By bluesactu.com 
This interview is offered as part of a partnership with Radio Pluriel. Interview by Hervé Laurent. Transcription and translation by Cédric Vernet. Photos: Hervé Laurent
Florida-born guitarist, singer and songwriter Selwyn Birchwood has established himself as one of the most inspired voices in modern blues. Winner of the prestigious International Blues Challenge in 2013 and signed to the venerable Alligator Records label, he has forged his own musical language, which he describes as Electric Swamp Funkin’ Blues, a blend of traditional blues, funk, soul and psychedelic rock. Currently touring Europe to present his upcoming sixth album, he stopped by the Quartier Latin Jazz Club in Sainte-Colombe as part of the 55th edition of the Chicago Blues Festival. A perfect opportunity for an exclusive interview where he tells us about the arrival of a new album …
🎤 Selwyn Birchwood in interview
Hello Selwyn! You were born in Orlando before moving to Tampa. Florida has always been a land where electric blues holds a major place. Did you grow up in that musical environment?
Not really. I didn’t grow up in a family of musicians. My parents loved music, I heard a lot of it, but no one played. I found my own path. I was a bit of the odd one who only thought about music. In middle school I wanted to learn an instrument and chose guitar at 13. I discovered blues four years later, then started playing in bands and touring a few years after that. It was a slow start, but the fire still burns.
Which artists or encounters opened the doors of the blues for you?
Buddy Guy. I saw him at 17 at the House of Blues in Orlando. It was a real revelation. And then, to later find myself playing at Jazz à Vienne on the same night as Buddy Guy, it’s crazy when I think about it. Since then, I’ve developed my own sound, I write, I record. My sixth album will be released next year on Alligator Records.
Your new album is expected next year. Where exactly does its production stand?
Yes, it’s coming out next year. It wasn’t completely finished in time for a release this year. Recording and mastering wrapped too late, so it will arrive in March.
After five albums, how do you approach the creation of a sixth? Do you try to reinvent yourself or deepen your sonic identity?
Still searching for my own sound. On this new record, I think I’m getting closer than ever. I describe my music as electric, swamp and funk blues. That will even be the album title. It’s a blend of all the influences I love. I can’t wait for everyone to hear it.
The word “swamp” often evokes Louisiana more than Florida …
We have plenty of it in Florida too. Swamps, alligators… even arguing about who has the most! And you can play swamp music in Florida as well.
“Amps, pedals, they help, but that’s not the main thing.”
In blues tradition, people often say the essence lies in the touch rather than the gear. Do you agree?
Yes. Amps, pedals, they help, but that’s not the important part. What matters is what you put into your playing. Three notes from Hendrix or Stevie Ray Vaughan and you know it’s them, because their personality comes through their hands, no matter the instrument.
Where did you record this new album and with which musicians?
In Florida, in Sarasota, with my band, the same one on stage tonight. My saxophonist Reggie Oliver has been with me for fifteen years, my bassist Huff Wright for fourteen, my drummer for two. For this tour, we have a special guest on organ, Eric Robert, who usually plays with Bernard Allison.
Can you tell us about the tour that brings you to Europe today?
It’s a five-week European tour with 27 shows in France, Belgium and the Czech Republic. A lot of concerts, and I’m really happy about it because I truly love France.
Is your reputation stronger here than in other European countries?
I don’t know, but we play more here, and that’s great.
And in the United States, does your music enjoy national recognition?
We’ve played in 27 countries in twelve years, so I think we’re recognized in quite a few places.
What horizons open for you in 2025?
The new album and a big tour to support it. The schedule is already very full. We really can’t wait for people to hear the record.
Will the album also be released in France?
Yes, of course. In March or April. On vinyl, CD and digital.
Finally, is there any essential aspect of your work we haven’t discussed?
No, I think we’ve covered everything. We love playing, touring and sharing this music. We’re happy to be here and excited every time we come back!