Biography

In December 2008 Selma self-released her debut album, called ‘Umbrellas’. The cd contains 11 songs written and recorded by herself. Some of the songs can be heard on this site and on Myspace.com.On the song “Ben seni severim” you’ll also hear Babak Amiri (from the band Babak o doestan) on zarb (Iranian percussion) and backing vocals. The combination of Selma’s haunting voice, the melancholic guitar and the beautiful sound of the Turkish baglama, together with the subtle eastern percussion, makes this album an unique mixture of western and eastern music.

Blog With music in my mind , October 2011, about "Umbrellas":

You must expect to be captivated by Selma Peelen's music. She comes from the Netherlands, a famous country close to mine that houses some of the best singers of the moment as Janne Schra (ex Room Eleven), Signe Tollefsen, Anneke Van Giersbergen and so on (the list is far from exhaustive).

In short, Selma turns out to be "one more" add to the list of best singers. Upon discovery, it was love at first sight for her haunted music that blends acoustic folk with Ladino and oriental music. An adventurous musical journey; colourful though melancholy, original and yet timeless. The young beauty with a crystal clear voice that rivals modern sirens, also features a sharp and inventive musicianship.

To let us know, in 2008, Selma wrote, composed, recorded and produced on her own her first record ‘Umbrellas’. (The only outside help is from Babak Amiri, her musical companion, who sings and plays percussion on the title Ben Seni Severim). A great album in every way: exciting and passionate, it enchants the listener with its fluidity, its expressive and spirituous beauty and ability to bridge the gap between Western and Eastern music with class, excitement, freshness and simplicity.

Selma Peelen's favourite instruments are piano, acoustic guitar (Spanish) and the baglama (also known as the saz, a Turkish lute). The meeting of genres hits the heart of its goal; the ears of the listener are easily seized by such a bewitching and beautiful artist.

Not to be missed.

Because of this first, self-produced, album that stands out as a brilliant debut, I'm looking forward to the following record, just to know if I will vibrate with the same intensity."

Sabine de Greef

Selma proclaimed Local Hero by popmagazine Live XS November 2009