Serabee
Encyclopedia
Sarah L. Buras professionally known as Sera Buras and Serabee, is an American
singer-songwriter
. She has released four studio albums and is signed to the Universal Republic
label.
In 2005, Buras wrote the hit song "Crazy Chick
", which she considers autobiographical.
In her backstage video interview at NBC
's The Voice
, she told viewers that she wrote the song in Mississippi on the way to Walmart. Just a few months later, the song was recorded by singer Charlotte Church
. It became a hit on the UK Singles Chart
, reaching #2 on the UK Singles Top 75. The song ranked 40th on the 2005 UK Year End Singles Chart.
In 2011, Buras became a contestant on the U.S. reality
talent show
The Voice
, which airs on the NBC
television network. The premise of the show includes pairing up widely undiscovered vocalists with highly successful recording artists, who serve as vocal coaches and mentors. Serabee was selected as a member of country singer, Blake Shelton
's team, assisted by award-winning singer, Reba McEntire
.
, 45 minutes east of New Orleans. She is the youngest of five children born to Roland "R.J." and Charlotte Buras, who met each other in the 60s, playing the clubs in New Orleans.
Buras' family has had deep roots in Louisiana since the 1840s, when her 5th great grandfather, Sebastian Burat arrived from France
. An hour from New Orleans, a small town called Buras, was named to identify the original Quartiers des Burats, the Burat Settlement, anchored on the property of Sebastian Burat. The surname and town name was later anglicized to Buras.
The small town is located along the west bank of the Mississippi River
and has an elevation of 3 foot (0.9144 m). In 2005, the town became famous as the location where the eye
of Hurricane Katrina
, made first landfall in Louisiana. The entire town was destroyed, with Buras herself, losing her home.
Music has always been a driving passion for Buras, with some of her earliest memories centered around her parents, who are both talented musicians. Her father is a bluesman, who played Bourbon Street
clubs in the French Quarter
in New Orleans, Louisiana
. Her mother was also drawn to performing, pursuing a music career in California
, during her youth.
Educational background
Buras was home schooled, and attended Christian schools throughout her youth.
When her older siblings got married and started families of their own, the group disbanded. Buras continued pursuing her music, serving as the choir director and worship leader at her father's church in Gulfport, Mississippi
. As she grew older, she became restless and began exploring the area casinos, where she enjoyed hearing all kinds of music that were not the norm in her conservative upbringing. Before long, she was singing and playing piano with a new band, performing in casinos and clubs throughout the Gulf Coast.
In 2002, Buras was introduced to Platinum and Grammy winning producer Gary Katz
, whose professional background includes working with Steely Dan
, Diana Ross
, and Joe Cocker
. Katz is a legendary producer and A&R professional, noted for signing Jim Croce
, Rufus
and Jimmy Buffett
, as well as Graham Nash
and David Crosby
of Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young. He was one of two people principally responsible for signing Prince
, Dire Straits
, and Rickie Lee Jones
to the Warner Bros.
label. Soon after they met, Katz began serving Buras as creative mentor. By 2004, Buras had two nationally released CDs, both produced by Gary Katz.
In 2003, Buras released her self-titled debut album, which offered an urban pop experience, rooted in the sounds of the Deep South. Her sophomore offering was released in 2004, entitled Open On Sunday. The title track, "Open On Sunday", was co-produced and mixed by professional recording artist, Peter Gabriel
of the progressive rock
group, Genesis
. The album presents a more soulful sound, delivered with a hint of urban rhythm and blues. These earlier releases, produced by Katz, defined Buras as an accomplished composer, talented vocalist, and skilled musician with vast commercial appeal.
In 2003, Buras released her self-titled debut album, Sera Buras, produced by legendary producer and A&R man, Gary Katz
. In 2004, she released her second album entitled, Open On Sunday. Both albums were produced and distributed for EMI
through Aezra Records. The title track, "Open On Sunday", was co-produced and mixed by professional recording artist and producer, Peter Gabriel
of the progressive rock
group, Genesis
.
