Soaky Siren
Los Angeles-based artist Soaky Siren unveiled her debut EP Lucaya on September 20th.
Fusing elements of dancehall, r&b, hip-hop and pop, the 5-track project is influenced by her birthplace, the Bahamas.
Produced by Shy Girls, DallasK, Tinashe Sibanda, Robopop, Bantu and Dr. Chaii, Lucaya features the previous singles “Kombucha”, “Upside Down”, “Quality” and the most recent single “Dope Boys”.
As a songwriter, Soaky Siren co-wrote hit songs like Jason Derulo’s ‘Tip Toe’, Chris Brown and Rita Ora’s ‘Body on Me’, and Pitbull, J Balvin, and Camila Cabello’s smash hit ‘Hey Ma’.
Lucaya is now available worldwide.
Artwork: Zac Poor
How would you define Soaky Siren, the artist?
A girl dropping waves and staying in her bag. The kind of artist that knows herself so even when I bend genres or flip between rapping and singing, at the core of that I am still me.
Do you remember your early musical memories?
Definitely. I remember going into my mother’s closet with headphones on to listen to music lol. I don’t know why but it was like my sanctuary or something. In high school, I missed mad calls all the time because I was under headphones vibin' or writing songs.
When did you start writing songs? What made you want to write songs in the first place?
I was obsessed with rap music. At an early age, I decided I was going to be a rapper when I grew up so not only was writing an outlet for me but it also was a necessity. In 5th or 6th grade I started writing verses. I developed my writing more when I started writing for other people as a way to get in the door.
What gave you the confidence to become an artist and release your original music?
It was a call I needed to answer. I’ve always been an artist and I think for a while I thought there was this particular path I had to take to make it happen as if some door would be opened as a result. I realized that the ‘right time’ is a myth and you just have to go. By the time I decided to go, I knew my sound, I had records that were distinctively mine and I had the right people in my corner telling me to push play.
"Dope Boys" is your new single - what's the story behind this song?
Dope Boys were seen as goals because of the lifestyle…these were the guys the girls wanted. The lifestyle came at a price and the consequences were very real. It’s always been a story I wanted to tell.
Who helped you created this single?
It was produced by DallasK. He’s a DJ/Artist/Producer and all-around creative beast.
What made you want to release "Dope Boys" as a single?
The story inspired something in me so that meant it was a story worth telling. People find out where I’m from and they assume life must be a certain way when you’re raised on an island. The perspective in this record reveals a different reality - not the full picture still - but it’s not the standard sun, sand and sea point of view. When Dallas and I made it we had no idea what the end result would be. Just about everyone I played it for was like ‘put it out…ASAP.’ The ASAP part didn’t happen but I definitely made sure I put it out lol.
What do you like the most about this particular song?
It’s a special record. The perspective is entirely different from what people would expect in the islands for one and then there’s the sound - the melodies and production are bright as shit but the story is dark af. That juxtaposition is basically an analogy for many of us in the islands… it’s paradise, yes but don’t let the beaches fool you, people are going through some hard times. On top of that, I was able to convey some truths: 1. the lifestyle is not worth it and 2. ladies don’t get caught up in that beloveds, get your own. I like that the song has so many layers to it.
In your opinion, what makes a "good" song?
If it makes you feel something it’s a good song. If it vividly takes you to a time and place then it’s a really good song. If it stirs up emotions and compels you to do something when you hear it, then it’s a fire song. I feel like those hold true across every genre.
From all the experiences you lived in your career so far - do you have any favorite memories?
Definitely. My mother NEVER goes to the movies but a song I wrote on called ‘Hey Ma’ was used in the opening scene for The Fate of the Furious and she sat through the whole thing until my name appeared in the credits. The cleaning people even came in and she was still sitting there like ‘That’s my daughter!’ The thing is, mum is a g and she’s doesn’t show much emotion so I was really surprised when I heard that. The victories hit different when I can see that I’m making her proud.
What biggest life lessons have you learned so far?
Doors don’t open themselves and rarely will they open with a smooth turn of the knob. Most of the time you have to knock them shits down and don’t worry about being polite about it.
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