Seneca Paliotta: “I Really Got to Know Myself with Music”

At just 17, Los Angeles-based singer Seneca Paliotta has already made quite the name for herself, not only as a Pop/R&B vocalist but also as a versatile performer with roles in popular shows like A Million Little Things, Dave, and Just Roll with It. Known for her soulful voice and honest lyrics, Seneca brings depth beyond her years to her music and storytelling.

In this exclusive 10-minute chat with ISINA, Seneca opens up about the influences that shaped her artistry, from her grandfather’s musical legacy to her journey in self-acceptance.

— Your name, Seneca, is so unique and beautiful. Could you share the story behind it? 

— My mom went to high school with a girl named Seneca, whom she described as the Cinderella of the school – sweet, gorgeous, and kind to everyone. My mom knew that would be my name ever since she met that Seneca in high school.

— Your career spans multiple areas — singing, dancing, and acting. How would you primarily describe yourself? 

— I think if you asked me five years ago, I would say I primarily see myself as an actress. But with COVID, I really got to know myself with music, so now I would consider myself a musician and a singer.

It originally started with my grandfather. He was the most talented musician I knew before he passed away, and I wrote my first song ever with him. He was a guitar player; he went to Berklee College of Music in Boston. I really got to know music through him as well because I lived with him during COVID. So yeah, I think it’s mainly my grandfather that paved the way for my musical career.

— Did your grandfather teach you to play the piano?

— He did. He taught me the basics of it. The first day I got it, he was teaching me chords, and then he also taught me how to play guitar.

— Between piano and guitar, which instrument do you feel more connected to? 

— I have actually been practicing guitar more, and I think there might be a slight chance I like guitar more. But I still love piano, and that was the first musical instrument I learned.

— Who would you say are your biggest musical influences? 

— With my music style now, I would say Billie Eilish, Madison Beer, Sabrina Carpenter – just, I think, the current leading ladies in music.

— Your song “Pretty Hurts” has a powerful message about accepting imperfections. How did you come to embrace this message at such a young age? 

— Growing up in the entertainment business, my mom was really excited for me to start acting and music. She knew about the dangers of being in the industry and the public eye, putting your heart on your sleeve. She taught me early on that people are going to say what they’re going to say, and some might be mean. I went through my own experiences; she taught me really early on. In my teens, especially as a teenager, I really suffered with body image issues. I thought that was really the perfect song for me because it talks on a topic that every woman understands.

— Your dance with your mother captured a beautiful moment of artistic connection. What’s it like to share such a unique creative bond with her? 

— It’s amazing because having a parent who is also an actor means they don’t have to give up their life for their child’s career. They understand the journey. My mom and I have had our ups and downs, but I’m glad she chose the same career. She knows how I think and feel about certain things.

— What advice would you give to young artists on handling the challenges of the music industry?

— Honestly, I would heavily suggest therapy, especially talk therapy, as it helps you process and express your feelings, which is important as a lyricist. Self-love and comfort in your own skin are continuous challenges, but finding peace with that is natural.