Born Seldzhan Dervish in a small town in northern Bulgaria, Selderv is an electronic music artist whose career took off after moving to Copenhagen, inspired by the city’s vibrant music scene. Known for his minimalist and deeply expressive sound, Selderv has carved a niche in the Danish electronic music scene as one of its most distinctive and fast-growing talents.
His work reflects a blend of deep house and techno with a personal touch that resonates with his minimalist aesthetic. With his latest EP out now on Poker Flat, we wanted to get to know this master of minimalism a little better.
You’ve brought a blend of Melodic House and Techno into your music. Can you share who or what were your biggest musical influences when you first started producing?
I have many inspirations; it can be absolutely anything. I would say the old school generation really inspires me. Names like Acid Pauli, DJ Hell, Steve Bug, and others. I started producing by mistake. Initially, I had no idea what KiNK was doing, so I thought that was actually DJing. Inspired by him, I made my first steps in producing.
Reflecting on your performances, which one stands out as particularly memorable to you and why?
I don’t know how to answer this question because every artist has his own unique experience. For me, it’s those moments when the legendary pioneers of our genre play my music. That gives me the freedom to be even more creative in my art. For example, the moment I finished my remix of Graumann’s track “Bro House” (coming out very soon on my home label, Urge To Dance) in my bedroom, and the very next days, I saw a video of Solomun playing it at Pacha. That blew my mind and gave me the freedom to be more myself and unique.
Could you elaborate on the technical and creative decisions that went into making your new single ‘Igray’?
The techniques behind my track “Igray” are quite simple. As a minimalist myself, it reflects in my music. “Igray” is a 14-channel track. For the main lead, I used Pigments VST (which I really love). The drum hats are my personally recorded samples, but modified. I spent much more time on the sound design of the hats. The name means “Dance/Play” in Bulgarian. I wanted to give it those 2009/2010 Ibiza progressive/minimal vibes. So “Igray” is a track of mine that I’ll play for a long time.
On the new EP, New Moon is a co-production with Yasen Nedelchev. What was the collaborative process like with Yasen, and how do your creative energies complement each other in the studio?
It’s a funny fact that Yasen and I met in Varna, Bulgaria, so randomly while I was on vacation. We developed a very special friendship, but we have never been in a studio together. When I came back to Denmark after the vacation, I texted Yasen, “Hey, can you please send me the vocals of your track ‘Full Moon’,” which was already released by him in another version. I told him it was just for a practice session, nothing special. But surprisingly, it became my favorite track on the EP, and we called it “New Moon.”
With artists like Kadosh and Steve Bug remixing tracks on the EP, how do you see their interpretations influencing the perception of your original work? What do you think their remixes add to the narrative of the EP?
I never thought that I would have two very special remixes from two of my favorite artists in one EP. I am a big fan of both. There is no better fit than Kadosh and Steve Bug for this EP. I love how both kept the minimalistic sound and gave their own unique touch to them. I am more than proud.
How have you seen your music and your role in the industry evolve since you began, and what have been the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My role in the music industry is to dig deeper into the discographies of my favorite labels and artists as a DJ because I usually play older tracks with which I have an emotional connection. I rarely play promos. I’m more like, “Let me find it myself and spend the time to find my music.” The biggest challenge for me in the music industry is to keep my own style as unique as possible. There are a lot of talented artists in the industry, and making my own path is quite challenging.
What does your current studio setup look like, and are there any specific pieces of equipment or software that you consider essential to your production process?
My current studio is also my bedroom. As I mentioned, I’m a very minimalistic person. But in the near future, I am willing to go more analog because it’s more fun for me. I love to combine analog sound with digital as well, so the creative process can be anything that sounds good. I love what Behringer is doing at the moment. I have a few pieces from them and love them. I can’t live without my Aiaiai headphones.
How do you gauge and integrate audience feedback into your music production and live performances?
I have been a raver for a long time and am still one. I love to listen to other artists and musicians. So when I create a DJ set, I always try to collect my music to satisfy the raver inside me. I always try to tell a story with my DJ sets, so it’s more a story than just music to dance to.
Are there any new projects or directions you are particularly excited about exploring in the near future?
There are really cool projects that are upcoming that I can’t really talk about now, but they are really exciting. My direction is always changing since I am a very emotional person, so that means my music is evolving. Lately, I was inspired by 2010s progressive house with fat stabs, empty drops, and minimalistic percussions. That brought memories back and I felt nostalgia with a hint of futurism. What’s next, I don’t know yet.
What advice would you give to aspiring DJs and producers who are just starting out and look up to your work?
My advice to upcoming artists would be: Just make whatever makes you happy. Be yourself and be unique. There will always be someone who will appreciate your work and time.
Selderv & Yasen – New Moon is out now on Poker Flat
