Hello Seraphina and welcome to College Radio Charts! As the year is starting to wind down, how has 2023 been for you so far?
It’s been a great year. I made so much music, released my first 3 singles and grew as a so much as a person. I got comfortable in my own shoes and made realizations that it is important to put “me” to just be me
You recently released “Nothing (feat. Twista)” which is your third single of 2023. The song delves into the theme of standing up to verbal, emotional, and mental abuse. What prompted you to explore such a powerful and personal topic in your music?
Many times music doesn’t talk about the hard hitting subjects and I thought that we as a society need to talk about it. I wanted to share my feelings and my experiences and let my generation know that it is ok to open up, seek help, fight for yourself and be vocal about issues that effect us—the future of this country
How the collaboration with Twista came about? Did working with him influence the direction and sound of the track?
I originally wrote the song just for me so Twista’s involvement didn’t influence me but now I couldn’t imagine the song without him. He brough a whole new dimension and insight to the song. He was my therapist in the song after I let out so much emotion Twista was introduced to the project through out mutual producer Fred “Toxic” Taylor. He has been Twista friend and producer from early in his career.
The music video for “Nothing” adds a visual dimension to the song. What was it like to work on and can you talk about the creative concept behind the video?
The video was filmed at a warehouse and also my house and my family was watching, which they normally don’t get to do. It was nice that they could share in the experience, and I felt their support through all of it. The concept of the video as the song was to dive into the mind of someone who is verbally being abused and the anger they, themselves have. Twista in both of his verses acts as a therapist and support person, who is there to listen, support and even help. Something we all need–
“Nothing” seems to bridge the genres of metal and hip-hop. What motivated you to combine these two distinct genres, and how did you approach blending them.
I like to think that genres are like the ingredients and mixing all the ingredients together makes a great meal. Certain genres can be combined to make great music. This was an opportunity to combine a rap icon and the world’s fasted speaking human with a darker, heavy guitar and drum sound. The end result was amazing. I think more music should push the bounds of genre mixing.
Who were some of your musical influences when you were younger? And what about now? Are there any artists you’re really into now that a younger Seraphina would be surprised at?
When I was younger I listened to a lot of Disney and pop stuff that was on the radio. Younger me would not like any of the music I listen to or now make. Now, after spending so much time in the car commuting and listening to my dad’s music, the heavier rock and metal is what I enjoy. Queen is definitely my main influence—they were the kings of genre mixing and hopping.
In the process of creating “Nothing,” were there any challenges you faced, either creatively or personally, that significantly impacted the development of the song? Any roadblocks in the studio?
It was very hard to put the experience into words and most of writing the song was trying to put words to what I feel. As you can see there is a lot of bad language in the song, but I believe that hits home the true emotions in me that I wanted to get out. There were no road blocks, my dad, Toxic and Twista were all very supportive of me getting my message out and the message that Twista added, just intensified my feelings and it was just a perfect fit.
Your music often explores themes of resilience and strength. What message do you hope to convey to your listeners through your body of work, especially with the release of “Nothing?”
Never stop believing in yourself, live for you and not others. Don’t let others control you—be you.
Can you discuss the role of vulnerability in your songwriting process and how it contributes to the authenticity of your music?
Songwriting is about sharing your own feelings and experience for people and if you aren’t vulnerable or truthful your music will be robotic. Anyone can be robotic, but a musician I want there to be soul and feelings behind everything I put out. I want to be a voice—and I have to put myself out there—no matter what people say about me.
Somewhat related, as an artist, how do you navigate the balance between personal expression and creating music that resonates with a broad audience, especially on such intense and emotional topics?
All of us experience emotions, some keep it bottled up and don’t speak of it, trauma comes in different forms, I leave the exploration of it open with my lyrics and let people feel their emotions by sharing my experiences., so I try to relate it to the people who understand it but make it simple so the people who don’t still get it.
The collaboration with Twista brings a unique dynamic to “Nothing.” What did you learn from working with such an experienced artist?
It let me learn from a much more experienced artist about how to have energy during a video even if you are tired or how to show your feeling through your voice. It was an honor to work with such an ICON who had done this for so many years. The experience was truly inspiring and magical, especially at my young age.
Looking ahead, what can fans expect from you in terms of future projects or musical directions, and how has the experience of creating “Nothing” influenced your artistic evolution?
There are many more surprises to come, from a rock ballad about women power to some punk style blends. They all share a bit of my heart, emotions and soul in each of them. Nothing showed me that writing is equally as important as singing, especially on the big stage.
Where can people go to find out more about you and your music?
Seraphina on all music platforms
@Seraphina.sanan on instagram and TikTok and www.seraphinasanan.com