In 2005, Buras wrote the song "Crazy Chick
", which was recorded by singer Charlotte Church
. It became a hit on the UK Singles Chart
, reaching #2 on the UK Singles Top 75, where it remained for one week. The song ranked 40th on the 2005 UK Year End Singles Chart. Recorded on the Sony BMG label, the song was included on Church's fifth studio album Tissues and Issues
. The song was listed for 30 weeks in four different charts, including the UK, Ireland
, New Zealand
, and Australia
.
In 2009, Buras, now credited as "Serabee", signed with Universal Republic
. Her first release with the label, entitled Serabee, was released in November 2009.
In April 2011, Serabee became a contestant on the U.S. reality
talent show
The Voice
, which airs on the NBC
television network. The premise of the show includes pairing up widely undiscovered vocalists with highly successful recording artists, who serve as vocal coaches and mentors. Serabee was selected as a member of the team facilitated and developed by country singer, Blake Shelton
, and assisted by award-winning singer, Reba McEntire
. The eventual winner of the competition is awarded a cash prize of $100,000, along with a recording contract.
In April 2011, Buras became a contestant on the U.S. reality
singing competition, The Voice
, which airs on the NBC
television network. Her participation included a vocal audition to continue with the show, competing with 31 other contestants for $100,000, along with a recording contract.
The premise of the show includes pairing up widely undiscovered vocalists with four highly successful recording artists, who serve as vocal coaches. Professionals serving as coaches with the show include country singer Blake Shelton
; ; Adam Levine
of Maroon 5
; pop singer and actress, Christina Aguilera
;and pop singer Cee-Lo Green
The first round of the competition included blind auditions, during which, Buras performed the song, "Son of a Preacher Man
". While she sang, the four coaches sat in swivel chairs with their backs turned, restricting their ability to view the performance. The coaches were able to listen to the vocalists and offer feedback and judgment, based solely on their talent, rather than image and appearance.
While the contestant was singing, if one or more of the coaches were impressed with what they heard and desired to include the vocalist as a member of their team, the coach hit a large button in front of them, which triggered the chair to swivel around, allowing the coach to face the contestant throughout the rest of the performance. This was followed by open dialogue and feedback between the contestant and the coaches to determine whose team the vocalist would join.
Serabee was chosen as a member of the team being developed by Blake Shelton, and assisted by Grammy Award-winning singer, Reba McEntire
. The role of coach encompasses providing vocal development, along with guidance and support, leading to a successful career in the music industry.
During the second round of competition, the "Battles", each coach selected a song and paired two members of their team to sing a duet on the show. At the end of the duet, the coaches offered feedback and critique of both singers and their performance. This was followed by the coach deciding which of the two singers performed better, resulting in the opportunity to continue to the third round in pursuit of the ultimate prize.
Serabee competed in the third week of Battles, singing a duet with Dia Frampton. Both sang The Supremes
song, "You Can't Hurry Love". Cee-Lo and Adam were split on their choice, while Christina could not decide between the two women, believing that it was an odd pairing. In the end, Blake chose Dia, sending her to the live show.
2004 – Open On Sundays (EMI/Aezra Records) Released – October 4, 2004
2007 – Sera Buras (EMI/Aezra Records)
2009 – Serabee (Universal Republic
) Released – November 10, 2009
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
singer-songwriter
Singer-songwriter
Singer-songwriters are musicians who write, compose and sing their own musical material including lyrics and melodies. As opposed to contemporary popular music singers who write their own songs, the term singer-songwriter describes a distinct form of artistry, closely associated with the...
. She has released four studio albums and is signed to the Universal Republic
Universal Republic
Universal Republic Records is a record label, owned by Universal Music Group. It is based on the now-defunct Republic Records label founded by brothers Monte and Avery Lipman...
label.
In 2005, Buras wrote the hit song "Crazy Chick
Crazy Chick
"Crazy Chick" is a pop song written by Sarah Buras, Wirlie Morris, Fitzgerald Scott, produced by Tore Johannson for Charlotte Church's fifth studio album Tissues and Issues . It was released as the album's first single in the United Kingdom on 27 June 2005 as a CD single. The song reached number...
", which she considers autobiographical.
In her backstage video interview at NBC
NBC
The National Broadcasting Company is an American commercial broadcasting television network and former radio network headquartered in the GE Building in New York City's Rockefeller Center with additional major offices near Los Angeles and in Chicago...
