whether it come from a new sound pack, or a new synth, or anywhere else, I love new sounds and new gear.
What would be your dream collaboration?
Hey Jay Kay (Jamiroquai) … wanna do a song together?
What are you most proud of so far in your music career?
I’m an extreme perfectionist so I’m never really satisfied. I’m just looking forward to what’s next.
What do you have planned for 2019?
More. More music, more shows, more traveling, more life.
Connect with Sergio:
Instagram: @sergioselim
Facebook: facebook.com/sergioselimsounds
SoundCloud: soundcloud.com/sergioselim
YouTube: youtube.com/sergioselim