Babes of Bass Interview #9: Zen Selekta

The fifth interview of Lightning in a Bottle is with Zen Selekta. Zen Selekta is a Atlanta-based DJ known for all-consuming stage presence that commands her crowds with deep, melodic and shadowy bass. Her music tells a story and entangles her listeners in the magik of the Zen Selekta. Dive in with Zen Selekta and Baby Kush during her interview at Lightning in a Bottle:

Baby Kush: How did you decide on your artist name?

Zen Selekta: I wanted to blend my passion for music with my mission to help heal people and so Zen just felt like a natural choice. When I fell in love with sound system culture, I found the work Selecta and I was like, ‘That’s what I am! I’m a Zen Selekta!’ 🧘‍♀️🎧🕉️

Baby Kush: When did you realize that you wanted to be a DJ and music producer?

Zen Selekta: I found music thanks to my older sister, she started going to raves way before me and I would see that. I would just dream of doing that. 🥰✨

Baby Kush: What do you wish a younger version of yourself knew before you started your artistic journey?

Zen Selekta: I would tell myself to nurture my inner artist and be kind to my inner artist because you can’t bully yourself into being better. Overall, prioritize my mental health and my spirituality. 😌💞

Baby Kush: What advice do you have for aspiring women DJs and producers?

Zen Selekta: If you feel called to do this, follow that calling. The world needs your sound. The world needs more femme producers. What you have to say is important. It’s not about being perfect, the most important thing is to be authentically you. Fall in love with the journey, fall in love with the process, and of course support other women because fostering our community is super important. ✊👯‍♀️

Baby Kush: What is your dream b2b?

Zen Selekta: I’m gonna say Clozee. Her sound played a huge role in my musical direction. Going back to back with Clozee would be like a full circle moment. I do feel that we would play off of eachother’s styles really well. I think it would be badass.💫

Baby Kush: What advice do you have for other DJs when it comes to stage presence?

Zen Selekta: I want to inspire other people to fearlessly express themselves, which is part of the reason why I do that on stage. The music just moves through me. It goes into just being authentically you and being fearless about the way you express yourself. Take up space, be you 110%. 😈✨

Baby Kush: What is your most memorable fan interaction?

Zen Selekta: Anytime a fan has come up to me and told me that my music has healed them, that just means so much to me because that is my mission. That just really affirms to me that I’m on the right path. 😌✊

Baby Kush: Do you feel like your style has changed since you started your journey until now?

Zen Selekta: My essence has stayed the same but my taste has evolved just like music has evolved. 🌱🌳

Baby Kush: What do you want your legacy to be?

Zen Selekta: I want to be remembered as someone who made people feel deeply, empowered people to express fearlessly, and made an impact on the world through healing others through my music and my platform as an artist. ⚡️⚡️⚡️

Check out the video interview on Instagram here.