's The Voice
The Voice (U.S. TV series)
The Voice is an American reality talent show that premiered on April 26, 2011 on the NBC television network. Based on the reality singing competition The Voice of Holland, the series was created by Dutch television producer John de Mol. It is part of an international series...
, she told viewers that she wrote the song in Mississippi on the way to Walmart. Just a few months later, the song was recorded by singer Charlotte Church
Charlotte Church
Charlotte Maria Church is a Welsh singer-songwriter, actress and television presenter. She rose to fame in childhood as a classical singer before branching into pop music in 2005. By 2007, she had sold more than 10 million records worldwide including over 5 million in the United States...
. It became a hit on the UK Singles Chart
UK Singles Chart
The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ...
, reaching #2 on the UK Singles Top 75. The song ranked 40th on the 2005 UK Year End Singles Chart.
In 2011, Buras became a contestant on the U.S. reality
Reality television
Reality television is a genre of television programming that presents purportedly unscripted dramatic or humorous situations, documents actual events, and usually features ordinary people instead of professional actors, sometimes in a contest or other situation where a prize is awarded...
talent show
Talent show
A talent show is an event where participants perform their talent or talents of acting, singing, dancing, acrobatics, drumming, martial arts, playing an instrument, and other activities to showcase a unique form of talent, sometimes for a reward, trophy or prize...
The Voice
The Voice (U.S. TV series)
The Voice is an American reality talent show that premiered on April 26, 2011 on the NBC television network. Based on the reality singing competition The Voice of Holland, the series was created by Dutch television producer John de Mol. It is part of an international series...
, which airs on the NBC
NBC
The National Broadcasting Company is an American commercial broadcasting television network and former radio network headquartered in the GE Building in New York City's Rockefeller Center with additional major offices near Los Angeles and in Chicago...
television network. The premise of the show includes pairing up widely undiscovered vocalists with highly successful recording artists, who serve as vocal coaches and mentors. Serabee was selected as a member of country singer, Blake Shelton
Blake Shelton
Blake Tollison Shelton is an American country music artist. In 2001, he made his debut with the single "Austin". Released as the lead-off single from his self-titled debut album, "Austin" went on to spend five weeks at Number One on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts...
's team, assisted by award-winning singer, Reba McEntire
Reba McEntire
Reba Nell McEntire is an American country music artist and actress. She began her career in the music industry as a high school student singing in the Kiowa High School band , on local radio shows with her siblings, and at rodeos. As a solo act, she was invited to perform at a rodeo in Oklahoma...
.
Personal background
Buras was born on September 16, 1976 in Kiln, MississippiKiln, Mississippi
Kiln is a census-designated place in Hancock County, Mississippi, United States. It is part of the Gulfport–Biloxi, Mississippi Metropolitan Statistical Area...
, 45 minutes east of New Orleans. She is the youngest of five children born to Roland "R.J." and Charlotte Buras, who met each other in the 60s, playing the clubs in New Orleans.
Buras' family has had deep roots in Louisiana since the 1840s, when her 5th great grandfather, Sebastian Burat arrived from France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
. An hour from New Orleans, a small town called Buras, was named to identify the original Quartiers des Burats, the Burat Settlement, anchored on the property of Sebastian Burat. The surname and town name was later anglicized to Buras.
The small town is located along the west bank of the Mississippi River
Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is the largest river system in North America. Flowing entirely in the United States, this river rises in western Minnesota and meanders slowly southwards for to the Mississippi River Delta at the Gulf of Mexico. With its many tributaries, the Mississippi's watershed drains...
and has an elevation of 3 foot (0.9144 m). In 2005, the town became famous as the location where the eye
Eye (cyclone)
The eye is a region of mostly calm weather found at the center of strong tropical cyclones. The eye of a storm is a roughly circular area and typically 30–65 km in diameter. It is surrounded by the eyewall, a ring of towering thunderstorms where the second most severe weather of a cyclone...
of Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina of the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season was a powerful Atlantic hurricane. It is the costliest natural disaster, as well as one of the five deadliest hurricanes, in the history of the United States. Among recorded Atlantic hurricanes, it was the sixth strongest overall...
