In The Purple Seat: Justin Serrao

We had the amazingly talented Justin Serrao in studio with us for a chat last week, here is what you missed.

You just came back from a UK tour, how was that?

It was epic- we went with the Parlotones and we did the UK- we did London, Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol, Glasgow, and Dublin. It was an amazing trip, playing with the Parlotones- they have huge crowds out there, it was an experience.

So what was the best part of this tour?

It’s all great, but highlights of it- Manchester was definitely my favourite and Glasgow.

You said that you went with the Parlotones- how did that happen?

We are all from the West Rand, and Glen, the bassist, and I play golf together.  A lot of deals get made on the golf course.

Have you always had a passion for music? How did it start?

Yes, I’ve always played guitar. I actually started playing the bass when I was 9 years old and playing live since I was 13 years old. It’s what I’m meant to do.

Do you have any passions besides music?

Golf, it’s just a good balance from being in the clubs and pubs and then going into the greenery.

Do you have any celeb crushes?

Rolene Strauss, she’s beautiful and studying to become a doctor.

What is the best advice that you have ever been given?

This too shall pass.

What is the most embarrassing song on your IPod?

Boys to Men- End of the road, My kind of girl… The classics

Who are your favourite bands/singers?

I really like country music so people like David Ramirez, Noah Gunderson,  Jason Isbell, Zac Brown Band, Keith Urban and Luke Bryan.

How do you handle mistakes during performances?

Pretend that it was supposed to be part of the show, you just carry on. As soon as you stop, people think that you suck.

Where would you like to perform the most?

Nashville and Texas.

If you weren’t singing, what would you be doing?

I always wanted to become a geologist, I’ve always enjoyed looking at rocks.

How do you balance having a career with friends and family obligations?

It’s tough, because my working hours is basically from Thursday until Sunday night, so I get Monday to Wednesday off most of the time. So I miss a lot of family lunches and getting to see my friends on Friday nights. It’s definitely not easy.

Written by Ghia ten Doeschate