serena ryder
Serena Ryder has been knocking people out on the concert and festival circuit since she burst onto the scene a year ago. Just 21 years old, this Peterborough native has a huge vocal range, a remarkable collection of original tunes, and a fearless approach to performing.
Like many young musicians, Serena is from a performing family; her mom was a touring back-up singer, while her father, originally from Trinidad, was a working percussionist. Serena carries on this musical tradition in her own way; her rootsy music is diverse, including elements of folk, rock, pop, jazz, blues, and country.
Serena's 3-octave voice growls, struts, scat, and demands like nothing you would expect from anyone but a seasoned pro. She backs up her strong vocals with catchy acoustic guitar and expert songwriting. Serena also plays the mandolin and harmonica. No one would guess by her voice, musicianship or stage presence, that Serena is just 21 years old. Her casualness and sincerity give audiences a taste of her compassionate and grounded personality.
To date, Serena has released 4 independent solo albums. She is currently working on writing and recording her next release -- her North American debut -"Unlikely Emergency'" due out in early summer 2004.
"Like listening to the teenaged Aretha Franklin, it's impossible not to be physically shaken when this 20-year-old from Peterborough, Ont., sings.."
"Ryder...strikes one...as a combination of Patsy Cline and Janis Joplin. Add a little Tracy Chapman and Etta James and you've got the picture. Pipes. Presence. Potential." -
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