On her new LP Fighting with Me and You, Texas chanteuse Graciela Serena delivers a collection of songs that feel at once fresh and eminently familiar. Balancing anthemic rock production with juicy pop songwriting, the record is underpinned by echoes of languid, sensual blues. With a timeless voice that belies her youth, Serena’s aching vocals telegraph emotion effortlessly, breathing life into her tales of striving – and success.

Today, Serena has shared a single off the upcoming album titled “How About That.” Emotionally charged, Serena channels classic rock elements throughout the single along with powerful guitar riffs and pounding drums. “‘How Bout That’ is a fighting anthem. It’s mixed with nuances of getting out of a toxic relationship and rising up from the heartbreak. It’s got grief, anger, and acceptance, which are key emotions when battling a breakup but it really sheds a light on empowerment. ‘How Bout That’ is a song of finding your power and not letting anything or anyone keeps you down,” says Serena.

Written in Austin, TX, and recorded with Michael Hynes (John Medeski, Wilco) at Purple Ridge and Nomadic Studios, Fighting with Me and You features performances by Duane Simpson(guitar), Tommy Knoles (keys), Tony Creasman (drums), bass by Hynes, and horns by Groove Line. Arrangement, recording, production, mixing, and mastering were all handled by Hynes. 

Thematically, each track stands as its own unique vignette. Yet. Serena feels that, broadly, the record grapples with the myriad “battles” fought as you live your life. “Sweet Temptation” and “Mmm Baby” call us to submit and revel in hedonism (at least once in a while). Chaotic love – both chaotic and innocent – and the need to love oneself shine through in “Earthquake”, “Don’t Want To Hear You”, and “Don’t Let Me Fall”. Album closers “Ashes” and “Insane” exhort us to find a way to get back up when life is weighing us down, and to free ourselves from that, ultimately, doesn’t really matter. 

Ultimately, Fighting with Me and You is eloquent, compelling listen from a rising young artist. Graciela Serena has gifted us a record infused with a palpable sense of pain, hope, compassion, and a whole lot of tough love. “We are life, we are living and the fact that we seem to lose that grounding mantra is heartbreaking,” says Serena. “Keep fighting. For the ones you love, for what you believe in, and above all for yourself. It’s okay to not be okay. Sit in the shadows if you need to but don’t stay there. You can bring yourself back to the light!”