Selwyn Birchwood: The Future of Blues
Selwyn Birchwood is a dynamic Florida-based guitarist, lap steel player, songwriter, and vocalist who is reshaping the blues with his original sound. Described as “Electric Swamp Funkin’ Blues,” Birchwood’s music blends deep blues, psychedelic rock, funk, and Southern soul, creating a unique and intoxicating experience. His latest album, Exorcist, showcases his adventurous spirit, featuring 13 soul-baring tracks that tackle a range of themes with vivid storytelling.
Although rooted in tradition, Birchwood’s music is anything but ordinary. His energetic live performances captivate audiences as he roams the stage barefoot, delivering memorable guitar riffs and powerful vocals. Birchwood’s journey began at age 13, inspired by legends like Jimi Hendrix and Buddy Guy. After honing his craft with mentor Sonny Rhodes, he formed the Selwyn Birchwood Band in 2010, quickly gaining recognition with his self-released debut, FL Boy.
Winning the International Blues Challenge in 2013 opened doors for Birchwood, leading to his Alligator Records debut, Don’t Call No Ambulance, which received critical acclaim. His subsequent albums, including Pick Your Poison and Living In A Burning House, solidified his reputation as a modern blues master.
Birchwood and his band tour extensively, performing at major festivals across North America and internationally. With a commitment to engaging audiences, he aims to make every live performance a memorable experience. As he prepares to share the songs from Exorcist, Selwyn Birchwood continues to elevate the blues, inviting fans to dance and reflect along the way.
“A remarkable, contemporary bluesman… a powerhouse young guitarist and soulful vocalist… a major player…highly recommended”
–Rolling Stone
“No one in blues compares to young Florida-based guitarist Selwyn Birchwood. With the quality of his material, combined with a vibrant stage persona, there’s no need to borrow tunes from the greats who went before him. Lean yet mean and tough…lyrically and musically intense”
—American Songwriter
“Rising blues star Selwyn Birchwood is the real deal. Birchwood puts his own fresh spin on the blues, taking the tradition and making it into something new.”
—Guitar World