Can you tell us how Serena Smith and Friends came together as a band? What drew you to Celtic folk music?

I started the band a couple of years ago after getting an arts council grant to make it happen. It's been a dream of mine for many years. I've played in many folk bands over the years, but my passion first started back in the 90s when riverdance came out. I think they're responsible for a lot of people getting into folk music. When I watched that show and Lord of the Dance, I would be jumping around my room pretending to dance!

Then in 2000 I found a free Irish céilí community group and started to learn to dance. That led me to find Irish step dancing classes and I also met another musician (Ginny Johnson) who gave me some sheet music for a few jigs. I played them right away and she invited me to join a few people to learn how to play Irish tunes. The tunes were familiar from listening to them while dancing. Eventually I joined her with another musician (Tom Dahill) in my first Irish band called the Chancers.

I also started joining traditional Irish sessions and found loads of people who were playing the music by ear. Playing by ear is something I've always been able to do but felt isolated because I didn't know anyone else who could do it. That is until I started going to sessions. I felt like I was at home with people I could relate to musically and I was able to quickly pick up a lot of tunes in those sessions.

Your music combines Irish, Scottish and English folk traditions with modern elements. How did you develop this unique blend of styles?

I've listened to a lot of Celtic Fusion music, but a lot of people don't necessarily label it as such. For example Eileen Ivers is an Irish fiddle player who adds in looping and a wah pedal to her music. She's got a piece called 'Pachelbel's Frolics' which is an Irish twist on the classical piece. She also has another track called 'Whiskey and Sangria' which is an Irish tune with a Spanish flavour.

There are a lot of other modern folk bands out there as well which I feel so much inspiration from. Also, I've always been able to play many styles of music and have played popular covers and Irish tunes while busking. I thought it would be great to combine my skills to create something unique and exciting to listen to. Sometimes we add covers of songs in like 'Hit the Road Jack' and 'Sandstorm'. And with others, I have arranged the tunes to go with different styles so they sound a bit more interesting than just tune after tune. So I created my music to be a bit more dynamic and able to reach all audiences.

Which artists or traditions have had the biggest impact on your sound? Are there any modern genres or artists that inspire your work?

I've mentioned Eileen Ivers who is a primarily a solo artist that works with various people. I'm also inspired by Talisk, Elephant Sessions and Face the West which are Scottish. These bands also add elements of dance beats, improvising and mixing in other styles.

If you could collaborate with any artist—past or present—in the folk world, who would it be and why?

I would love to collaborate with Tim Edey but he's a very busy guy! Also it would be great to collaborate with Talisk as I really like the upbeat stuff that they do. I've also met Sharon Shannon and Dónal Lunny who have been at the top of the Irish music world for many years. I got to play in a private session with them and a few other musicians which was brilliant. I also played a new tune with Sharon that she was working on. Would be good to meet with them again!

What do you love most about performing in rural areas? Are there any memorable moments from your shows with Live & Local?

The people are really great. We've had a great time so far and it's good to get the audience participating. Especially getting them to do a ceilidh dance or singing along to the songs we play instrumentally.

What can fans expect from Serena Smith and Friends in the near future? Are there new projects, albums or collaborations on the horizon?

Currently we're working on getting a couple of professional videos done. We have our first album which we sell at gigs but are also working on new music. I'm preparing to get t-shirts and hoodies printed with my logo to also sell at gigs and online. Additionally, by special request we'll be adding 'Devil Went Down To Georgia' to our live shows!