Today we’d like to introduce you to Serrin Joy.
Hi Serrin, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My name is Serrin Joy (Scrutchings). I am 20 years old, and I am an artist originally from Akron, Ohio. I am the oldest of five (Walter, Lynette, Lydia and Sophia) and the daughter of Walter Sr. and Joy McNeal Scrutchings. I grew up watching a lot of television networks such as TV One, Disney Channel, Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon and movies! I would definitely consider myself a church kid. My siblings and I sang in the choir(s) and danced in the Mime Ministries /African dance/ Step Team, you name it!
My father has worked in the Gospel industry for over 30 years as a producer and a songwriter. He is also over the Men’s division for the Gospel Music Workshop Of America. We grew up with a recording studio in our house, where he would record my siblings and I when we were little. My mother is a school owner (Hoke McNeal Academy of Higher Learning) and classical pianist, as well as a theatre, voice and piano instructor. While growing up, I also attended performing arts schools in my city such as Miller South VPA and Firestone: Akron School for the Arts.
I turned what started off as a hobby, and evidently my way to work through my mental health, into my lifestyle around the age of 14-15. One night in which I remember vividly, I saw a vision of myself performing in front of a crowd full of supporters singing my music. This vision had been appearing in my mind pretty consistently at the time, and so one night I decided to take action. Yes, I come form a gospel background, but I would consider myself more so an R&B, Urban Pop artist. I started off posting audio covers on YouTube which eventually turned into covers on my Instagram, performing at venues around my hometown and soon enough releasing music of my own.
After high school, I moved to New York City, where I studied Musical Theatre for two years at The American Musical & Dramatic Academy. During my time of schooling, I would attend classes during the day and perform at open mics around the city at night. Side note– My favorite spot to be while I was in New York was Harlem! My friends and I had our weekly routine! Head to 125th and Lenox, hit the hair store(s), shop for clothes, then finish the day with either Jamaican food or Dallas BBQ sticky wings! We would have a blast.
Since the beginning of my artistic journey back in 2016, I have had the pleasure of working alongside amazing artists such as, but not limited to, Melba Moore (Women Of Color On Broadway), Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan (American Idol S19), Avery RealTyme, Remo The Hitmaker, Zae France and Ne-Yo, (Compound Studios), as well as Steven Spielberg, Tamela Mann, Fantasia and Halle Bailey, (The Color Purple), just to name a few.
I currently reside in Atlanta Georgia, and I love this city! The opportunities, the festivities and the most of all, the vibe. I have been working my way around, performing at different open mics, networking with artists and musicians in the area, working in film, performing with different corporate bands on the side and I’m currently recording at Compound Studios.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I don’t think there has been an obstacle I have met that I haven’t been able to handle. I would say any struggles thus far have come from within myself. I feel as though it is very natural to feel self-doubt and for me, this can sometimes result in overworking myself. Trying to do everything for myself, by myself… which isn’t always the best mentality to have.
How I have overcome this is by remembering everything I do is for God. In believing this, I pray before everyday begins, after receiving any opportunities and even if things don’t go exactly “my way”, I thank God for my experiences.
Whenever I’m feeling down, God always brings me out of that mentality, honestly.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am an artist. I sing, write and direct my own productions.
Those who know me personally know that I am a hard worker and I try to always make sure that I am having fun with everything I do. No matter the situation, I always try to find a positive outlook on things. Those who know me in the public eye know that I sing and have my own music. And lastly, to those who don’t know me yet (keyword yet!), I want you to know that I love what I do! I love entertainment, meeting new people and just having a good time.
What I am most proud of as of recently is the fact that I moved to Atlanta. This has been my dream since I was 11-12 years old. I have recently just released a new music video for my song entitled “Kiss N Tell” up now on YouTube! I also have started my own web series entitled “This Is Serrin”, where I showcase my studios sessions and behind the scenes footage of my life.
As far as what sets me apart from others, I would say is that I don’t look at anyone as competition, and I say that in the humblest way possible. I feel as though I am on my own path & I love to learn from other artists and apply what I’ve learned in my own sessions/ performances. Hear me out… does it really matter the status if we are in the same room?
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I would like to shoutout my family for supporting me, being my rock and the most loyal people I know. I love you guys so much, thank you for everything.
I would also like to shoutout my hometown of Akron, Ohio for the continued support!
Contact Info:
- Email: serrinjoymanagement@gmail.com
- Website: https://zez.am/serrinjoymusic
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/serrinjoymusic/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/serrinjoymusic
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/serrinjoymusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS1P-FFv4tPM-xO_HnSyJrg
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/serrin-joy
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@serrinjoymusic
Image Credits:
Natey Nukez Kim ThaGod Suko Vision
