SEI SIREN has been an artist that has been on my radar for the past two years as I discovered her in 2020 through a close friend by the name of FENTSE. This was after the live performance episode we did with FENTSE. in December for ‘Good Goodbye‘ as we sat down after the shoot to chat about acts in South Africa to look out for and SEI SIREN just pulled my eye with her vintage aesthetic and unique sound that many wouldn’t deem as Mainstream. I then couldn’t help myself but to reach out for an interview with her but unfortunately timing just wasn’t right as our schedules just clashed for some time and this was when she had released her debut album ‘HUBEDU‘.
She then took a 3 year break from the industry so when I saw that she was back with a brand tape titled ‘ORCA‘, I just had to try my luck one more time to do a virtual interview with her and by the alignment of time, we managed to link over email and conduct an interview about her journey as well as her new tape. This was a dream come true for me as she just continues to entice my ear drums with her uniquely produced tracks which showcase the Dance and EDM scene in Pretoria as well as her visual aesthetic which she stuck by when rolling out the project. Below is the interview we did with SEI SIREN via email about her tape and life journey in art.
How would you describe who SEI SIREN is?
SEI SIREN is a musician, producer and singer whose music is inspired by instinctive expression and movement. SEI SIREN weaves her evocative melodies, she transports listeners on an introspective journey, capturing the raw essence of desire and liberation. With each track, she fearlessly deviates from the norm, infusing her music with an intentional and deliberate artistry that leaves a lasting impression.
When did you discover your love for music creation and production?
I’ve always loved being involved in artist expression; drawing, theatre and choir were extremely important to me growing up. Musically, I was always writing little songs but only did something serious about it when I was in Matric and I started using the tablet my parents bought for school to produce on with random DAWs I could find. I think MusicMakerJam or something.
Many would confuse your aesthetic for one of a RnB vocalist only to be shaken by the uniquely approached sound you have created. What inspired you to go the alternative and electronic route?
I’ve been blissfully unaware of this till now lol, I understand though because I’m black right ?Joking, I suppose I am though? An Rnb Vocalist of sorts that is. My first tape; ‘SIRENS WATA‘ was RnB but I also loved Electronic music and just wanted to experiment with my choice in self expression as much as possible. Essentially I didn’t want to get stuck in my first attempt at making music.
‘Hubedu’ charted in position no.2 on Apple Music right after Kaytranada’s ‘BUBBA’ project. How did that make you feel and what was the creation process for your debut project?
A lot of that project was completed vocally in Lockdown post graduating university and the production was done mostly in University. I think that had a lot to do with everything; I was getting very comfortable producing and vocally I was basically getting vocal coaching from my friends studying music. In terms of charting; I was really happy and proud of myself for actually releasing and despite every negative I thought I had because the project was so…raw, it didn’t impact how well it went.
You went on a 3 year hiatus from releasing music. How has that break extended your ear for the sound and how has it influenced your recent release ‘ORCA’?
I was producing and singing constantly. I’m excited because I’ve ventured into different genres and worked with different people and it all sounds amazing. Very new to collaborating. ORCA was almost completely recorded in 2021 but I didn’t have it in me to release and talk about music when I was facing what was going on around me. I had to live through it to feel like I could do anything I wanted.
What would you say the hiatus has taught you on life which has impacted your creative process?
It taught me that everything that can happen will, which was terrifying and very freeing in terms of art and life. Another horrible lesson for me was that capitalism won’t let you stop so act like it’s a choice lol. I’m attempting positivity please bear with me.
Where was the title ‘ORCA’ derived from and what does it stand for?
ORCA is about me and how I relate to the animal. Essentially it’s tied to the intuitive nature of women and the instinctive nature of ORCA’s. ORCA’s are kept captive by those they don’t even deem worthy to eat. As majestic and ethereal as they are, they have a deeply violent nature. Nature is like that, very unrelenting and also very beautiful and ethereal. I was exploring these themes in myself, not allowing a perception to shape me. Reconnecting to the feral nature of being women, “The old knowing”.
What was the aim behind this release and how do you anticipate for it to impact your target audience?
I wanted to introduce a cleaner sound and a more feral nature of who I am. I feel like the people who I speak to musically enjoyed as much as I did and I got some new listeners.
What can fans expect from the SEI SIREN brand in the coming months?
I genuinely get uncomfortable being referred to as a brand and not artist/person, I understand the intention though. Uncomfortable wording aside, a lot more music. I’ve produced a joint tape with my friend and began working on a jazz influenced tape. Getting people to hear me as a producer and singer. Live performances as well, I’m very excited to actually meet people who have listened and share that together.
How would you describe the EDM/Electronic music community in Africa and where do you see your music/sound taking you in life?
South African EDM/Electronic artists don’t really find most of their success here but we do however have loyal following from here that usually manages to follow the artist. I don’t see my entire journey playing locally only but I still love the scene, I want to perform in all the underground rave spots and dance music places that are almost monuments to dance music.
What advice would you give to other artists/producers that want to create music of a similar calibre as yours?
I would say most advice needs salt and to learn to manage yourself and work with others in a capacity that allows you to grow and be challenged.
How has the release of ‘ORCA’ assisted with the expansion of your brand?
I’ll say the power of reintroduction and it has also allowed me to move swiftly along.
You only collaborated with GREEK as the only vocalist on ‘I’m Losing U Vol.2’, was that done intentionally and how would you say it has shaped the listening experience of the tape?
His singing voice is very unique and I think our voices blended very well together, the production was so cool to me so I think it happened very organically. The song felt very pink. We had completed the song ages ago and he has another version of it on his tape but I loved this version so we agreed to release this version on my tape.
Would you say there is room for collaboration within the underground scene in EDM/Alternative and Electronic sounds and is there support from established acts?
I think I’m extremely supported by people in the community. I’ve always felt there’s room for collaboration between artists but we’re all very introverted and in our own worlds so it will probably be a divine meeting when it does. People need to look past slow responses and collaborations that’s never happened as delayed not denied cause life is long and phones are overstimulating considering how much is going on.
Who is your dream collaborator?
It changes everyday but I’d love to produce with Timbaland. I’d produce for Kelela and score films and series. Animes like Samurai Champloo and Neo Yokio. I don’t know what FIFA is gonna be called now but to be on the soundtrack. Video games in general.
ORCA is a must listen as it is a reinforcement between RnB and EDM. It is a rebranding of the SEI SIREN signature sound as you get to learn more about her view on the growth of the sound. You will definitely enjoy this project as you explore what versatility is in the most artistic form possible.
Check out ‘ORCA’ by SEI SIREN below:
