Meet Serrin Joy | Artist & Songwriter
We had the good fortune of connecting with Serrin Joy and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Serrin, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Music has always been a part of my life. Growing up in my house, there were keyboards/ pianos in every room including the kitchen! I naturally have always loved to create. As the oldest of five, I used to direct short films on my laptop and have my younger siblings act in them. As well as, I’ve always attended arts schools and enjoyed writing poetry, journal entries and songs even if they were just jingles that I made for fun.
While growing up, I was always instructed that I “had to rehearse” which is something that I used to hate so bad. No one wants to be told they have to do something that they already do for fun! Especially as a kid! My grandmother is who taught my siblings and I how to play piano. She had us on the keys from 6:30am to 11:30pm whenever she came to town. We were allowed to get up to eat and use the restroom that was it. She used to lay down a random number of crayons on the piano, and how ever many crayons there were that’s how many times we had to play the songs PERFECT the whole way through! If we messed up even one time, we had to restart the entire song over. Mind you, I was like 11 years old. As a child, I couldn’t stand drills like that or even know how to appreciate them. Although the older I got, I learned that having done drills like that since I was a child, my work ethic became very strong. Now I have no issue rehearsing and or working for long periods of time, because it’s how I’ve always worked.
The moment I believed in myself that I could make a living from doing what I love to do, I decided to pursue it. I’ve noticed that every time I’ve been knocked down, whether it’s a role I auditioned for that I didn’t get, an elimination, turning down a label, etc. I’ve seen that my bounce back has always been an even bigger blessing that I wasn’t expecting. That keeps me going, as well as my supporters. Whenever I’m told, “you’re so inspiring”, or “you make me want to step my game up,” etc, I just take it as reassurance that I’m doing the right things for myself. I also know, that my siblings are watching me. I want them to know, that you can do anything you put your mind to as long as you consistently work towards it. I don’t ever plan to stop what I do.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The special power of being able to convey your emotions and or how you feel is what makes one an artist. When you know how to be specific and tell stories through songs and performance, that is a gift that not everyone knows how to do. Not everyone has the gift of being specific and or vulnerable when writing. I had a teacher recently tell me, “In order to be casted as a main role, or to be a leading star, you have to believe that you are lovable.” I believe this is what sets me apart from others. The love that I have for myself. I keep my circles very small, I hang out with about three people and I am very protective over my energy. I think what sets me apart is the fact that I am content with who I am today, and I am excited about who I will grow to be. I allow myself grace, and I am in no rush for my end goal, in knowing that what’s mine is already mine. In that, I love my natural self, my bare face, my natural hair, my natural body, and I am also a very honest person. I love me.
Where a lot of people fault themselves, is they can be in such a rush to get to their definition of how a celebrity is “supposed to live” or how where star is “supposed to be.” Since moving to Los Angeles, I have seen a lot of that. Simply put, just a lot of fake. Whether it be the person, the bodies, the lifestyles, etc. The constant “party life” is so overrated, personally speaking. I’ve seen a lot of facades trying to fit in to a society where nobody is being real with themselves. Not saying that having a good time can’t be real, just saying that no person always has everything together. Thats what a lot of people lack, the patience and vulnerability to be real with themselves in that aspect. What I’ve learned so far, is that people like people who are true to who they are. People like seeing raw emotion, and natural drive. Not forced vibes, forced sex appeal, etc. We as people love to see people love who they are.
Professionally speaking, I just keep myself as genuine as I can be and that’s always been my ticket in rooms. As well as always keeping myself prepared and rehearsed. I am naturally observant and chill, although in work spaces I commend myself on the ability to network. Yes, speaking in regards to higher ups, but more so as Issa Rae put it, “People that are eye level. That are just as hungry as me.” Working my way around this country and having lived in Ohio, New York City, Atlanta and Los Angeles, I’ve met so many amazing artists. It has been their support that has pushed me to keep going in music. So much so, that I’m on my own listening party tour NOW promoting my upcoming project! Tickets can be found at: zez.am/SerrinJoyMusic
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My favorite spot in Atlanta, would have to be downtown at the Olympic Rings specifically during Juneteenth! My family and I go every year, and there are a lot of black owned businesses along with performances from different artists. Also, the food is so good!
I also love going to the Beltline and just walking around the trail. They have Illuminarium, nice restaurants and its right next to Ponce City Market! So much to do, I love Atlanta.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to God. Without him, I am nothing. Thank you God for always covering me, keeping me in my right mind and surrounding me with the best people for myself. I openly thank you for allowing others to see your goodness through my rewards. I thank you for all things seen and unseen. I know this journey wouldn’t be possible without you, my gifts wouldn’t be here without YOU! I thank you for my support system, my opportunities and just for the opportunity to know you. God I love you, Amen.
Website: https://zez.am/serrinjoymusic?fbclid=IwAR3vvrqzfJR_X5deBejx_RCFke5zDHjnibvYG_HiF4v_2-6LD8b1qpjXDlg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/serrinjoymusic/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/serrinjoymusic
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS1P-FFv4tPM-xO_HnSyJrg
Image Credits
Ethan Milner Natey Nukez B. Internet Emma Belle Fischer Marsell Basi
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