Emerging from the music scenes of Byron Bay and Brisbane, Serena Rose is a singer, songwriter and producer, whose music blends dark psychedelia and emotive rock, with atmospheric soundscapes. Akin to Mazzy Star, her voice resonates a haunting, yet captivating immersive journey, drawing you into the deeply intimate and hypnotic world she creates.
With the release of her single, ‘Touching Skies’ late last year, as well composing a film score that was featured at the film premiere, Serena Rose is a woman to watch in 2026.
Can you talk me through your creative process – where does it all begin, and how does it end up a finished song?
I don’t really plan to write songs. They usually emerge at sort of random times. Always in spaces where I can fully be with myself and feel in tune with my surroundings. It’s all feeling based. I often sit with my guitar when I feel something coming and just let the parts of the song come. Usually, most of the song comes in one sitting, then I add to it.
Who or what are some of your biggest influences?
Deep emotion creates and influences my music. Nature is a big one too. I have a lot of influences, different ones for different spaces of music I delve into. I listen to a lot of psychedelic rock, stoner rock, film scores and trance music too.
If you could describe your musical journey in 2025, how would you?
My year started focusing on composing a film score and then performing it at the film premiere. That led into really leaning into the cinematic feel with following band performances.
A lot of last year was spent focusing on my single release, ‘Touching Skies’. I was across all aspects of production, from working with my friend on the cover art, to recording, to preparing for the release show. Last year was a really special journey of staying true to myself, while also involving other like-minded creatives, to ultimately expand my expression.
What do you love about the Northern River’s music scene? Anything you don’t like about it?
I love its psychedelic flare, and I love the community support. If there’s anything I don’t like about it, it’s venues and festivals struggling or shut down due to restrictions or people with too much money controlling things and not investing in the arts anymore…
When you’re performing, what do you set out to achieve?
My main goal is to hold the space with authenticity and comfort and almost pave a way for people to reach their depths and introspection.
When you’re not making music, where can I find you?
If I’m not making music, I’m probably by a creek or on the beach, at someone else’s gig, or working at the music store in Mullum.
More about Serena Rose
‘Short and Sweet’ is your backstage pass to NSW’s Northern Rivers Music Scene, inspired
by BayFM’s Ange Kent host of Northern Rivers Music Box and music journalist, Prudence
Clark, from Off The Record.