Sound of the Sirens talk about two girls in the land of big bands
Interview conducted on April 15, 2019
by Daniel Locke
Dan Locke: What is your musician up bring?
Hannah- Music was always in our house as a kid. My Dad fully encouraged us to perform and sing as he was always in bands.
Abbe -Growing up Music was always a part of our daily routine-singing in the car on the run to school, etc. I joined every group going as a kid and was encouraged to perform by my parents. I would put on mini shows in the front room. My siblings hated me hahaha. I was in all the school plays and fought for singing parts.
What bands did you listen to growing up?
Abbe – I loved The Carpenters and I and my sister would try to learn the harmonies. I was into every girl group going -Eternal, TLC, etc
Hannah- Similar to Abbe ….strong female performers inspired me. From Gloria to Alanis to Pink…..oh and a massive dose of Hanson on the way. Not female…but very impressive hair and harmonies.
Were you members of any other bands before Sound of the Sirens?
Hannah- I started a band with 2 mates at school and we were called ‘Trinity’. It was so much fun. As a teen I was in a band with my Dad called ‘Catalyst’ and we gigged regularly. I then moved to Exeter and joined ‘The Loose Canons’.
Abbe -Me and Han had a duo that lasted 2 gigs called ‘Route 2′ . Then when I was at Uni I auditioned to sing in the functions band that Hannah sung in’ The Loose Cannons. It was brilliant fun and taught us how to harmonize with each other. We then created Sound of the Sirens with our mate Lisa who was also in the Cannons.
How did you meet?
We met at 18 whilst we were both working in Timepiece in Exeter. We would stay after hours and then walk home singing.
How would you define your music in a few words?
Emotive folk rock with Harmonies aplenty
How was it to win the Best Acoustic Act “South West Music Awards”?
It was a long time ago now but was super exciting to get recognition in the county we live in and are inspired by.
How did you get your endorsements (Freshman Guitar, Elixir String, and Richter Straps)?
We were singing at The London Guitar show when we got talking to Freshman.
They are a lovely bunch and offered for us to play their Acoustic series- which we love.
You use a floor tom Do you ever think about using a beatbox or an electronic drum machine. Note: Ann and Nancy Wilson a few years ago did a two-person tour and they used an electronic drum machine which they named Ringo?
It would be great to experiment and we would certainly try things out but our hands are tied up playing either guitars or mandolin so we are limited to our feet. We need more hands!
Has social media helped you to promote your band?
Absolutely. Social media is fantastic for bands. It reaches out to so many people and helps to promote gigs, share music and unite people. Due to social media, we now have a thriving fan club which has been set up through fans meeting on social media- that’s amazing.
You just released This Time. How is it doing?
Sound of The Sirens
We’ve just finished our First tour of the new album and will be back in the Autumn after festival season. We’ve had some brilliant reviews and had such great feedback for the new album.
What are your feelings in a sentence or two of the following people or bands from Exeter?
Wildwood Kin
Muncie Girls
Chris Martin ( Coldplay)
Thon Yorke (Radiohead)
Muse
Beth Gibbons (Portishead)
Jim Causley
We are proud of Exeter and the Musicians we have and often talk about the talent in our city. We also love the strong female performers we’ve created here! We’ve known wildwood Kin for some years …from their absolute beginnings. We’ve recently become patrons for the Music Venie Trust alongside The Muncie girls so we are flying the flag for Exeter
What type of clubs (venues) do you enjoy playing in?
We love playing! Anywhere…anytime. It’s always great to share our sound with people.
What is the biggest crowd you have played for?
We played to a sea of people at Carfest and the noise was incredible. It was quite a sight to behold.
Who would you like to open for?
First Aid Kit and Mumford and Sons would 100% be top of our list. Being a support act is always an honor.
Any plans to tour the United States?
Fingers crossed …let’s see……
Anything you would like to say in closing?
Please find the Sirens Fan Club and join. They are a beautiful bunch of people. Please check out our website www.soundofthesirens.net for future gigs x
Checkout the review of Sound of the Sirens from a couple of weeks ago.
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