Hello friends,
If you're receiving this email, you're either on my music mailing list or you're a friend I've included so I can reach everyone in one letter.
If you'd rather not receive these occasional updates, no worries at all—just click Unsubscribe at the bottom of this email. No hard feelings... promise. 😊
There's lots to catch you up on, so here we go…
📖 The Book Is (Finally!) Almost Here
My book has been finished since December!
Title: Life Lines – The Wellspring of Stories, Paintings and Songs by Serina Jung
When fellow authors told me that writing the book would be the easy part, I remember thinking, "How hard can it be to get a book printed and out into the world? I've released three albums—it can't be that difficult."
Well, my friends... it seems the Forces of Obstacle and Delay have been following me ever since.
As I write this newsletter, I'm waiting for what I sincerely hope is the final proof copy. If all goes well, you'll be able to order your copy by the end of the month. The good news? I also managed to navigate a way around the “Capital A Rainforest's” usual 60% cut and finalized a more reasonable split.
As soon as everything is live on my website, I'll send details about where you can purchase the book, depending on where you live in this beautiful world.
Email subscribers will receive a discount as a thank-you for your support.
🎧 Audiobook
The audiobook is titled:
Life Lines – Reflections of Id
It includes the stories and a few poems, accompanied by a sparse musical soundtrack. Since it's an audiobook, none of the artwork is included beyond the cover.
For now, it will be available exclusively through my website: www.serinajung.com
There won't be an e-book edition.
📚 A Book Recommendation
If you're looking for a fun read while you're waiting for mine, I highly recommend my friend Benjamin Douglas' book:
It had me laughing out loud with its stories from the road. Benjamin is a musician, artist, author, fearless adventurer, and a wonderfully observant storyteller. Please check out his work if you have the chance.
🎶 Back on Stage
After a 16-year hiatus from live performance, I'm back on stage again alongside many talented singer-songwriters here in Vermont.
One recent highlight was jamming with the incredibly talented Nobby Reed & Co. in St. Albans.
I'm also fortunate to be hosting several songwriting workshop/day retreats this summer. I'm sure it's only a matter of time before they lead to new collaborations—and hopefully concerts.
I'll be posting photos on my website and Instagram:@serene.oasis_
🎸 New Music
Besides the 14 (of 18) new song lyrics included in my upcoming book, I released two new songs on YouTube this week:
They're simple, raw videos—just me and my guitars in my practice room/home studio. I also finally got my beloved Pearl electric guitar repaired. She sounds amazing.
🎵 New EP Coming
I'm also working on a new acoustic EP: Bared Bones – The Living Room Sessions.
My hope is to release it by the end of the year. I've always enjoyed music that's honest, raw, and minimally produced and I hope you enjoy it too.
▶️ A Fresh Start on YouTube
Some of you may wonder why my YouTube channel looks brand new, even though it's been around since 2010.
For many years it was controlled by a corporate entity, and it took me 15 years to regain control of it in the fall of 2024. Unfortunately, when ownership transferred back to me, nearly everything disappeared—subscribers, comments, and most of my content. My channel was essentially reset to zero.
So if you'd like to hear about new songs as they're released, I'd be so grateful if you'd subscribe again, share the music, or leave a comment if something resonates with you. Link HERE to visit.
I'm excited to rebuild this little corner of the internet on my own terms.
🎧 What I'm Listening To
Lately I've been enjoying music by:
- Sarah Jarosz
- Melody Gardot
- Flip Turn
...and I've been spending plenty of time with NPR's Tiny Desk Concerts which continue to introduce me to an incredible variety of musicians and new music.
I hope life is treating you well and that your days are filled with laughter, meaningful moments, and the sound of great music.
I'll reach out again soon.
If you know someone who might enjoy my music or these updates, please feel free to share this newsletter with them.
Happy mid-summer!
~ Serina