At what age did you start singing?
SL: In first grade, I had the opportunity to sing in the Jacksonville Children’s choir and musical theater summer camps. That’s when I started singing on stage and in public. But my true interest in learning how to sing was in second grade when I wanted to audition for a chance to sing on a CD with a local folk singer, Kate Carpenter visited my school. I distinctly remember being very excited about her offer to audition and insisted that my mom get me vocal lessons immediately so I could audition for the part.
Wh at’s your favorite type of music to listen to and sing to?
SL:My vocal style is influenced by jazz-pop and blues. My Spotify playlist has a wide variety of artists that I switch around daily based on my mood. Currently, on shuffle, I have Madison McFerrin, Billie Eilish, Hiatus Kaiyote, Vulfpeck, Nothing But Thieves, John Mayer, St. Vincent, Snarky Puppy, Hozier, Childish Gambino and so many more. This is a tough question that isn’t constant. I’m always looking for new and interesting sounds and then go back to the classics like the Billie Holiday. I will never get tired of listening to Nakamarra by Hiatus Kaiyote and New Light by John Mayer
If you could collaborate on a song with anyone who would it be?
SL: Nai Palm from Hiatus Kaiyote. She takes risks and is unapologetically raw, strong and pulls from her heart. I admire her strength and musicianship.
What’s your favorite store to shop at?
SL: My favorite shopping is thrifting. One of my favorites is Wasteland. I always find a gem in that store not to mention the shoes. Always something unique and vintage to browse.
Any upcoming projects that you are working on?
SL: I’m stoked because my single GOLD just dropped. https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/serenalaurel/gold
I love how it sounds recorded. Gold is available on all popular music streaming and downloading sites like Spotify, iTunes, Deezer, Apple Music, Google Play, Tidal, etc. I get to play the character “Lucy” in the feature film Summertime Dropouts with Quinton Aaron (Blindside) and the international punk band Simple Plan (Welcome To My Life). The film is produced by Winterstate Entertainment and is slated to be released in theaters this summer 2019.
https://variety.com/2018/film/news/vans-warped-tour-movie-summertime-dropouts-1202942439/
In the short film Nasty Habits, I’m starring as “Georgia Dean” who is a singer-songwriter on her way to Los Angeles to become famous. This film is directed by Allisyn Arm (AP BIO) and is premiering on March 23rd in Hollywood. I have a recurring role in the TV series NC16 that will also be released this year. And, I’m currently recording my EP. It will have my original songs on it that I have been performing live while touring locally at venues like The Hotel Cafe.
What do you do on your free time?
SL: Oh dear, what’s that? Freetime… Well, in addition to being a working actress and musician, I’m also a fulltime college student studying Music Composition. Freetime is hard to find. But when I have time, I like finding handcrafted creameries and looking for the best most unique ice cream or gelato flavors and toppings. Hanging out at Point Dume with my friends, writing songs and chilling with my cat, Holiday at home by the fire.
What’s your favorite project that you’ve done?
SL: Favorites are hard to pick since each project is very different. There is something favorite about all of them. I got to do my own stunts in Nasty Habits with FX makeup. That was super cool. I will always remember filming Alvin & The Chipmunks: Chipwrecked when I was 10 years old. We spent 8 days filming on a carnival cruise and there was neverending ice cream available 24/7 in the soft serve machines. Waterslides, ice cream, dancing with the Chipettes, Alvin & Jason Lee, what more could a kid want on a cruise ship. At the top of the list is Summertime Dropouts. This film combined my love of acting and being a musician both in one project. The first day on set we went to the recording studio, what a great day! My character “Lucy” is the lead guitarist in a girl’s pop-punk band called Late For Curfew. Late For Curfew competes to go on warp tour and just happens to run into the band Simple Plan along the way. No spoilers. The best part was the camaraderie with people I worked with on set. They are now a whole new family for me. I know when we meet again, we will pick up right where we left off.
Social Media:
Twitter: @serenalaurelwow || https://twitter.com/serenalaurelwow
Instagram: @serenalaurel || https://www.instagram.com/serenalaurel/
FaceBook: @serenalaurel || https://www.facebook.com/SerenaLaurel/
Website: https://serenalaurel.com
YouTube: @serenalaurelofficial @RecordRant