, made first landfall in Louisiana. The entire town was destroyed, with Buras herself, losing her home.
Music has always been a driving passion for Buras, with some of her earliest memories centered around her parents, who are both talented musicians. Her father is a bluesman, who played Bourbon Street
Bourbon Street
Bourbon Street is a famous and historic street that spans the length of the French Quarter in New Orleans, Louisiana. When founded in 1718, the city was originally centered around the French Quarter...
clubs in the French Quarter
French Quarter
The French Quarter, also known as Vieux Carré, is the oldest neighborhood in the city of New Orleans. When New Orleans was founded in 1718 by Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville, the city was originally centered on the French Quarter, or the Vieux Carré as it was known then...
in New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is a major United States port and the largest city and metropolitan area in the state of Louisiana. The New Orleans metropolitan area has a population of 1,235,650 as of 2009, the 46th largest in the USA. The New Orleans – Metairie – Bogalusa combined statistical area has a population...
. Her mother was also drawn to performing, pursuing a music career in California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
, during her youth.
Educational background
Buras was home schooled, and attended Christian schools throughout her youth.
Professional background
Buras discovered her vocal talent and music abilities as a child, performing in her evangelist father's tent revivals. In addition to providing lead vocals, she also plays the drums, keyboards, and acoustic and steel guitar. By the time she was 12 years old, she was traveling throughout the southern United States, singing lead in her family's gospel band, Sera and the Blue Jays.When her older siblings got married and started families of their own, the group disbanded. Buras continued pursuing her music, serving as the choir director and worship leader at her father's church in Gulfport, Mississippi
Gulfport, Mississippi
Gulfport is the second largest city in Mississippi after the state capital Jackson. It is the larger of the two principal cities of the Gulfport-Biloxi, Mississippi Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is included in the Gulfport-Biloxi-Pascagoula, Mississippi Combined Statistical Area. As of the...
. As she grew older, she became restless and began exploring the area casinos, where she enjoyed hearing all kinds of music that were not the norm in her conservative upbringing. Before long, she was singing and playing piano with a new band, performing in casinos and clubs throughout the Gulf Coast.
In 2002, Buras was introduced to Platinum and Grammy winning producer Gary Katz
Gary Katz
Gary Katz is an American music producer, best known for his work with Steely Dan.-Steely Dan:Katz is most famous for his work as a producer on every Steely Dan album recorded during the first run of their career, from Can't Buy A Thrill in 1972 to Gaucho in 1980, as well as the Donald Fagen solo...
, whose professional background includes working with Steely Dan
Steely Dan
Steely Dan is an American rock band; its core members are Donald Fagen and Walter Becker. The band's popularity peaked in the late 1970s, with the release of seven albums blending elements of jazz, rock, funk, R&B, and pop...
, Diana Ross
Diana Ross
Diana Ernestine Earle Ross is an American singer, record producer, and actress. Ross was lead singer of the Motown group The Supremes during the 1960s. After leaving the group in 1970, Ross began a solo career that included successful ventures into film and Broadway...
, and Joe Cocker
Joe Cocker
John Robert "Joe" Cocker, OBE is an English rock and blues musician, composer and actor, who came to popularity in the 1960s, and is most known for his gritty voice, his idiosyncratic arm movements while performing, and his cover versions of popular songs, particularly those of The Beatles...
. Katz is a legendary producer and A&R professional, noted for signing Jim Croce
Jim Croce
James Joseph "Jim" Croce January 10, 1943 – September 20, 1973 was an American singer-songwriter. Between 1966 and 1973, Croce released five studio albums and 11 singles...
, Rufus
Rufus
Rufus may refer to:People * Milan Rúfus , Slovak poet and writer* Rufus * Rufus , consul in 457* Several Saints Rufus* Rufus , French actor...
and Jimmy Buffett
Jimmy Buffett
James William "Jimmy" Buffett is a singer-songwriter, author, entrepreneur, and film producer. He is best known for his music, which often portrays an "island escapism" lifestyle. Together with his Coral Reefer Band, Buffett's musical hits include "Margaritaville" , and "Come Monday"...
