From ancient cultures to the Classical era to swing, rock ‘n’ roll, Western/Country and everything in between, music has always been a universal language that not only crosses cultures but also time. And it is very important to keep every bit of music alive for the next generations to experience and pass on. Canada’s Jerry Sereda understands that very well, keeping Indigenous traditions and music that were handed down to him close to his heart and sharing them with the world as he blends country music with traditional sounds and storytelling
We recently spoke with Jerry to talk about his family’s history and connection with music, his new album and single Classic Country Couple, and how important it was to release both on Canada’s Indigenous Peoples Day.
CN: For our readers who may not be familiar with you, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
JS: I am an Indigenous (Metis) country singer from Treaty 1 territory (Manitoba). I grew up learning to live off the land by hunting, fishing and trapping. I have been at music for quite a few years but took some time off to finish off my Master’s Degree in Education, as well as my counseling degree.
I learned my first guitar chords from my grandmother Dottie who became one of my biggest supporters along with my Mom. They both always encouraged me to continue to write songs, and play guitar.
I went looking for a new producer in 2018, and connected with my friend Troy Kokol to finish of an album I had started, which recently won “Best Country Album” at the Summer Solstice Indigenous Music Awards.
We are now set to release our new project “Classic Country Couple” on June 21, 2021.
CN: As is known, country music is very popular in Canada. Which artists have influenced you both personally and as an artist?
JS: My favorite artist as a writer and performer has always been Garth Brooks, but I have always loved the classic country artists like Johnny, Merle, Waylon, Willie, and Keith Whitley. But I feel I grew up with lots of the rocking country of the 90’s. From the modern artists I really look up to Eric Church, and Luke Combs for their writing, and performance styles.
CN: Do you remember the first album you owned?
JS: I’m not sure what album came first, but I remember owning, and loving “I am what I am” – George Jones, and “Copperhead road” – Steve Earle
CN: Originally from the Parkland region of Manitoba, you lived off the land and are very connected to your Métis Roots. How important is it to you to show your pride and love for the Indigenous people personally but also through your music?
JS: I have always been proud of my Indigenous Heritage from my Metis upbringing to my Cree grandmother’s teachings, and guitar lessons I have always felt strongly tied to Indigenous beliefs and traditions. My old logo was a cowboy hat with the Infinity symbol (which is the Metis flag) as the bottom of the hat. Even today I always have my guitar strap on which is a Metis sash to let everyone know about my heritage, and the pride I have to be Indigenous.
CN: Here in the United States, our awards shows don’t include an Indigenous Music category, such as the JUNOs do in Canada. Can you explain the different types of music that fall in the genre?
JS: The Indigenous category has all types of genres of music that fall into it from Hip-Hop, folk, pop, rock, rap, country, and traditional types such as drum, flute, and more traditional Indigenous sounds. All Indigenous artists can fit into other genres of music, and some apply directly to the category their music would fall into. Indigenous people were given the category to put a spotlight on artists that may not have had the opportunities to have mainstream exposure.
Recently Leela Gilday was nominated in both the JUNO Contemporary Roots Album of the Year category, and the JUNO Indigenous Artist or Group of the Year. And she won the JUNO for Indigenous Artist or Group of the Year. She also won the 2021 Summer Solstice Indigenous Music Award for Roots Album of the Year. And I personally won the “Country Album of the Year” at the SSIMA’s for my last record, “Don’t Mind If I Do”. I was shocked when they announced my name, what an honour.
CN: How do you blend the genres of country and Indigenous in your music?
JS: I feel that my Indigenous belief in community and storytelling has made it possible for myself and my all-Indigenous production team to create music with great story, and great rhythms, as well as to write a few songs about the struggles of Indigenous peoples.
We also try to incorporate Métis fiddle styles into musical arrangements when it is fitting.
Also my live shows are also very energetic where the band and I will dance around, which is also very common in the Métis community where fiddling, singing, and jigging has always been a part of the culture when people come together to celebrate.
CN: Someone very special in your family also ensured that your Indigenous love and beliefs as well as taught you how to play the guitar. Tell us about your Grandma Dottie.
