Serena Ryder is O.K.

Introducing today's guest author,Lil G:

Lil' G is a globetrotter, who divides time between East Canada and West Europe. A part time musician (guitar, drums, and some keys) and hobby photographer, Lil' G loves pop quizzes as much as good food. Lil' G has written articles and columns for several websites, with topics ranging from graphic novels, travel to music and eye candy.

When I visited Ottawa, ON, in 2005 "Just Another Day" was one of the songs playing on the radio. It was a simple song and catchy (not in the annoying way) and I liked it, but I didn’t think much of it. Fast forward to late 2008. I find out about an album called “Is it o.k.” by a young lady called Serena Ryder. The first song I hear off it was “Little bit of red”, and I was instantly hooked. Who was she? Apart from a dozen songs or so, for a while I had no idea what she looked like and I could’ve sworn, just listening to her voice while singing, she’s twice her actual age. Needless to say I got the album, and it was in my CD player for the longest time. (And I do mean months.)

I started plugging her with a few European friends, who took to her instantly. A Haligonian friend of mine dubbed her Melissa (Etheridge) Jr. and I guess she has a good point: if Etheridge is your musical cup of tea, I’m sure you’ll dig Serena Ryder as well. The last time she played Halifax, NS, there was a significant amount of lady loving ladies in the audience, prompting some gay guys to wonder if Serena plays the same side of the fence. Not that it matters to me, as long as she keeps writing great songs people can relate to. The songs on her last album (“Is it o.k.”) are all personal songs - half of them inspired by her best friend and manager of six years’ (Bonnie O’Donnell) passing away.

I’m consciously omitting her slow rise to fame (and the fact she already has two Juno Awards under her belt) since it’s been all over the Canadian press, and I don’t feel like rehashing.

One highlight was when she was approached to do a Bruce Springsteen cover. Serena happily jumped at the opportunity and did her version of “Racing in the street”, which was posted on Springsteen’s official website. How awesome is that!

Serena has been touring extensively throughout Canada and the US since the release of her last album in November 2008 (the US followed a year later) and has been gaining new fans with every performance. And her performances are passionate! Serena’s most recent stint was with Lilith Fair, which is a dream come true. (For those who follow her on Twitter: she posted a goofy picture of her and Tegan and Sara during the tour a while ago.)

Speaking of goofy: she’s posted some pretty funny videos of her riding her suitcase. Those crack me up every time I watch them. Watch one here, and another here. (Yup, I’m nerdy enough to think that’s hilarious.)

Anyway, I digress. If you haven’t heard of Serena Ryder I strongly encourage you to check her out. If you’re a fan of singer/songwriters I strongly encourage you to check her out. If you like women who rock... Indeed: check out her music. Enjoy!