Swiss/Indian singer Serena Kern creates a distinct brand of soulful, pop music. At the heart of Serena’s music is her warm, melodic vocals. Latest single, ‘My Promise’ – the title track to her forthcoming EP – showcases her talents. Watch the video and get to know Serena better below.
1. How did you get your initial start in music?
My mother always said “It’s not what you say but how you say it” and I found that the same applies to music. It was once I started writing my own songs that my music became popular. It is always so much easier to “feel” a song that is about your life and stories.
The first song I wrote ,”Thrown Away”, was very well received when I finally sang it live (although I must admit I was a bit nervous about doing so at the time). I went on to record “Thrown Away”, just for fun really, and again the track was really well received. I guess it was ultimately the satisfaction that I was finally able to produce my own sounds, and the confidence that the reception of the tracks gave me, that spurred me on to write and record more tracks.
2. What would be your ultimate aim in the industry?
My aim has always been, to tell my story in a way which strikes a chord (pardon the pun) with my audience. I guess I want to be able to refine my ability to do this.
3. How long have you been writing your own music?
I only started writing a few years ago. The songwriting came about by desire to connect with my songs more and thus with my audience. I think you do have to be quite brave to sing what you have written because of the inevitable vulnerability one feels when sharing personal stories but I also think that the feeling of genuineness that this gives to the song is invaluable.
4. Who are your top three influences and why?
My background resulted in an exposure to a whole variety of sounds from across the world. I grew up in India and so obviously was exposed to a whole range of sounds from traditional south Indian music to bollywood songs. My father is Swiss and a sailor who loves to collect music from wherever he goes and so I had no dearth of musical flavour when he was home and drove me to school.
5. Is there anything you would like people to know about your current release?
The EP “My Promise” consists of three songs very dear to my heart. All of them are love songs I wrote while at different points on the ‘ sine wave of love’, so to speak. “Why I Cry” is a sorrowful song about longing to be with the one you love and so the video has a sort of cold/winter feel to it. “My Promise”, on the other hand, is more upbeat. A song that is hopeful and was shot in the countryside on a warm summer’s day to reflect this. It’s about the hope that with a steadfast heart we can get through anything. “Better to Have Loved” was written after I lost someone dear to me and is about yet another dimension on the journey of love.
6. Where are you based and what’s your local scene like? Any favourite venues?
I am based in Central London, which is a melting pot bubbling over with musicians and new sounds. One venue which never disappoints is the Spice of Life cafe in Soho.
7. Who else can you recommend from your local scene for people to have a listen to?
There are so many talented musicians in London. I recommend that anyone with some time to spare visits any one of the venues here. As a musician you will always learn something new and for one who appreciates music there is plenty to enjoy.
8. Give our readers a round up of where they can find you online and hear more of your music.
All my music and info is available on my website www.serenakern.com
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