From Legacy to Liberation: International Recording Artist Selina Albright Carves Her Own Path in Music and Sets a New Standard for Independent Success Worldwide! 

Interview by Gina Sedman | The Indie Post Magazine Head Editor 

I had the honor of interviewing Selina Albright, an accomplished singer-songwriter originally from Los Angeles, now residing in London. She grew up in a musical family, with her father, jazz saxophonist Gerald Albright, influencing her early development as an artist. Her mother, Glynis Albright, is famously known as The Waffle Queen for her successful waffle business. Selina recorded professionally at the age of 16 and began her solo career in 2010, collaborating with notable artists and honing her unique sound. 

In this interview, we discuss her musical journey, her decision to pursue an independent path, and the importance of creative freedom and authentic connections with her audience. Recently, Selina and some of her favorite musicians based in Europe formed a new band called NW FRQNC (“New Frequency”), set to release their first single, “Come Over, "in November, alongside her hit song "Dishonest Smile," which has resonated deeply with listeners. Selina's journey reflects her dedication to music, her rich family heritage, and her ongoing evolution as an artist.  

Gina: Hi Selina! 

Selina: Hi, Gina. 

Gina: Thank you so much for your time today. 

Selina: Thank you for having me. 

Gina: My pleasure. Thanks for sharing a bit of your life with us. I know you're busy, so I really appreciate your time. 

Selina: I appreciate being on your platform, and I'm honored to be here. Thanks for letting me share it for a while. 

Gina: Of course, Selina. First off, your voice is beautiful. 

Selina: Thank you, Gina. 

Gina: We have a lot to unpack today, but before we get into everything, can I ask—where are you from, and where are you currently residing? 

Selina: Sure! I’m originally from Southern California, specifically Los Angeles, born and raised. Now, I live in London, UK. 

Gina: That’s amazing. You recently moved out there, right? 

Selina: Yes, just over a year ago. I never thought I’d make this move so early in life—I thought it would be a retirement thing after the kids grew up. But they’re here with us, and it’s great. 

Gina: That’s wonderful. So, Selina, how did you first get started in your professional career? 

Selina: Well, Gina, both my mom and dad are musically inclined. My dad made a career out of it. He’s a true jazz saxophone legend—though he’s also well-versed in funk and R&B. His name is Gerald Albright. 

I’ve been around music since before I was born, so by the time I was two, my parents noticed I was already singing on key. They knew I’d need training, so my dad got me into the studio. I recorded professionally for the first time at 16, on his Live To Love album. By the time it came out, I was 17, and I sang on about three or four tracks. That was “little baby Minnie Mouse-sounding Selina” on those songs! Later, in 2010, I decided to get serious about being a solo artist and released my first single, You and I, which I co-wrote with my dad. He really helped me get my start. 

From there, I worked with artists like Brian Culbertson, who helped me release my first EP, Brighter. That was my first major tour outside of my dad’s, and it was such a learning experience—so much fun! I’ve had the pleasure of working with other great artists too, like David Benoit, and many others. By the time I became a solo artist, I already had the skills I needed from years of absorbing music around me. I’d been in the studio with my dad while he worked with people like Lalah Hathaway and Regina Bell. I remember watching Will Downing rehearse when they worked on my dad’s Pleasures of the Night album. I was there when they mixed it, constantly tuning my ear. 

I loved music so much, but I tried to do other things too—I even considered becoming a school counselor or a dentist. For 20 years, I ran a tutoring business. But eventually, music took over, and I decided to pursue it full-time. Now, I’m playing all over the world, living out God’s dream for me. It’s so surreal to see the things I once prayed for coming true. I’m living the dream, singing and getting paid to do what I love. Thinking about my younger self and how much I wanted this—it’s just amazing. Now, the sky’s the limit! 

Gina: That’s such a beautiful story, Selina. What a blessing to grow up around so much talent and be exposed to incredible music! I can see how it’s influenced you in such a meaningful way. How do you feel your dad’s musical gifts have shaped your own style? 

Selina: Well, Gina, some people say that when I sing, ad-lib, or scat, my voice sounds like my dad’s saxophone. I’ve memorized and transcribed his sax solos since childhood, hearing him practice them repeatedly. He’s a perfectionist, so he would listen over and over again, and that became part of my environment. 

He was like a music hub for me, with all my musical "uncles" and "aunties" feeding into my career. Because of Dad, I was exposed to enough musicians, artists, and genres of music to start finding what would eventually be my own sound. I’ll always appreciate him for that. 

Gina: That’s incredible! What a journey. Let me ask, did you ever consider playing the sax like your dad? 

Selina: You know, Gina, I did try the sax for fun once, and it sounded terrible! It was like listening to a suffering sea lion! 

Gina: That’s beautiful, Selina! Now, I’d love to hear your thoughts on this: music culture varies so much across the globe. In the U.S., there’s amazing talent, but in other places, like the UK, there’s a unique appreciation for music. They cherish vinyl records, frequent record stores, and discuss music history with such passion. In contrast, sometimes in the U.S., concertgoers can seem more distracted, chatting during performances. What have your experiences been traveling and seeing these differences in how people celebrate music? 

Selina: Well, Gina, America is where I got my start, and I’ll always appreciate it for that. But even when I lived in the U.S., I noticed a difference when I performed in places like Germany for Smooth Jazz Europe. People from the UK, Portugal, Italy, and other countries would drive five hours or more just to see my show. Many didn’t even know me; they just loved the music and wanted to experience it live. 

