Meet Sera Golding-Young from the UK who moved to LA five years ago to pursue music
Was there a particular reason you chose LA?
It was all such a magical experience. I’d never thought about moving here but I remember going on holiday to Brazil and as I watched the plane map, we began to go south and I had the strangest feeling like I was flying in the wrong direction and wanted to head to the US. A little later down the line I had a psychic reading that talked about me making an album in America. Then one day a few years later, my wife and I were making our way through a bottle of wine or two and received a sales email about SYNC CON, a conference in Hollywood focused on placing music in films/TV/commercials. There and then we decided to book to go, woke up the next morning and remembered we were on our way to LA! The minute we got here we knew it was the place we were meant to be and so we moved here and never looked back. Thank God for wine!
What do you miss most from home?
Obviously people most importantly. I love the food here but there are certain things that I can’t wait to get back to when we go back to England – proper sausages, roast dinners, and good chocolate! And I also really miss how green it is at home, that is so refreshing.
What was your first impression of LA and has it changed since?
The first three days we spent inside the Hollywood Roosevelt hotel performing at the conference and didn’t see daylight. When we finally got outside all we saw was Hollywood Boulevard which is perhaps not the best part of LA! But there’s a magic to this place that we immediately felt. Since we’ve spent more time here, for me it’s all about the incredible nature spots – the hiking, the beach, driving out to spots like Idylwild and Palm Springs – we’re so lucky to have such a range of dramatic scenery that is like nothing I’d ever seen before. I think (and hope) I will find it forever inspiring.
What do you find the biggest difference is living here versus Guildford?
I love that there’s always something (usually something weird and wonderful) to do. I love the music scene and how you can walk into a bar and see some of the greatest musicians ever. There’s also something very cutting edge about California in terms of evolutionary thought leaders and teachers – it’s an inspirational place to be.
Do you have a hidden gem in LA that you want to share with us?
Honestly my favourite place is at the top of any of the hiking spots! That’s where I’d always take anyone visiting, even after five years I still find it so mind-blowing that there’s such incredible hiking and nature in the middle of a city. One of my favourites is where we shot the music video to our song ‘Fly’ in Topanga. Its just the most beautiful spot and the video came out absolutely stunning.
What would you suggest to others who are thinking about making the move here?
If it feels right, do it. It’s not an easy town though – only do it if you feel called to. Especially as a music artiste, whilst it feels like the obvious spot to go, there’s a lot of competition and everyone is incredible at what they do! LA also can be such a transient town so at times it’s hard to truly connect with people. However it’s also full of magic and everyone you meet seems to lead to something wonderful, so that alone makes it worth it to me.
Lots of our members join our group Brits in LA seeking out words of wisdom – what is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
I saw a piece of street art on Fountain Avenue the other day that said… ‘Johnny Carson asked Bette Davis “what is the best way an aspiring actress could get into Hollywood?” Ms Davis said, “Take Fountain”. It made me giggle, and is so true. Route planning is probably the most important aspect of keeping your sanity here!!
Lastly, how can we find out more about you ? Are you working on anything at the moment?
My wife and I create epic and soulful power pop music together. Our band is Unsung Lilly. We have a new single coming out called ‘Demons’ on Nov 21 and have a celebratory gig that evening at the Peppermint Club in West Hollywood. We’d love to see you there! Find us on all social media and streaming sites as @unsunglilly
