Exeter-based band Sound of the Sirens harmonised their way to number two of the Radio Free South West people’s chart last month. We caught up with them to talk about their performances, influences and what makes a perfect song
Who are you and what do you do in the band?
We are Lisa Eyre, vocals and percussion, Abbe Martin vocals and guitar, and Hannah Wood vocals and guitar
We don’t look at any of us as separate, as it’s the combination of the three of us that makes the complete sound. A lot of our music relies on harmonies and so we all have to work together in order to achieve the sound we want. Our rehearsals are always good fun and there is always a lot of eye contact between us on stage prompting each other and supporting each other. We are a good team.
How did you get together and how long have you been performing?
Before this we were all involved in music and performing through college or university in one way or another, but we all came together when Hannah moved to Exeter in 2004 ish. Our nights out ended with us singing and harmonizing our way home.
We finally put it to good use in a local functions band. We sang with The Loose Cannons from 2007-2008 at weddings, parties and various different functions. This band was great for us because it gave us the chance to perform together and showed us how much fun we could be having.
We made a decision to leave and began singing covers and writing original songs in summer 2008. Our first gig was in September of that year.
How would you describe your music?
Sometimes our music can be very sweet and lighthearted and at other times quite edgy and dark. I like to think that we don’t have one particular style. It’s nice to be flexible and put your stamp on anything.
Our lyrics come from writing together. We jot down conversations as we talk or listen to other people’s and use what they say. Sometimes the lyrics will be connected to an event or a person around at the time. We always find it hard to describe the type of music we sing. Some of faster songs are very rock influenced others quite folky and some a bit poppy.
Your influences include Blondie, Fall Out Boy and Coldplay, how do they figure in your song writing and performing?
We all have different tastes in music and are very open to listening to anything.
Obviously, all of the music you listen to influences you to some degree, even if you don’t like it! We all introduce different bands to each other and enjoy watching live music, where you are always going to be inspired by someone.
I don’t think that there is one person or band in particular that we have based our music on. We all enjoy listening to harmonies, so I guess bands with the ability to exploit this would appeal to us.
Listening to popular music gives you ideas for lyrics, how to arrange songs and lets you know what works. Our live performances aren’t based on anyone else’s style; we just have fun when we’re performing!
What makes a perfect song?
We all know the sorts of songs that people can’t help but sing along to, songs with catchy hooks that stay in your head all day. Songs that build up and leave you in suspense for the end so you are singing along passionately when it reaches that part.
Memorable lyrics, interesting use of language, lines that people repeat when the song has ended. This is how we know that we like a song! A tune that is easy to remember – can you whistle it? – that’s a good test! We don’t think there is a perfect song, but some songs are perfect for specific moments.
Sound of the Sirens, thank you
Support the PRSD! If you like what we do, help us keep doing it (suggested donation 40p). If not, help us make it better. The PRSD is part of not-for-profit News and Media Republic Ltd
Loading ...
Recent Comments