There’s a disarming honesty to the way Seraina Telli talks about music — not as a career move or a grand plan, but as something that simply helped her survive the tougher moments and made life feel lighter. That instinct to turn personal solace into shared strength runs through everything she does. From discovering Alicia Keys and nervously singing her first school‑play solo, to opening for Bryan Adams and finding new creative freedom on her latest album GREEN, her story is one of growth, grit and quiet determination. With a UK tour on the horizon and momentum building around her new material, she’s stepping into a chapter that feels more confident, colourful and completely her own.
Please tell us about your background. What led you to become a songwriter?
Hi there! Yeah I became a songwriter because music always helped me get through difficult times and made everything easier. That’s what I wanna do for others now with my music.
Tell me a fascinating fact about yourself!
I have 5 siblings and 10 nieces and nephews.
Do you remember the band or artist that made you want to pick up an instrument and learn to play?
For me that was Alicia Keys. I saw and heard her and decided that I wanted to play the piano, sing and write songs.
Do you remember the first gig you ever played? How did you feel? Did it all go according to plan?
I barely remember the first gig since I was sooooo nervous. It was at a school play and I had a solo. It was the first time I sang in front of so many people. No one even knew that I could sing at that time haha.
Have you ever met one of your ‘heroes’? Who was it and how did it go?
I wouldn’t call him one of my heroes but he’s a real big star and I grew up with his music. I was able to play with Bryan Adams, as opener for his show, and meet him backstage. He was really nice and fun. That was awesome!
What do you carry with you at all times that you CANNOT live without?
Fluffy things haha
How has the response to “Green” been so far?
Amazing! People really like it and it feels like a new path opened up with this album. I’ve never felt more free playing live than when I play these songs.
You’re coming to UK shores soon. Where can we find you?
06.10 Edinburgh
07.10 Newcastle
08.10 Sheffield
09.10 Bradford
12.10 Nottingham
13.10 Milton Keynes
14.10 Bridgwater
15.10 London
Can’t wait!
What do you prefer more, playing a regular gig or playing a festival? How do they differ for you? (apart from the mud of course!)
Haha. I love both actually. Festivals are awesome and usually bigger stages and crowds but it’s always stressy, smaller setlists, no time to set up right on stage… Regular Gigs depend on if it’s a headliner show. If so, then I like that we usually have more time to set up, do the full decorations and I also can plan a real Show with outfit changes etc.
Tell me about the STRANGEST thing that ever happened to you when you’ve been on stage?
A guy once picked up a girl and put her on stage. I thought they were related. Found out later they weren’t. That was really strange in several ways.
Let’s imagine that you’ve been washed up on a desert island and there’s a record player, an amp and some speakers but only enough space for 3 records, which 3 would you have in the box to keep you going until you’re rescued? Why these three?
Heritage from Opeth - Because it’s simply brilliant!
Pearl Jam’s “Ten” - This album makes me feel free and alive
My GREEN Album - To remind myself to keep going and not to die on this island ;-)
Name 3 bands or artists that our followers should be checking out….
I call out some of my friends’ music:
Violet Greens
Fat Cat
Division Dark
Where can people keep up to date with you on social media?
My YouTube channel got hacked recently. I am fighting to get it back and hope it will be on very soon again!
Lastly, there are MILLIONS of bands/acts/artists out there, why should people be spending the time to check you out?
I think that my music makes people happy. It gives them hope and power. So if you’re looking for that you should definitely check it out
What lingers after speaking with her is the sense that her music isn’t just crafted to be heard — it’s built to help. She writes to lift people up, to give them hope, to offer a spark of power when things feel heavy. It’s why she’s worth paying attention to in a world overflowing with artists: there’s intention behind every note, and a genuine desire to make someone’s day a little brighter. As GREEN continues to find its audience and her UK dates draw closer, she’s clearly an artist moving with purpose — and one you’ll be glad you discovered.