JS: Grandma Dottie was a true gift to my family, and to me in particular by always encouraging me to play and write new songs. She taught me my first guitar chords, and was always the first to sit down when she saw me, and ask me about music, or pick up a guitar herself and start a jam. I truly believe that her spirit is still supporting my music and rooting for me, and always asking me to write (and play) new songs.
CN: You released your fourth studio album Classic Country Couple, on June 21st which is also Canada’s National Indigenous Peoples Day. The day prior you debuted the second single and title track during “Indigenous Day Live 2021” which aired on Canada’s Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN). What did that mean to you to release this song and album around the holiday?
JS: June is a very important month for indigenous people to acknowledge the struggles and celebrate their successes. We had originally planned to release the song on June 21st to celebrate our own success of creating a project with an all-Indigenous team. Shortly after our decision, APTN reached out to us and asked if we would be able to be a part of their Indigenous Day Live broadcast on June 20th. It was an amazing stroke of luck to be able to celebrate our Indigenous made project by debuting the song on National Indigenous day with a celebration of Indigenous music, art, and culture. To be able to release this album and song on Indigenous Peoples Day, and celebrate my music with Indigenous People across Canada is an amazing honor.
CN: The track was written in Nashville by Helene Cronin, Andy Wills, Dakota Jay, and William King. What was it about the song that led you to record it?
JS: The sentiment of classic country couple is the age-old story about someone witnessing another mistreating their partner, and saying that if given the chance they would treat that person right, and that they deserve better. If given a chance they could be a “classic country couple” which paints the image of the country couples that people have loved and followed for years singing songs about love and struggles, and loving each other unconditionally. The loving unconditionally has always been the image of my grandparents who lived their life to support and care for each other, as well as always being there for family and friends. All that wonderful storytelling, combined with a cool modern hook, and a little bit of cheekiness in the lyrics made it the perfect song to add to the project, as well an opportunity to remember the love and passion that made my grandparents an amazing couple, and the kind of relationship that I strive to have myself.
CN: Can you take us through your songwriting process? With the past year’s pandemic, did you find yourself writing more or less?
JS: Songwriting for me sometimes starts with a melody, sometimes with an idea, or sometimes with a couple lines of a chorus or verse. I’ve written songs solo, and as part of a team where we get to combine our similar experiences to give the song greater depth, and allow it to appeal to a wider audience. During this pandemic writing has slowed down a bit for us just because we’ve always found the writing process to have an energy and life of it’s own in person. However we have been writing through skype, and zoom whenever we get a chance.
CN: If you could collaborate with any one artist, who would it be?
JS: Oh…I don’t think I could pick a single artist. I would love to collaborate with Eric Church, Luke Combs, or Garth Brooks. They are all amazing entertainers and songwriters and I feel I could learn so much from them. But I suppose if I had to choose 1, it was, and always will be Garth Brooks. He inspires my stage performances, and when I first started singing, I only sang Garth tunes in front of people to the point where my first paid gig was as a Garth Brooks impersonator.
CN: What was the first concert you ever attended?
JS: The first concert I ever attended was Shania Twain. I just realized how how fitting it is that she is both Canadian, and Indigenous. So what a pretty cool first concert for me to attend! Amazing show.
CN: If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be and why?
JS: Thankful. I have great people in my personal life, and in my musical life. In addition, I have amazing radio personalities, fans, and friends who have been supporting me musically since I released my first song. I thank the universe daily for allowing me the opportunity to have such strong supports around me. It has also allowed me the opportunity to offer supports to other people who may need help personally, or musically.
CN: What’s next on the horizon for you? Any upcoming in person / virtual events to support the album?
JS: We have a virtual event to showcase the new album coming up June 27th 2021 at 7:30ET with an acoustic version of the songs. As for live shows we are taking bookings, and have a few private events scheduled, but hoping for live public shows soon.
Mark your calendars: On Monday, August 2nd Jerry Sereda will be taking over our Instagram! Be sure to tune in!
For more information on Jerry Sereda, visit his website at www.jerrysereda.com and follow him on Facebook and Instagram.