Saleka Shyamalan shares how a little ‘grit and mysticism’ led her to her new song ‘Selfish’ (exclusive)

After viewers tuned in to the fourth and final season of server, they might find themselves humming a certain samba beat after watching a certain episode. That seductive and sensual melody will be “Selfish”, the new song released by Saleka Shyamalan, Also known as Saleka, today (February 24). The music, in addition to appearing in the M. Night Shyamalan The AppleTV Original series will also appear in Saleka’s upcoming EP, attic songs, which will also collect all of his singles from the series. But, as she shares, “Selish” almost became a different track. “The episode for which I wrote ‘Selfish’ was written and directed by my brilliant sister Ishana Shyamalan!” She says Hollywood Life.

“I had an idea for a song that I started writing after reading the script and also started recording it,” says Saleka. “But then I talked more with my sister about the scene and realized I had to change direction. So I scrapped that first song and started a new one, which became “Selfish”. I understood that music needed a little courage and mysticism. This wasn’t just a song about a sweet romantic moment between Leanne (in the green tiger) and Julian (Rupert Grint), there is also a lot of tension and darkness here. Ishana and I call this song Leanne’s “Witches Waltz”.

“Sonically, the instrumentation really came together around the main piano chord/rhythm,” says Saleka. HL extension “There were some tricky elements, but it was a super fun track to build, something that hopefully makes you want to move a bit but is also scary. Lyrically, the song describes what it’s like to fall in love with someone while terrible things are happening outside. The first lines want to clarify immediately: “The devil knocks on my window while you sleep here next to me, while the world ends, I’ll keep you company”.

“I found this dynamic really provocative. There can be so much purity and beauty, but also a lot of guilt and fear and shame,” she adds. “Both parts are intense and true. Perhaps this is a situation that other people can relate to as well. How do we allow ourselves to feel love and happiness knowing that others are suffering? We should?”

This moving perspective made Saleka’s music not only an integral part of creating the perfect environment for server but why is it a shining star on the horizon of music? “Selfish” marks his second single of 2023, after “All I Want”, another track used in the M. Knight Shyamalan series. The final season ends in March, but Saleka’s music career will continue to grow. In an EXCLUSIVE interview, she also explains her writing style, why she considers herself an “album” artist, and when fans can expect her first full project to come.

HL: You’ve had a prolific 2022, releasing several singles for the Apple TV series server, as well as a handful of independent singles. To what do you attribute this creative vein?

Saleka: Well, first of all thank you. I’ve never thought of it that way! I’m lucky to have so many wonderful artists and musicians around me all the time, and that motivates me to keep repeating. Especially with my family, whenever we’re together, we talk about art and creativity, things we’re struggling with, and new ideas we have. It is the most favorable environment. I also think I have the opportunity to write songs for server it was an ideal outlet for me. The show has a lot of depth and I was constantly inspired by it. There is so much plot and emotion and mystery to delve into in each script that it really makes me want to write. I also think having two sonically different projects to write at the same time was a lot of fun – each kept teaching me things that helped the other. work inside serverI’ve found that writing music for film and television, especially long-form projects through narrative, is something I truly love and hope to continue doing forever.

How does your writing style differ when you create music for a visual property like serverthan when you write a song for yourself?

For server, I’m writing in the voice of fictional character Vivian Dale. I write each song from the scripts and to fit a very specific role in the scene and within the character arc. I like to make the lyrics feel like a parallel story to what’s happening on the show, especially from Leanne’s point of view, as her character connects to the music the whole time. the album for server The show is also different sonically, I wanted to keep it more rooted in the live space, getting closer to the world of blues and jazz, and not too modern. He also wanted to keep the instrumentation limited and consistent so it always felt like a band. But, just like with my music, I always want to create music that I’m very attached to emotionally and that will always remain the most important element of songwriting for me.

Do you see yourself making an album? Streaming has changed the way we listen to music so that, in theory, you can only be an artist. Or do you have ambitions for a bigger project?

Decidedly. I grew up listening to records. I still mostly listen to albums, start to finish. I released singles to start learning about the industry and build a foundation, but all singles are part of a bigger project. And the server All songs have been written and produced to exist as a full EP, which will be released on March 17th! I will also be releasing my album later this spring, which will merge many of the singles I’ve released with the rest of an album I wrote at the same time but haven’t yet shared.

How would you describe a Saleka fan? For example, who do you see as the kind of person who would shine when they put on music first thing in the morning (or last thing after a late night)?

I guess I’m hoping there isn’t one specific type of fan, but that it could resonate with any different type of person. At this point, I’m just grateful for anyone who hears the song. The music I make is very personal and I give a lot of detail. I have had amazing experiences meeting people or reading messages from people who connect with a specific music. Sometimes they take the time to tell me what it means to them or how it has impacted them personally, those moments mean everything to me. I also enjoyed seeing how other artists use songs: to create covers, choreography, paintings, videos and everything in between. Since everything is so digital now and usually just numbers on a screen, that makes these connection cases so special. It reminds me why I love music.

What is the main goal or goals for 2023?

Finish songs EP for server It was definitely a goal – I can’t wait for everything to exist as a model. Writing for this show meant a lot to me. After that, my album will be out in the late spring, and I’ll be on tour during that time as well. I’m also working on a really exciting project that will take up most of this year – it’s basically in the dark right now, but more on that soon!

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