In the intersection where rhythms and harmonies weave together to craft intricate sonic landscapes that resonate deep within, Selador Recordings emerges, standing on the shoulders of creativity and unwavering devotion to musical mastery. For over a decade, this label, born from the shared vision of Dave Seaman and Steve Parry, has left a most recognizable imprint on the electronic music scene.
The saga of Selador Recordings begins with a serendipitous encounter between two kindred spirits whose mutual adoration for electronic sounds transcended all boundaries. Reflecting on the label’s genesis in previous interviews, Steve Parry elucidates on Selador’s genesis, describing it as “the independent label that Dave and I launched a decade ago as a platform not only for our own productions but also for the finest club music we could unearth from our network of friends and emerging talents worldwide.”
What initially began as a labor of love swiftly blossomed into a behemoth of sonic exploration, propelled by Dave and Steve’s unyielding quest for musical perfection. From its inception, Selador embarked on a clear mission—to traverse the diverse terrain of electronic music, embracing genres ranging from house to techno and beyond.
The genesis of the label’s name finds its roots in a poignant moment from Richard Kelly’s cult classic film ‘Donnie Darko’ (2001), where a character muses on the most melodious pairing of words in the English language: “cellar door.” This assertion posits that nothing else quite encapsulates the beauty of our vocabulary as profoundly. For the duo behind the label, this notion resonated deeply, reflecting their perpetual pursuit of the ideal beat.
Inspired by the concept of “beautiful sound” inherent in communication, the name ‘Selador’ encapsulates their artistic ethos, symbolizing an unwavering commitment to curating sonic landscapes that transcend mere auditory experiences. In their quest for sonic perfection, the duo harnesses the power of music to evoke emotions and forge connections, echoing the profound resonance of “cellar door” in the collective consciousness.
Throughout its illustrious journey, Selador has curated a catalog of releases that exemplify the label’s commitment to quality and diversity. Among its standout releases is the seminal track, the Show-B remix of Jaap Ligthart & Alice Rose’s ‘I Know Change,’ which garnered widespread acclaim and cemented Selador’s reputation as a purveyor of cutting-edge electronic music. This release not only captured the attention of top DJs but also resonated with audiences worldwide, propelling Selador into the spotlight.
As the label celebrates its milestone anniversary, Dave Seaman and Steve Parry reflect on the label’s journey and its significance within the ever-evolving landscape of electronic music. In an interview, Dave Seaman remarked, “Our younger selves from back in 2013 would be happy with what we’ve achieved in our first decade.” Their steadfast dedication to their craft and unwavering commitment to musical integrity have solidified Selador’s position as a trusted name in the industry.
Throughout the past months, the imprint has released a series of EPs, titled ‘Selador Decade’. A colorful string of five releases, the ‘Selador Decade’ series managed to showcase the true sound of Selador through the musical vision of some of the most impactful artists on the scene, including names such as Quivver, Robert Babicz, Hannes Bieger, Captain Mustache, Magit Cacoon, Doc Martin, and more.
Looking ahead, Selador embraces the future with optimism and enthusiasm, eager to embrace new technologies and trends that shape the music industry. Steve Parry acknowledges the transformative power of technology, stating, “AI is obviously really exciting and quite daunting in equal measures, but we’ll be investigating what positive advances we can make by engaging with it.” In an era defined by rapid technological advancements, Selador remains at the forefront of innovation, continually pushing the boundaries of electronic music.
As Selador embarks on the next chapter of its journey, the label’s legacy now serves as a blueprint for other aspiring brands and creatives. With each release, Selador reaffirms its commitment to musical excellence, inspiring audiences and artists alike to explore new sonic frontiers and embrace the boundless possibilities of electronic music. As Dave Seaman aptly puts it, “Selador is a label of consistent quality that both artists and music lovers can trust.”
In celebration of a decade of groundbreaking music, the imprint looks towards the future with anticipation and excitement, ready to take on the next chapter of its storied journey. As the beats continue to pulse and the melodies weave their magic, Selador remains a strobing light in the ever-expanding universe of electronic music.
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