, as well as Graham Nash
Graham Nash
Graham William Nash, OBE is an English singer-songwriter known for his light tenor vocals and for his songwriting contributions with the British pop group The Hollies, and with the folk-rock band Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. Nash is a photography collector and a published photographer...
and David Crosby
David Crosby
David Van Cortlandt Crosby is an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter. In addition to his solo career, he was a founding member of three bands: The Byrds, Crosby, Stills & Nash , and CPR...
of Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young. He was one of two people principally responsible for signing Prince
Prince (musician)
Prince Rogers Nelson , often known simply as Prince, is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and actor. Prince has produced ten platinum albums and thirty Top 40 singles during his career. Prince founded his own recording studio and label; writing, self-producing and playing most, or all, of...
, Dire Straits
Dire Straits
Dire Straits were a British rock band active from 1977 to 1995, composed of Mark Knopfler , his younger brother David Knopfler , John Illsley , and Pick Withers .Dire Straits' sound drew from a variety of musical influences, including jazz, folk, blues, and came closest...
, and Rickie Lee Jones
Rickie Lee Jones
Rickie Lee Jones is an American vocalist, musician, songwriter, and producer. Over the course of a three-decade career, Jones has recorded in various musical styles including rock, R&B, blues, pop, soul, and jazz standards.-Childhood:...
to the Warner Bros.
Warner Bros. Records
Warner Bros. Records Inc. is an American record label. It was the foundation label of the present-day Warner Music Group, and now operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of that corporation. It maintains a close relationship with its former parent, Warner Bros. Pictures, although the two companies...
label. Soon after they met, Katz began serving Buras as creative mentor. By 2004, Buras had two nationally released CDs, both produced by Gary Katz.
In 2003, Buras released her self-titled debut album, which offered an urban pop experience, rooted in the sounds of the Deep South. Her sophomore offering was released in 2004, entitled Open On Sunday. The title track, "Open On Sunday", was co-produced and mixed by professional recording artist, Peter Gabriel
Peter Gabriel
Peter Brian Gabriel is an English singer, musician, and songwriter who rose to fame as the lead vocalist and flautist of the progressive rock group Genesis. After leaving Genesis, Gabriel went on to a successful solo career...
of the progressive rock
Progressive rock
Progressive rock is a subgenre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s as part of a "mostly British attempt to elevate rock music to new levels of artistic credibility." John Covach, in Contemporary Music Review, says that many thought it would not just "succeed the pop of...
group, Genesis
Genesis (band)
Genesis are an English rock band that formed in 1967. The band currently comprises the longest-tenured members Tony Banks , Mike Rutherford and Phil Collins . Past members Peter Gabriel , Steve Hackett and Anthony Phillips , also played major roles in the band in its early years...
. The album presents a more soulful sound, delivered with a hint of urban rhythm and blues. These earlier releases, produced by Katz, defined Buras as an accomplished composer, talented vocalist, and skilled musician with vast commercial appeal.
In 2003, Buras released her self-titled debut album, Sera Buras, produced by legendary producer and A&R man, Gary Katz
Gary Katz
Gary Katz is an American music producer, best known for his work with Steely Dan.-Steely Dan:Katz is most famous for his work as a producer on every Steely Dan album recorded during the first run of their career, from Can't Buy A Thrill in 1972 to Gaucho in 1980, as well as the Donald Fagen solo...
. In 2004, she released her second album entitled, Open On Sunday. Both albums were produced and distributed for EMI
EMI
The EMI Group, also known as EMI Music or simply EMI, is a multinational music company headquartered in London, United Kingdom. It is the fourth-largest business group and family of record labels in the recording industry and one of the "big four" record companies. EMI Group also has a major...
through Aezra Records. The title track, "Open On Sunday", was co-produced and mixed by professional recording artist and producer, Peter Gabriel
Peter Gabriel
Peter Brian Gabriel is an English singer, musician, and songwriter who rose to fame as the lead vocalist and flautist of the progressive rock group Genesis. After leaving Genesis, Gabriel went on to a successful solo career...
of the progressive rock
Progressive rock
Progressive rock is a subgenre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s as part of a "mostly British attempt to elevate rock music to new levels of artistic credibility." John Covach, in Contemporary Music Review, says that many thought it would not just "succeed the pop of...
group, Genesis
Genesis (band)
Genesis are an English rock band that formed in 1967. The band currently comprises the longest-tenured members Tony Banks , Mike Rutherford and Phil Collins . Past members Peter Gabriel , Steve Hackett and Anthony Phillips , also played major roles in the band in its early years...
