Belgian soul-pop artist Selah Sue returns with Movin’, a collaborative album created alongside drummer Stéphane Galland and producer/keyboardist Elvin Galland. Released via Because Music, the project marks a shift from solo authorship to a more instinctive, collective process — one rooted in improvisation, trust, and musical dialogue.
What began as an invitation to perform at Jazz Middelheim quickly evolved into something more expansive. Within months, the trio moved from an initial idea to a full-length record, shaped by Stéphane Galland’s polyrhythmic drumming, Elvin’s textured production, and Selah Sue’s spontaneous vocal approach. The result is a body of work that moves fluidly between free jazz and more structured songwriting, balancing looseness with precision.
At its core, Movin’ reflects a personal and creative turning point. Written across a period of emotional transition, the album traces a journey from introspection to release, grounded in the idea of movement — not as escape, but as a way of working through discomfort and change.
How did this collaboration with Stefan come about?
I got a text message from Stéphane Galland (drums, The Gallands) about a year ago, asking if we could get together and listen to some music. He and his son had been working on some songs and wanted to perform a gig at Jazz Middelheim, an annual summer jazz festival in Antwerp, Belgium.
They asked me to feature on a few tracks, and I was blown away by the musicality and the overall sound. I had never been so inspired by a drum beat. The way Stéphane plays is deeply polyrhythmic, and it really sparked something in me. Elvin produced the tracks and chords in a very tasteful way. It all happened very quickly — no overthinking, everything felt natural, just freedom.
Stéphane recorded the instrumentals first — drums and keys — and then I put on headphones and recorded whatever came spontaneously, instantly, without thinking. Sometimes it was just sounds or words that came out unconsciously.
We started with four songs, then decided to turn it into an album, and now, a year later, we’re on tour.
On stage, there’s room for improvisation, but there are also fixed sections where you can improvise for a few bars. It sits somewhere between free jazz and something more structured — closer to the discipline of pop music.
How was it working together as a group?
The music itself came together very easily — there was hardly any discussion. Everyone respected each other’s identity and space.
The mix was the most challenging part, especially since we worked with Russell Elevado, one of the best mixers in the world. That process involved a lot more back and forth, but it always led to the best possible result. It could be difficult at times, but in the end, it was always worth it.
Being part of a band makes things much lighter. You can share the pressure — it’s not all on your shoulders. It feels really good, especially when you have a strong emotional and musical connection.
What does a typical day on tour look for you?
We usually wake up and get off the tour bus — if we’re using one — and grab a coffee. I like to go for a jog or do some exercise, and sometimes we do that together.
Then it’s about looking forward to the day — lunch, dinner, and spending time together. We’ll play games like badminton or frisbee.
I also tend to create quite a lot on the road — I’ll take my computer and work on ideas, building things in my own space.
Touring can be demanding. How do you take care of your energy and mental space?
It’s important to get a good night’s sleep. I don’t drink or do drugs — I’ve been sober for the last three years. I also try to have meaningful conversations with my band members.
We’re a really close band. I always choose to work with people I genuinely like, so we can spend time together and connect — that’s really important.
If I had one tip for artists on tour, it’s this: it doesn’t have to be ‘sex, drugs and rock ’n’ roll’. It’s still a job, so it’s important to stay healthy and keep your energy up. Otherwise, it becomes difficult to sustain this kind of work long term.
What’s the best piece of advice for musicians starting out?
Stay true to what you feel is right. Try to enjoy the process because that’s always the best part. The outcome is extra — that’s more about ego. If you enjoy the making of it, the art itself, then you’ve already succeeded.
Selah Sue and The Gallands - Listen HERE
Selah Sue on Instagram
The Gallands on Instagram
EUROPEAN TOUR 2026
*Support by K.ZIA (selected dates)
May
09.05.26 – Jazz à Liège, Liège, BE
14.05.26 – Bitefartecafé, Belgrade, RS
15.05.26 – Sofia Live Club, Sofia, BG
25.05.26 – Progresja, Warsaw, PL
26.05.26 – Quantic, Bucharest, RO
June
24.06.26 – Niort Jazz Festival, Niort, FR
25.06.26 – TBA
28.06.26 – Tournai Jazz Festival, Tournai, BE
July
03.07.26 – TBA
04.07.26 – Musique Sous Les Étoiles, Bouc-Bel-Air, FR
11.07.26 – North Sea Jazz Festival, Rotterdam, NL
13.07.26 – TBA
17.07.26 – Jazz à Sète, Sète, FR
21.07.26 – TBA
22.07.26 – Les Escales du Cargo, Arles, FR
25.07.26 – TBA
August
06.08.26 – TBA
September
04.09.26 – Jazz à La Villette, Paris, FR