South African Singer-Songwriter Justin Serrao Discusses Latest Single, “Sucker”
Americana Lady
Posted On May 22, 2015
South-African-based Country artists? It’s an unfamiliar phrase that might sound weird to say if you really think about it, but believe it or not, singer-songwriter, Justin Serrao is truly one of a kind. With a heartfelt personality and enthusiastic live performance to back it up, Serrao’s unique approach to traditional American country music will be sure to ignite a refreshing spark in your life.
Serrao released his latest single, “Sucker,” his first follow-up material since last year’s studio effort, Forget & Let Loose. Recently, I had the chance to talk with Serrao about the writing processes of “Sucker” and the overall reception of the single when he had the opportunity to premiere exclusively in a live setting.
Americana Lady: What was your personal inspiration behind the lyrical themes of your new single, “Sucker.”
Justin Serrao: That Person you would love to have in your life but you can see by the ring on their finger they’ve been snatched up already… Sigh… but the cheeky part of the song is how she’s the one instigating the nonsense.
What did you like the most about recording “Sucker” overall? Do you feel like the music perfectly captures the message your are trying to convey in the song?
Ah man we had a really good vibe in the studio when doing Sucker. I was working with Howie Combrink & Dale Schnettler from The Hitlab. We all loved the sounds we were getting and we knew the direction the song needed. They are such Pro’s. Also getting Tom Coyne from Sterling Sound to master the Track and give me some great feedback about the song was awesome. I mean he’s just mastered Taylor Swift, Sam Smith, One Direction, Beyoncé to name a few. So the Team I worked with was definitely my favorite part of Recording Sucker.
I feel we nailed it hey (laughs). Yes we got the sound and emotion in it. Also while filming the Video for Sucker we captured some great emotion. The Music Video is coming soon.
Did you have a chance to show off this new single in front of live setting yet? If so, what is the crowd’s reaction?”
When I was still writing the song I played it at a sound check and this “couple” well, I’m not to sure what’s going on there but they came to both of my next shows because the song really spoke to them. It spoke about where they are in their lives right now. I’ve performed it at my solo shows and it’s gone down like a bomb. Still going to Debut the song with the full band. Maybe we will do it at our next show at STRAB Festival in Mozambique next week.
While you were writing and recording “Sucker,” how has your writing style developed and changed over time since your last studio release, Forget & Let Loose?
I’m definitely moving towards more of a country sound & less heartbreak in the Lyrics haha.. Forget & let loose was a tough time as well as a reaching out for hope. Where I feel I’m in a better place now and that will reflect in Sucker and the new songs to come on the next EP.
As a South African-based singer-songwriter, which American-based music scene do you think “Sucker” would fit into the most and why?
You know as a South African it’s weird to be writing country because it’s not what goes down here haha but it’s where I’m at. And my influences so I think it’s a Country Rock Track and could sit next to Lyke Bryan, Darius Rucker, Dierks Bentley & Chris Young.