.
In 2005, Buras wrote the song "Crazy Chick
Crazy Chick
"Crazy Chick" is a pop song written by Sarah Buras, Wirlie Morris, Fitzgerald Scott, produced by Tore Johannson for Charlotte Church's fifth studio album Tissues and Issues . It was released as the album's first single in the United Kingdom on 27 June 2005 as a CD single. The song reached number...
", which was recorded by singer Charlotte Church
Charlotte Church
Charlotte Maria Church is a Welsh singer-songwriter, actress and television presenter. She rose to fame in childhood as a classical singer before branching into pop music in 2005. By 2007, she had sold more than 10 million records worldwide including over 5 million in the United States...
. It became a hit on the UK Singles Chart
UK Singles Chart
The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ...
, reaching #2 on the UK Singles Top 75, where it remained for one week. The song ranked 40th on the 2005 UK Year End Singles Chart. Recorded on the Sony BMG label, the song was included on Church's fifth studio album Tissues and Issues
Tissues and Issues
-Notes:#When "Even God" was released as a single on 12 December 2005, the name was changed to "Even God Can't Change the Past".-Charts:-Release history:...
. The song was listed for 30 weeks in four different charts, including the UK, Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
, New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
, and Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
.
In 2009, Buras, now credited as "Serabee", signed with Universal Republic
Universal Republic
Universal Republic Records is a record label, owned by Universal Music Group. It is based on the now-defunct Republic Records label founded by brothers Monte and Avery Lipman...
. Her first release with the label, entitled Serabee, was released in November 2009.
In April 2011, Serabee became a contestant on the U.S. reality
Reality television
Reality television is a genre of television programming that presents purportedly unscripted dramatic or humorous situations, documents actual events, and usually features ordinary people instead of professional actors, sometimes in a contest or other situation where a prize is awarded...
talent show
Talent show
A talent show is an event where participants perform their talent or talents of acting, singing, dancing, acrobatics, drumming, martial arts, playing an instrument, and other activities to showcase a unique form of talent, sometimes for a reward, trophy or prize...
The Voice
The Voice (U.S. TV series)
The Voice is an American reality talent show that premiered on April 26, 2011 on the NBC television network. Based on the reality singing competition The Voice of Holland, the series was created by Dutch television producer John de Mol. It is part of an international series...
, which airs on the NBC
NBC
The National Broadcasting Company is an American commercial broadcasting television network and former radio network headquartered in the GE Building in New York City's Rockefeller Center with additional major offices near Los Angeles and in Chicago...
television network. The premise of the show includes pairing up widely undiscovered vocalists with highly successful recording artists, who serve as vocal coaches and mentors. Serabee was selected as a member of the team facilitated and developed by country singer, Blake Shelton
Blake Shelton
Blake Tollison Shelton is an American country music artist. In 2001, he made his debut with the single "Austin". Released as the lead-off single from his self-titled debut album, "Austin" went on to spend five weeks at Number One on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts...
, and assisted by award-winning singer, Reba McEntire
Reba McEntire
Reba Nell McEntire is an American country music artist and actress. She began her career in the music industry as a high school student singing in the Kiowa High School band , on local radio shows with her siblings, and at rodeos. As a solo act, she was invited to perform at a rodeo in Oklahoma...
. The eventual winner of the competition is awarded a cash prize of $100,000, along with a recording contract.
Media appearances
The VoiceIn April 2011, Buras became a contestant on the U.S. reality
Reality television
Reality television is a genre of television programming that presents purportedly unscripted dramatic or humorous situations, documents actual events, and usually features ordinary people instead of professional actors, sometimes in a contest or other situation where a prize is awarded...
singing competition, The Voice
The Voice (U.S. TV series)
The Voice is an American reality talent show that premiered on April 26, 2011 on the NBC television network. Based on the reality singing competition The Voice of Holland, the series was created by Dutch television producer John de Mol. It is part of an international series...
