Behind The Sound: Selena Faider

Next Sound Updated: 10/15/2025

We interview Selena Faider about her rise in dance music, her creative process and the moments that shaped her sound.

5 minutes read

We sat down with DJ, producer, songwriter, and vocalist Selena Faider, whose vibrant energy and versatile creativity are making her a standout voice in dance music. From getting her first turntables at 12 years old to collaborating with the legendary Todd Terry and playing a set for Book Club Radio, Selena’s journey is one of ambition, authenticity, and a deep love for music. We talked about how it all started, her creative process, preforming live, and what’s next as she continues to define her sound and vision.

Journey So Far

Can you take us back to the beginning. What first drew you into dance music, and when did you realise this was the path you wanted to follow?

My parents met in a Parisian club 30 years ago (I’ve always said I was born in a club lol) and used to go to a lot of gigs. One day, they went to see Zucchero live. After the show, they met a woman outside the venue and started chatting with her - it turned out to be Lisa Hunt, Zucchero’s backup vocalist in the late 1980s. In 1997, when I was born, she even came to visit them at the maternity ward. To me, that was my first real connection with music. I’ve always known, from an early age, that this was what I wanted to do with my life. Is it linked? Who knows, lol.

You’ve worked as DJ, producer, songwriter and vocalist. How have those different roles shaped your identity as an artist? 

Everything came step by step. I received my first turntables at the age of 12, where I started learning how to beatmatch and mix two tracks together. A year later, I got a piano and completely fell in love with it. I naturally started to sing and write my first songs and melodies. But moving to London changed everything for me, as a person and as an artist. London has had a huge impact on my entire journey.

Was there a specific moment in your journey that felt like a breakthrough or turning point? 

There are a few moments that really stand out. I’ll never forget when my very first track came out alongside Todd Terry, that was surreal. Just a couple of months later, I made my debut with Defected Records for their virtual festival. They eventually became my first agency, which opened the door to touring. I’m forever grateful to the people who believed in me and gave me those first opportunities.

Creative Process

When you start a new track, what usually sparks the first idea? 

It’s definitely a mix of my emotions, what’s happening in my life, and what I want to share with people. It’s like stirring a magical soup, tossing in a variety of ingredients - some songs bubble up in 30 minutes, while others simmer for months, even years, before they’re ready.

I love every moment of this creative process.

How do you approach working with other artists and what do you look for in a collaboration?

I love discovering new people and the energy they bring. Every collaboration feels like a fresh conversation with life itself, full of surprises and possibilities - and that’s exactly what I’m seeking.

Touring & Performance

What does performing live give you that producing in a studio doesn’t?

The crowd’s energy, for sure. You can always imagine or picture in your head a reaction to a song, but in reality, there’s nothing better than people’s love - people are truly the essence of music.

Do you change your sets depending on the crowd and city, or do you prefer to bring your own world to every stage?

It depends, a bit of both. I’d say, I always have a vision for my set but you never know how the crowd will respond. The magic of DJing is reading the energy, adapting, and staying flexible. You can’t show up with everything mapped out, sometimes the beauty is in being unprepared and letting the night guide you.

Is there a show or tour memory that stands out as especially meaningful for you? 

Recently, the people of New York left a huge impression on me. I had the honor of playing a set for Book Club Radio, and wow - what a moment. The energy, the connection, the love in the room that day, it’s something I’ll cherish for a long time.

Upcoming Project & Vision

What upcoming projects, releases or collaborations are you most excited about right now?

I just released my new single, In It, on Another Rhythm.

There’s a lot of exciting stuff coming up, but I’ll have to wait for the official announcement. My manager will kill me if I spill the beans now, lol. But don’t worry, you guys will be the first to know!

How do you see your sound evolving in the next few years?

My sound is evolving every day. I’m growing every day, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for me in the years ahead. As long as I stay true to myself, there are no limits to what I can create.

What do you hope listeners feel or experience when they connect with your music? 

We should probably ask them that question directly, lol. But if my music can lift them in any way - or even just leave them feeling good at the end of the day, that’s already a win in my book.

Looking ahead, what’s the dream milestone you'd love to achieve in your career?

Guess we’ll talk about it when that Grammy call comes, lol.

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A huge thank you to Selena for taking the time to share her story with us. Starting out in Paris and now reaching audiences around the world, her journey reflects a deep connection to music and the people it brings together. With new projects on the horizon and an ever-evolving creative vision, Selena continues to light up dancefloors and inspire with her authenticity and passion.

Stay connected with Selena and keep an eye out for her upcoming projects.

 ↳ Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | SoundCloud | Facebook | YouTube

Check out her new single, "In It".

 ↳ Spotify | Apple Music | Tidal | Beatport