“We knew we had done something really controversial — not just about the lyrics, but about the vibe of the track,” tells us Selim Sivade about his newest release Savage, featuring New York–based vocalist Barbara Nicole.
There’s a strong energy in the track — a little sexy, a little made for dancing, and with a certain rawness that makes it stand out. It’s not trying to be smooth or perfect, but rather plays with tension and attitude in a way that feels very natural.
The two have already worked together before on Just Skin, but this time something shifted. While their first collaboration felt more intimate and stripped back, Savage opens up into a different direction. Barbara moves into a more direct, almost provocative delivery, while still holding onto that emotional depth that connects both tracks.
Selim Sivade, who has been part of the electronic scene for over a decade with releases across labels like Cocoon and Watergate, continues to create a sound that sits somewhere between structure and looseness, always leaving space for imperfection and contrast. Now releasing on Exit Strategy, the sub-label of Innervisions, the project finds a fitting context among artists who explore similarly textured and personal approaches to club music.
In our conversation, he speaks about instinct, the idea behind Savage and the kind of reactions a track like this can trigger.
photography by: press
Welcome Selim, nice to talk to you. I am listening to your new EP right now and love it! It is such a banger, and the voice of Barbara is incredibly alluring and gives the track such a special vibe. What does this track express that words maybe can’t?
First of all, thanks for the words. I appreciate it! You touched something when you asked me this question… For us, Barbara and I, when we re-listened to the song after finishing it, we knew we had done something really controversial—not just about the lyrics, but about the overall vibe of the track, which can trigger something very personal in you when you hear it for the first time.
It’s not just about women’s freedom or about being what we truly are—it’s also about those who might not agree with what the song is expressing.
When we first shared the demo with DJs, it felt like revealing what kind of person you are. Some people instantly fell in love with it and played it a lot, expressing strong support. Others felt no connection to it at all.
So it’s not only about different musical tastes—for us, it’s more about who is open to appreciating something that feels both strange and good at the same time.
In the end, we reached the people we wanted to reach. The Innervisions crew, with Jimi Jules in particular, really supported the track and played it during their recent shows.
You’ve already worked together on Just Skin. What felt different this time, both emotionally and creatively?
The big difference is Barbara—this time she is rapping. On Just Skin, she was singing.
On Savage, we have a sung chorus, but it’s very raw and a bit bitchy—that’s what makes it so cool. I wanted to keep that demo energy, along with the ultra-girly verse she created.
Why did Savage feel like the right title for this release?
I think I already touched on this in the first answer, but something you really notice when the track is played in clubs or at festivals is the reaction of the crowd—the screams. It feels like giving people the space to be who they really are.
“Growing is the way to take on the challenges you set for yourself.”
Do you feel your sound is changing at the moment?
This might sound a bit strange, but not really. If you listen to my solo tracks, it’s always about a certain kind of chaos—things slightly out of order, mixed with a love for small, sometimes corny details.
In a way, we all go through a similar process: creating something personal while still being connected to what’s happening in the current scene.
You’ve released on labels like Cocoon and Watergate before. What felt different about releasing Savage on Exit Strategy?
Being on Innervisions’ sub-label Exit Strategy is a real honor for me. It’s the perfect home for artists who have a strong and personal vision of club music.
You’ve been part of the underground scene for over a decade. What keeps it exciting for you today?
The challenge of bringing intensity back into the game.
“It feels like giving people the space to be who they really are.”
When hearing “French Riviera,” you think of warmth, light, and summer. Do you feel your roots there influence the way you create?
The French Riviera is my hometown, but not necessarily an inspiration.
I read on Instagram that you wrote: “2025 was cool, 2026 will be /emoji vibe (enthusiastic)/” So, has 2026 been more about growth or more about challenges?
You can listen to me (smiles). Both—because growing is the way to take on the challenges you set for yourself.
And finally – what makes playing live so special for you?
Playing live is always more challenging. You present your sound directly to the crowd. Bringing people into another world—that’s what makes it so satisfying as a musician.
Check out and download ‘Savage’ here.
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