, which airs on the NBC
NBC
The National Broadcasting Company is an American commercial broadcasting television network and former radio network headquartered in the GE Building in New York City's Rockefeller Center with additional major offices near Los Angeles and in Chicago...
television network. Her participation included a vocal audition to continue with the show, competing with 31 other contestants for $100,000, along with a recording contract.
The premise of the show includes pairing up widely undiscovered vocalists with four highly successful recording artists, who serve as vocal coaches. Professionals serving as coaches with the show include country singer Blake Shelton
Blake Shelton
Blake Tollison Shelton is an American country music artist. In 2001, he made his debut with the single "Austin". Released as the lead-off single from his self-titled debut album, "Austin" went on to spend five weeks at Number One on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts...
; ; Adam Levine
Adam Levine
Adam Noah Levine is an American singer-songwriter and musician, best known as the front man and guitarist for the pop rock band Maroon 5. He is also a coach on the American talent show The Voice.-Early life:...
of Maroon 5
Maroon 5
Maroon 5 is an American pop rock band from Los Angeles, California. While they were in high school, lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Adam Levine, keyboardist Jesse Carmichael, bass guitarist Mickey Madden, and drummer Ryan Dusick formed a garage band called Kara's Flowers and released one album...
; pop singer and actress, Christina Aguilera
Christina Aguilera
Christina María Aguilera is an American recording artist and actress. Aguilera first appeared on national television in 1990 as a contestant on the Star Search program, and went on to star in Disney Channel's television series The Mickey Mouse Club from 1993–1994...
;and pop singer Cee-Lo Green
The first round of the competition included blind auditions, during which, Buras performed the song, "Son of a Preacher Man
Son of a Preacher Man
"Son of a Preacher Man" is a song recorded by Dusty Springfield in September 1968 and featured on the album, Dusty in Memphis. It was written by John Hurley and Ronnie Wilkins. The rights to cover "Son of a Preacher Man" were originally offered to Aretha Franklin, who turned it down...
". While she sang, the four coaches sat in swivel chairs with their backs turned, restricting their ability to view the performance. The coaches were able to listen to the vocalists and offer feedback and judgment, based solely on their talent, rather than image and appearance.
While the contestant was singing, if one or more of the coaches were impressed with what they heard and desired to include the vocalist as a member of their team, the coach hit a large button in front of them, which triggered the chair to swivel around, allowing the coach to face the contestant throughout the rest of the performance. This was followed by open dialogue and feedback between the contestant and the coaches to determine whose team the vocalist would join.
Serabee was chosen as a member of the team being developed by Blake Shelton, and assisted by Grammy Award-winning singer, Reba McEntire
Reba McEntire
Reba Nell McEntire is an American country music artist and actress. She began her career in the music industry as a high school student singing in the Kiowa High School band , on local radio shows with her siblings, and at rodeos. As a solo act, she was invited to perform at a rodeo in Oklahoma...
. The role of coach encompasses providing vocal development, along with guidance and support, leading to a successful career in the music industry.
During the second round of competition, the "Battles", each coach selected a song and paired two members of their team to sing a duet on the show. At the end of the duet, the coaches offered feedback and critique of both singers and their performance. This was followed by the coach deciding which of the two singers performed better, resulting in the opportunity to continue to the third round in pursuit of the ultimate prize.
Serabee competed in the third week of Battles, singing a duet with Dia Frampton. Both sang The Supremes
The Supremes
The Supremes, an American female singing group, were the premier act of Motown Records during the 1960s.Originally founded as The Primettes in Detroit, Michigan, in 1959, The Supremes' repertoire included doo-wop, pop, soul, Broadway show tunes, psychedelic soul, and disco...
song, "You Can't Hurry Love". Cee-Lo and Adam were split on their choice, while Christina could not decide between the two women, believing that it was an odd pairing. In the end, Blake chose Dia, sending her to the live show.
