By Freya Toloa
Selene enters the room to several eager faces, her presence adorned with vibrant, colourful flowers. She makes her way to the front of the crowd. As she is lifted onto stage, the spotlight finds her and she softly mouths, “Gentle, as a cloud,”. I think to myself, of course. She opens with her favourite song ‘Elements Fall’, the third track of her newly released EP Beyond.
The track begins softly with guitar and piano, setting the scene of angels watching over us as we live carelessly, ignoring the lament of the Earth. Earth, or ‘Gaia’ as Selene would say, crying in desperation to be saved, but knowing no one is coming to her rescue and instead yearns to live in solitude. Therefore, willing to destroy and erase us all. As Selene’s words build, so do the instrumentals, with the introduction of violins and drums culminating in a powerful crescendo.
Beyond offers a glimpse into life through Selene’s unique lens. Her latest EP delves into themes of physical limitations, morality, and alternate realities, inviting listeners to open their minds and look beyond what they can see, believe, or are told. Her lyrics are thought provoking and laid poetically over instrumentals, creating a haunting and hypnotic ambiance.
At just three years of age, Selene survived a life-altering accident that left her quadriplegic. During her schooling, Selene shares she didn’t pass music. Her passion for music never waned however. Through her recovery journey, her ‘wreck specialist’ connected her to a producer where eventually she discovered Sol Green Community Centre which holds weekly songwriting and music workshops by Wild At Heart, one of Australia’s leading music organisations for artists with disabilities.
Determined to pursue music, she redefined what being a musician means and did so on her terms.
“I went to Sol Green, and it was nerve-wracking at first, but then I started working with amazing people and collaborating with different musicians,” she recalls.
Despite the challenges Selene has continually redefined herself, forging her own path even when it was deemed difficult, uncharted, or impossible by others. Her resilience and creativity shine through her music, inspiring those who listen.
“Life can be difficult but with the right people around you. I’ve many times in life doubted myself or dreams but I’ve had people just encourage, picking me up, tell me it’s okay.
“Life is a maze full of twists, turns, obstacles, and dead ends, but choose a path and stick with it, and know that life can change in an instant,” she says, emphasising her philosophy,
“If you believe you can do it, anything is possible.”
As Selene draws her show to a close, her fans erupt in applause and she graciously acknowledges those who have supported her along the way, a gesture of gratitude that underpins her humility and appreciation.
Through her music, she offers listeners a chance to explore new perspectives and challenge their beliefs. Selene continues to inspire and uplift, proving that with passion, perseverance, and a different perspective, anything is possible.
Learn more about Selene at
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smathewsmusic/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/selenemathewsmusic/
Find out more about Wild At Heart, visit www.wildatheart.org.au/
