When I was ten years old, I was given a Loretta Lynn tape. I memorized and sang to myself as I did chores. She was a strong woman, good singer song writer, had a rags-to-riches story. She is the reason I wanted to become a singer. Lucky for me a relative lived with us and she had a massive tape collection. I would go through them. It seemed I was the only one interested in them. I spent a lot of time journaling, I always strived to have a tape recorder. I’d cut tapes, sing melodies in their singing acapella. These are my first music memories. 

I remember a guitar in the back of the classroom in grade 5, I would wait until after school to strum it and make up songs to entertain my friends. I’d be cutting class to sneak to the stage in the gym where there was a piano. I never had lessons, I wasn’t exactly supported to follow music, I was always drawn to it. Music was my escape, I had to sing in secret, even when I was in residential school, Singing helped me through the loneliness. Singing karaoke at dance parties they had. I helped the girls overcome their shyness. I gave them songs to sing. 

Early in the mornings you could find me alone on the fire escape singing, the girls at the residence told me their memory of me like that and they would wake up to hear me singing. I taught myself to learn guitar because it helps me in the songwriting process to convey what I want to say. To sing to the elders at the old folks' home and I’d go to every talent show I could find. I’d learn from the bands at open mics. As an indigenous woman I remember growing up in a small town and being lonely. Losing my parents as a baby and I know there are lots of kids out there with a similar story. I sing for them to know it’s okay, I know how they feel. Music saved me, it soothed me. I want to help my people through my singing. Songs are written on true experiences. Alot of tears have fallen on my guitar. Songs are based on things I go through in relationships. 

A fight can turn into a song. Picking my guitar made me feel good. I hope I inspire other little girls to push themselves to play, sing and write what’s on their mind. Creating my own band with other musicians was a way to invest in myself and to be taken seriously. I want to make my First Nations proud of me. Living off the grid is going to help me be in touch with our ancestors and write about the effects of residential school, alcohol & drugs and suicide. I want to help our youth.  

I like a wide range of music, when I was younger, I listened to a lot of opera, rap, rock, heavy metal, I am not just a Country singer. You can find me on Facebook and YouTube. I am currently working in the studio of Indigenous Cloud, they just recently opened. I have done half of my album at Nebulus Entertainment then COVID hit, so I guess I’ve changed too and I’m going in a different direction. My plan is to make a video so that is something to look forward to!  

Thank you for reading  

Serena  

Singer/Songwriter of Serena’s Secret.