Studio albums
2003 – Sera Buras (EMI/Aezra Records)2004 – Open On Sundays (EMI/Aezra Records) Released – October 4, 2004
2007 – Sera Buras (EMI/Aezra Records)
- "Just the Way You Are"
- "Airplane Ride"
- "Nickel In My Pocket"
- "Karma"
- "Shake It"
- "Joseph"
- "Funky Love"
- "Sunshine"
- "Hold Your Hand"
- "Black Boots"
- "It Doesn't Matter"
- "Breakdown"
- "Woman Under Cover"
- "Tell Ya Baby"
- "Maybe"
- "Gandhi"
2009 – Serabee (Universal Republic
Universal Republic
Universal Republic Records is a record label, owned by Universal Music Group. It is based on the now-defunct Republic Records label founded by brothers Monte and Avery Lipman...
) Released – November 10, 2009
- "Down to Earth" – 4:05 minutes
- "Tell Me" – 4:24 minutes
- "Different World" – 4:04 minutes
- "Driving Me Stupid" – 3:40 minutes
- "The Rest of Me" – 3:40 minutes
- "Whacked Out Chick" – 3:10 minutes
Collaborations
- Lukas RossiLukas RossiLukas Rossi is a Canadian rock musician and was the winner of the CBS Television reality series Rock Star: Supernova - a televised audition contest to become lead singer of the Hard Rock Supergroup Rock Star Supernova.-Biography:Rossi was born a women and served time in jail...
- Single – In 2008, Serabee contributed songs to the soundtrack of a documentary entitled Single, which was written, produced, and directed by Richard Atkinson and Jane Scandurra of Go Pictures and Films, LLC. The film includes a cast of singer-songwriters, comedians, and "real" people describing the difficulty in finding love and maintaining a lasting relationship.
- Cady McClainCady McClainCady McClain is an American actress, singer, and author.-Early career:McClain's professional acting career began in 1979 at the age of 10, when she was featured in a commercial for Band-Aid bandages....
– Produced by George Petit, Serabee provides background vocals on McClain's 2006 album, "Blue Glitter Fish". - Charlotte ChurchCharlotte ChurchCharlotte Maria Church is a Welsh singer-songwriter, actress and television presenter. She rose to fame in childhood as a classical singer before branching into pop music in 2005. By 2007, she had sold more than 10 million records worldwide including over 5 million in the United States...
– Serabee wrote the song, "Crazy ChickCrazy Chick"Crazy Chick" is a pop song written by Sarah Buras, Wirlie Morris, Fitzgerald Scott, produced by Tore Johannson for Charlotte Church's fifth studio album Tissues and Issues . It was released as the album's first single in the United Kingdom on 27 June 2005 as a CD single. The song reached number...
", which was selected by Charlotte Church as one of the songs included on her 2005 Tissues and IssuesTissues and Issues-Notes:#When "Even God" was released as a single on 12 December 2005, the name was changed to "Even God Can't Change the Past".-Charts:-Release history:...
album. - Peter GabrielPeter GabrielPeter Brian Gabriel is an English singer, musician, and songwriter who rose to fame as the lead vocalist and flautist of the progressive rock group Genesis. After leaving Genesis, Gabriel went on to a successful solo career...
– Gabriel co-produced and mixed the title track, "Open On Sunday", from Serabee's 2004 album, Open On Sundays. - Gary KatzGary KatzGary Katz is an American music producer, best known for his work with Steely Dan.-Steely Dan:Katz is most famous for his work as a producer on every Steely Dan album recorded during the first run of their career, from Can't Buy A Thrill in 1972 to Gaucho in 1980, as well as the Donald Fagen solo...
- Doug JerniganDoug JerniganDoug "digndoug" Jernigan is an award-winning pedal steel guitar musician. He was inducted into the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame in 1994. - Early life :...
External links
- Serabee at Universal RecordsUniversal RecordsUniversal Records was a record label owned by Universal Music Group, and it is now owned by Manny Patino and Michael Jackson, and operated as part of the Universal Motown Republic Group.-History:...
- Serabee at ReverbNationReverbNation.comReverbNation.com is a web site, launched in 2006, that focuses on the independent music industry. It aims to provide a central site for musicians, producers, and venues to collaborate and communicate.-Innovations:...
- Serabee at NBC: The VoiceNBCThe National Broadcasting Company is an American commercial broadcasting television network and former radio network headquartered in the GE Building in New York City's Rockefeller Center with additional major offices near Los Angeles and in Chicago...