DC ALUMNI SINGS HEART OUT AT THE RMG

Aly Beach

The Chronicle

The crowd was captivated as Tay Sera, all smiles, sang her heart out to her original song called “Reap What You Sew” while playing at the RMG on Friday.

Tay Sera, also known as Taylor Murray, is a Durham College Alumni who graduated from the Entrepreneurship and Small Business program who graduated in 2014.

The self-described indie-folk musician played a mix of original songs as well as covers. The general theme of her set-list was risk-taking and reflecting on personal experiences.

Her original songs included “Intuition,” a song based off real experiences and “Should I,” the first song Sera learned on ukulele, which she has named Gretchen. Her covers included Bob Dylan’s song “Make You Feel My Love.”

Sera has a mesmerizing voice, the crowd of about 60 people, couldn’t seem to look away. She had a versatile range and good control, leading to emotions showing through in her voice and it reflected onto the audience.

Sera is still relatively new to the music scene, only learning how to play acoustic guitar and ukulele at age 18. From there she started to sing.

“About two weeks after picking up my first guitar chords, I went to an open mic and tried to preform my songs. Keyword: tried.” Sera laughs.

Sera says she loved music from a young age and used it as an emotional outlet.

“I have been writing lyrics and melodies probably from the time I could talk. Making up songs about everything is kind of how I got through adolescence.” Says Sera.

The musician plans to release her first EP, “Fix It” on March 31st of this year. The EP is about taking risks and learning from personal experiences.

Aside from playing music, Sera also runs a business called FUNctional Accessories, which focuses on musical instrument accessories.

She launched her first product, AcouSkins in October 15.  AcouSkins are washable fabric covers designed for guitars. She eventually pitched this idea to Durham College’s FastStart program and her business goals became a reality.

Although the AcouSkins pitch eventually failed, Sera says she is thankful for the experience.

“Personally, it was so worth it because I learned so much and I made so many friends.”

The business also sells a line of guitar picks called “Freshly Picked Guitar Picks” which are picks with fruit, flowers and noses on them. The pun was intended. There are also coloured guitar and ukulele strings available called “Strings by Aurora”.

“The picks are doing so well now, so it’s like it was worth it, and all of the people that I met. I am now doing more music and have so many musician friends.” Says Sera.

Her products are available on her website www.functionalmusicaccessories.com, amazon.ca, at Long & McQuade Musical Instruments and independent music stores.