We recently had the chance to connect with Serrin Joy and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Serrin, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for me starts with devotion to center myself, then I’ll post music content and either take a walk or hit the gym to get my energy right. I usually go live on TikTok while I’m getting ready—connecting with people there has become part of my routine.
Most days, I’m in the studio for one to three sessions. When I’m writing for others, I like to really get to know them first and translate their natural voice into something that feels authentic but elevated. It’s almost like a therapy session, and I give as much of myself as I expect from them. Along the way, I’ll often vocal coach and produce to bring the best out of the record.
If I have a show, the day is studio to stage, but no matter what, I make sure I’m touching music every day. I wrap my evenings by spending time with friends and mapping out what’s next. And if you want to see the journey play out, I share it all through my TikTok series “Midwestern Musician on the Move” (@LetMeSerrinadeYou).
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Serrin (like serenade ;). I’m from Akron, Ohio, the oldest of five, and grew up in a family where music was the language—we sang, played, and lived it. I wrote my first song at 7, and honestly, performing has never scared me. Creativity just came naturally.
I trained at arts schools my whole life, then twelve days after high school graduation, I moved to NYC to chase it for real. I studied Musical Theatre, performed across the city (even with Women of Color on Broadway ), and became the first person from Akron to compete on American Idol. That moment shifted everything.
Since then, I’ve lived and hustled in Atlanta working alongside Ne-Yo and Compound Ent. and LA—working seven days a week, touring, acting in The Color Purple (2023), and writing/performing nonstop. Now, I’m signed a songwriter at Champagne Therapy Music Group, working with Tommy Brown (TBHits), and I have writing credits with artists like Bia, Jason Derulo, Nora Fatehi, 3Quency, GIRLSET, OmgGirlz, and more on the way!
But I’m also back in my own bag—releasing music where my supporters can get to know me. My newest release is called, “almost baby dad” — pretty self explanatory song.
I just graduated with my BFA in Musical Theatre, I’m 23, and I’m only getting started. Girls from Akron? Yeah—we do it best.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
I’d say my grandmother, Cynthia McNeal, taught me about work. She’s the smartest woman I know—so much so that she founded her own private Christian academy in Decatur, GA. (Hoke McNeal Academy of Higher Learning.) She always stressed the importance of education and knowledge, but more than that, she taught me that as a Black woman, it’s not enough to just be good—you have to be phenomenal.
She’d remind me that when a Black person gets on stage, sings, or competes, people already expect greatness. To stand out, you have to exceed that expectation. That stuck with me. It’s why I push myself to grow, stretch my voice across genres, and stay grounded in my “why.”
In this industry, people will try to box you in or tell you you’re “not enough” if you don’t fit a stereotype. My grandma taught me the opposite: authenticity, excellence, and constant learning are what set you apart. And honestly? I love the push—it keeps me sharp and unstoppable.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
Honestly, I only started opening up like this about a year ago. I grew up kind of “media trained,” if that makes sense — everyone in my hometown knew my family, so I learned early on to keep my personal life private… Until years later when I joined my group, Crashout Weekend, everything changed. That’s when I really started letting go of that need to hide behind my trauma or protect other people’s feelings at the expense of my own.
I started putting me first.
Coming from a gospel background, I used to hold back on expressing certain emotions or making the kind of music I actually loved. But now, with these next few releases, I’m finally telling my story — the real one — and it feels freeing.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
Honestly, it really depends on the day you catch me. Some people say I’m super chill, others swear I’m always “on.” Truth is… I’m both. I love to laugh! I love a good conversation — if the vibe is right, I can talk for hours. And I’m always making up little characters or fake scenarios just to keep things fun — I keep myself WELL entertained, haha.
In the studio? That’s my zone. I come in with energy, I’m locked in, and make sure I’m always focused on my why. Fun? Always! I love to make beautiful music with people who love to do the same. I’m never just there to hang out.
Now when I’m outside? Oh, I have a GREAT time. I’m in the section, you might see me dancing on a table haha — I’m that friend you still have to tell at least a week in advance (well!) Unless I’m feeling spontaneous, then MAYBE I’ll pop out!
But honestly, I’m still a homebody at heart. I love a chill sip & paint night, cooking for friends, and watching movies or comedy shows — that’s my happy place. I spend a lot of time in the studio, performing, and with my family and close friends. My peace is everything to me.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Honestly, sometimes I feel like I’ve been doing this forever — not just singing, but creating, building my art. I love my released songs, my vault of unreleased demos, the characters I dream up, etc… And the wild part? I’ve only been in this industry for a little over four years. I know not everyone has caught on yet, and yeah, that can get a little frustrating sometimes. Like, “dang, will anybody see what’s really going on over here?”
But I’ve always lived by this rule: you gotta fuck with you before everybody else does. I’ve done so much research and digging into my craft — learning everything I can — but in this industry, credentials don’t always matter. Some of the biggest artists never went to school for it, and they still made moves.
I’m seeing the trick isn’t just knowing the technicals — it’s building a movement. The people who are part of my movement? I see you, and I appreciate you. The lovers, the dreamers, and the people who love raw vocals and intentional music — for all music lovers who value the process and the intention behind it. Your energy is noticed, and it means the world. I see you, I appreciate you, and pretty soon… everyone else is going to understand what’s happening over here too. Don’t be late!😉
Contact Info:
- Website: https://zez.am/serrinjoy
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letmeserrinadeyou/
- Twitter: https://Twitter.com/letmeserrinadeu
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/serrinjoymusic
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCS1P-FFv4tPM-xO_HnSyJrg
- Soundcloud: https://m.soundcloud.com/serrin-joy
Image Credits
@Christian.zapataa
Malik Baker
@24k.Jack