In America, you usually only see that dedication for huge artists like Janet Jackson or Chris Brown. If an artist is independent or lesser known, it’s harder to draw a crowd, even if the music is incredible. The enthusiasm here in the UK, though, is a lot greater. 

In the UK, music fans are really dedicated. They’ll hear about a show, book their tickets, and often fill the venue before the week of the performance. I’ve sold out shows in places like Holland, Italy, and Portugal, and people just come. So yes, there’s more love outside of America. Part of it might be that I’m seen as “exotic” or “new,” being from the U.S. But it’s amazing to be here and experience this kind of support. 

Gina: Thank you for sharing that, Selina. Growing up with a father who had a significant presence in the music industry, you had the option to sign with a major label but decided to go the independent route. What do you appreciate most about being independent compared to being signed to a major label, and what influenced this path? 

Selina: I love that you asked that, Gina. The reason I turned down four contracts was because I thought, "Why do that if I already have fans?" I could work a little harder or adjust a few things, like my recent move to the UK. I realized I could handle things on my own, have more fun, and avoid the pressures of a label taking a large cut of my earnings. 

The deals just didn’t match the value I knew I was bringing. By 2017, I decided it was better to invest in myself. My dad, who’d been through this process many times, paired me with a strong team for my production company. That guidance saved me from many mistakes. Of course, sometimes they warned me, and I went my own way anyway, only to realize they were right. But I believe each experience was meant to teach me a lesson or build a skill I needed. 

Being an independent artist allows me to stay focused and creative on my terms. It’s freeing—I can release and produce music how I want, without anyone limiting my creativity or putting me on their schedule. Independence lets me be true to myself and move at my own pace. 

Gina: So true, Selina! Independence gives you the freedom to be uniquely you, without feeling like someone else is steering for their benefit. I'm so glad you chose to live by your own rules. Now you can show more creativity without restrictions. 

Selina: Absolutely, Gina. I know that if I’d signed with a label that didn’t allow me that freedom, I’d have to find a way out. Every experience I go through, for better or for worse, I express in the form of a song, once I’ve fully processed it and I’m ready to let my audience in on it. Sharing that with others and hopefully helping someone along their journey is my goal, but I couldn’t do that under someone else’s control. 

I love writing my own music, and I collaborate a lot. Recently, I formed a new band called “NW FRQNC" with artists from Italy, Holland, Maluku, and Colombia. We’re releasing our first single in November, and it's already on the airwaves. If I’d signed with a label, I might not have been able to do this. So, I'm grateful for my path. 

Gina: That’s amazing, Selina! Congratulations to you and your band. Now, you mentioned the new project coming in November. Let’s dive into that. 

Selina: Sure! Let me tell you about Dishonest Smile first. I wrote it in 2019, while I was pregnant, exhausted, and trying to juggle too much. Writing was therapeutic, and it helped me work through everything I was facing. When I finally released it in 2022, it resonated deeply with moms everywhere. There's a line in the chorus that says, "I don't know just what I'm supposed to ask for. Does the joy really come in the morning? I’d almost rather cry on this cold floor and watch you snore because I still have to brave tomorrow morning with a dishonest smile.” That song has become an anthem, and it’s such a powerful reminder for me. 

As for the new song, in 2019, right before I found out I was pregnant, I was invited to perform in Italy with Gianni Vancini and members of the Dutch acid jazz group The Pact. We created five songs together and had an amazing response. Now that I’ve moved overseas, we decided to go back to the studio and create an album from scratch. Our first single, Come Over, is super fun, with live instruments and a touch of MIDI, mixed by Grammy-winning engineer Bob Horn. The album should drop next year, and we’ll be promoting it with a tour. We’ve been selling out shows even without the album release, which is incredible. 

Gina: Will the new album be available on vinyl? 

Selina: This has yet to be officially decided, but I do agree with you that vinyl would be a perfect way to experience this new album!! 

Gina: Wonderful! Now, could you share your website so everyone can follow your journey and performance schedule? 

Selina: Absolutely! You can find me at https://selinaalbright.com or on social media as Selina Albright or under Selina Albright Music. I manage my own social media pages and mailing list, so when you comment, it’s really me reading your messages. So, let’s connect! 

Gina: Thank you, Selina. One last request: could you share some wisdom for independent artists? Many of our readers are independent artists themselves, and they draw inspiration from stories like yours. What advice would you offer to uplift them? 

Selina: I have a couple of important points. First, remember that each of us is unique. Embrace what makes you different and hold onto it—your individuality is your greatest asset. When you connect with the right people who value your unique voice, you’ll see why the journey was challenging but worth it. 

Secondly, stick to the path. True success takes time, and the journey is filled with lessons. Third, don’t forget to celebrate every small victory, because each step forward is more significant than it seems. Those are my top three, but they’re all interconnected! 

Gina: Beautifully said, Selina. Thank you for your openness in sharing your journey with us. It’s an honor, and I know your story will inspire many readers. I pray that God continues to bless your path and protect you and your family on this incredible journey. Thank you so much for this interview. 

Selina: Thank you, Gina. 

Gina: My pleasure, Selina. Have a wonderful evening. 

Selina: You too. Bye.