Contributing Writer
New on Poker Flat, a four track release entitled New Moon, via the Bulgarian born Selderv (now living in Denmark), and several collaborators across the EP. New Moon is a co-production with Yasen (Yasen Nedelchev, also from Bulgaria) and showcases a burgeoning partnership – the track is fully primed for maximum dancefloor euphoria.
With the EP out now, Yasen has picked out 10 tracks that continue to inspire him to this day.
“Music has always been an important part of my growing up experience and my development as a human and an artist. From dancing to singing to production, I firmly believe it’s the closest thing to magic we get to experience as humans. Hopefully you enjoy this selection of personal favorites and inspirations!” Yasen
Bellini – Samba De Janeiro
One of my first musical inspirations and one of the first songs I vividly remember binge listening to over and over again, sitting on my bed, listening, from my cousin’s CD Walkman in 2002. It was the first time I remember thinking: “Damn, music is magical.”
Cascada – Everytime We Touch
A quintessential bop for every 90s kid. This one also went triple platinum in my room, particularly during the times when I felt “in love” and/or had crushes as a tween. Nothing quite like those prepubescent emotional rollercoasters and their soundtracks.
Deadmau5 & Kaskade – I remember
Funny enough, unlike many, I discovered Deadmau5 through Kaskade and not vice versa. I’ve always been a fan of melodic, ambient deep house tracks like “Empty Streets” and this collaboration absolutely hooked me. To this day it’s one of my favorite tracks to listen to on a night’s trip. Takes me to places beyond comprehension – endlessly inspiring.
2NE1 – I am the best
Oh, THIS diva. Kpop has always been an integral part of my musical journey ever since 2008. 2NE1 in particular is THAT group for me. “I am the best” is arguably one of the most influential 2nd generation kpop songs and for a reason. Brilliant production. Flawless execution. Cult-classic. Timeless masterpiece.
Ariana Grande – Into you
One of the first times I realized how addicted I am to the concept of production and building your own music with whatever you want to. The backstory of this track and its instrumental are just as fascinating as the track itself. The genius of Max Martin mixed with the vocal stylings of my prime vocal inspiration in the face of Ariana Grande – 10/10 pop music.
Iskrata – Pristrastena
To me, Iskrata is one of those Bulgarian producers that just GETS it, and that’s exactly why he’s one of my prime production and musical inspirations. The way he structures and shapes his melodies, beats, vocal lines, etc. – I didn’t have anybody to look up to in the Bulgarian music scene the way I do with foreign producers before discovering him and this song in particular. Quintessential summer bop.
Azealia Banks – Anna Wintour
Azealia’s deeply referential vogue/ballroom/house inspired musical catalog usually speaks for itself, I don’t really need to describe it in much detail, but THIS song in particular… A 909 drums filled production is never not a good production to me. A soft melody verse on the first verse with a heavy rap verse after that first chorus? The harmonies? The extended arrangement that just. keeps. going??? Brilliant.
Dua Lipa – Hallucinate
The year was 2020 and I was getting a little bored with pop music and its trajectory. Then Dua Lipa released a nostalgic 80s inspired album in a world where time had stopped and it was like a JOLT of energy for my soul. “Hallucinate” makes me soar – that’s all I’m gonna say. There isn’t a time where I hear that first bass line note or that pre-chorus, where I don’t immediately transcend to a different dimension.
Ariana Grande – Yes, and?
The same way Azealia’s Anna Wintour’s 90s/909 production gets me, this one does too. It literally interpolates Madonna’s Vogue as well. 100/10 pop music. Knew it would be my most streamed song of the year from the very first moment I heard it (It definitely is on its way there).
Yasen – Full Moon (2023 remaster)
The very reason the “New Moon” EP me and Selderv just released happened. The year was, once again, 2020 and in between my ballad debut and my pop songs to follow, I decided to explore my electronic music side. I had just started producing and I was simply experimenting, inspired by classics like Michael Jackson’s Thriller and Kim Petras’ “Turn Off The Lights” album – little did I know, I would be making the inspiration for more than one remixes and interpretations with different people – colleagues and dear friends. The 2023 remaster is the finished, fully realized version that keeps inspiring me to this day.
I like to view my art in a way as multifaceted as my taste in music – broad, colorful and unpredictable. Hopefully you enjoyed this selection of personal favorites and inspirations and maybe if we have similar tastes, you will enjoy my music too. Thank you for your time and attention reading this.
Selderv & Yasen – New Moon is out now on Poker Flat