Congratulations on the release of your single “Mr. W”! What is the story behind this new track?
SEMH: Mr. W stands for all questions that remain unanswered in a relationship with a person. A one-sided relationship. Questions you ask yourself every second of every day about this person. Why do not you write me? When do you come over? Why are you doing this to me? I think everyone has had a Mr. W or even a Mrs. W in their life.
Can you take us through your songwriting process?
SEMH: I've been writing all my life. I express my memories and visions in words. When I have a moment or a feeling, I find it easy to find the words. They just come out of me! And to make a story easy to read and feel, I try to bring a flow into it. A flow through melody and beats. That's how my songs come about.
You have such an incredible, unique sound to your music! Are there any other artists or aspects in your life you think influence your sound?
SEMH: As a child I was already very much in contact with music. Different genres have accompanied me. But mostly jazz! I started playing the vibraphone when I was 9 years old. This soft, waving sound has always grabbed me. And the interest in real, pure sounds - like that of a western guitar. A symbiosis of real guitar sounds and flowing rhythms, which are also created by the vocals, is a perfect symbiosis for me.
How do you use your perspective as a film director in your music?
SEMH: This is a very interesting question and a very intelligent question too! Images and visions play a big role in my songwriting process. I've always been a visual person. My work as a director enables me to orchestrate images into my songs. This is also the reason why I direct all my music videos myself. Also, I don't like to hand over the scepter.
What would you say is your go-to karaoke song?!
SEMH: OMG. I don't like karaoke! But when I do it, and I only do it when alcohol is involved, I think I can sing anything! I'm so convinced of myself that I just want to sing EVERYTHING. Accordingly, this show is terrible for everyone who has to experience it. But if you ask me about my favorite song: it is definitely “Carly Simon - You're So Vain”
What can we expect next from you? After hearing your other music, I can’t wait to hear more from you!
SEMH: My next single will be released in October. “The way you are”. Of course also with a music video - we are already working on it. And a single will follow this year. The highlight of this year! The song is called "please". I'm already training hard for the shoot. That's a huge challenge for me. But it just becomes fire. So this year is so exciting for me. It’s unbelievable what happens every day. I love it – I’m very thankful that peoples hear my music. It’s crazy.
Interviewed By Sarah Curry
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