quickly think back to what you were doing at 17.

I’d be willing to bet it wasn’t a fraction of what this talent is doing.

in fact, I’d be willing to bet she’s doing more now that most of us presently.

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okay, first off, the Velvet Underground cover – this is what you’re quickly becoming known for online. how does one even go about a split screen duo co-op…I don’t even know the name for this…help me out:

My YouTube debut was actually a video of the first song I learned on guitar, because I was too afraid to play it for my friends in person. From there I continued recording music on my own, and was intrigued by the amount of young artists there in the world, that put themselves out on the internet.  Eventually people started asking to do what they call in the YouTube music community, a “collaboration.” I’ve done this a few times, and its really fun! Some people record their music for youtube in an actual studio, with microphones and recording equipment, but I just use the video mode on my digital camera. There are plenty of free video editing programs out there to use, also. I use Windows Movie Maker! A collaboration works through sending pieces of video and audio files back and forth. Eventually one of the people compile the audio and video. It is a great way to make music with people miles away. For example, in the Sunday Morning cover, two people of different ages, different first languages, and different sides of the equator were able to recreate a song that they both loved.

let’s talk a little bit about that cover you did – who is the guy? how did you all meet?

The guy is Martin Da Silveira. He had been consistently commenting on my videos, and one day he asked if I’d join him in the task of covering Sunday Morning. I gladly accepted!

and so how did the whole recording process go? I mean, it looks basic enough with the split screen, but something tells me there was more to it.

Well, sometimes its necessary to realign the audio with the video. If you look closely at this vid, the video is a little bit of sync with the audio. I made all of my tracks (Xylophone and vocals), then overlapped them into one track, and sent that track to Martin. Since video files are often too large to email, we have to use websites such as Mediafire, that allow you to put the track on the internet temporarily, so others can download it. Martin came up with the background synth stuff on his own, on whatever software he uses. I’m not sure what Martin uses to record, but I use my digital camera.

you’re obviously good on the xylophone, but you’re also in the ‘We Are The World’ ukulele video tribute – what else do you play? what do you want to play? where is this all going?

I would say that piano is my main instrument, but I play guitar, drums, melodica, bass, and various low brass to a small extent. I want to play sitar. I don’t plan on becoming a professional musician of any sort in my life, but I would love to still be involved in the music scene and industry. One video that captures the amount of instruments I play is here.

wow. okay, so you’re on the verge of being able to play 6 instruments, along with being able to sing and write music and you don’t want to be a professional musician?

Nope. I’m hesitant, because thus far in my life, I’m not very receptive to situations where I’m forced to play music. For example, a forceful piano teacher, or even too much band at school. Unless I had a lot of control over what I was able to do and play, I’d rather maintain the creativity on my own. But as I said, I ALWAYS want to be involved in the music scene.

musical influences?

I think most of my musical influences actually come from people my age! Friends in my everyday life, and friends on the internet that I’ve met on youtube. I actually maintain contact with a few. For example, every once in a while, I’ll get a package from Australia.

a package from Australia?

A package from Australia! I believe it consisted of a kazoo (with plenty of handwritten-sharpie-notes on it), an Australian pen, a t-shirt, and a “certificate of awesomeness”(My fave.) The package came from Kenny and the Captains. (We met due to our commonality-the melodica!(acordion-like keyboard)).

you’re young. most of us are not – who should we be listening to right now?

I am young! Most musicians are young. You all should be listening to the teenagers/ young adults that play music in their living rooms with a camera on, just for funzies. I could definitely reccomend tons of talented musicians that get little to no recognition.

Kristen Holine

Lauren O’Connell

Oberon Carter

Unh Aralee Windu

Pomplamoose

LanaRae and Faireset

thanks, Flor.

THANKS

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Flor Isabel Serna is a 17 year old girl living in The Land of Enchantment. She likes to fly kites and listen to music. She is hoping to someday become involved in the music recording industry, but until then, she plays and listens to music for fun.