Words: Miljan Milekić
Show after show, release after release, Gemma Dobson aka SIREN is making huge steps forward in the Drum and Bass scene. Although still early in her career, she already played shows all around the globe, including the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheater, and even earned herself a radio show at Kool FM. Add that to already massive tracks such as ‘Power,’ ‘Dark Night’ and ‘Ampily,’ and you may get a better picture. Later this month, SIREN will have her Canadian debut with shows at Vancouver’s Harbor Theatre on August 30th, and Wicked Woods Festival at Fairmont Springs, so it was a perfect time to catch up for this long overdue interview. Check it out below!
Hey Gemma! How are you? What you’ve been up to lately?
SIREN: I’m great thank you, how are you? I have been living in LA for the last few months, immersing myself in the scene and working on new music. I’ve been in lots of music sessions whilst I’ve been here.
I’ve been listening to ‘Power’ non-stop ever since it came out. Can you tell me more about the track and how it came together?
SIREN: The track was two years in the making. I wanted to find the right home for the track in terms of the label it was released on, and I’m really proud to have put it out on Bassrush Records. I leaned on my experiences in the club culture, different music scenes I’ve encountered and my travels for inspiration to pull together the ideas for the track. My aim was to create a track that encapsulates the feeling of empowerment and energy that we all associate with music.
The track seems to be catching positive reactions left and right. Are you happy with the feedback so far, both in the online and offline world?
SIREN: The response to ‘Power’ has been great, it’s really nice to hear that people are connecting with the track. The UKF upload has received some amazing comments and I have had lots of messages from people saying they have had it on repeat and heard it played at clubs and festivals this Summer.
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One of the things I love about your music, and ‘Power’ is a great example of it, is that whenever you have vocals, you make sure they are there for a reason. How do you approach lyrics in your music? How involved are you in that aspect of songwriting?
SIREN: I think lyrics always have to be about something people can connect with and relate to on different levels. They need to create some sort of emotional response. Whenever I work with a singer I like to go to the session with a theme in mind for the direction of the vocals. Often this will be something relating to an experience I was having during the time I was writing the track.
I was a bit late to the party when it came to you and your music, as I only discovered it with the release of ‘Dark Nights,’ last January, which instantly got me hooked. However, you have been on the scene for much longer than that, slowly grinding your way to the top. How did it all start for you, and how did you get into drum and bass?
SIREN: I feel as though I was a bit late to the scene in terms of discovering Drum and Bass – I didn’t go to my first rave until 2015. That summer, my partner and I went to Ibiza for three months and attended the DnB night at Amnesia every week. It was there that I knew what I wanted to do. We returned to the island for four years. During that time, I worked and networked my way up – from selling tickets for the Chase & Status night to being the Artist Liaison for the night, to eventually getting my first DJ slot warming up for Andy C on the legendary Amnesia terrace.
The thing that instantly attracted me to your music is a rare combination of dark and heavy, yet melodic and anthemic sound. In my brain, it’s almost as if someone locked Wilkinson in the studio with Noisia, and threw away the key until they come up with something good. Where do you draw the inspiration from your sound, and who would you say were your biggest influences starting out?
SIREN: I lean towards the darker and heavier side of Drum and Bass, so Noisia are 100% a huge influence for me. But one of my favorite tracks and probably the track that really cemented my love for the genre is ‘Ghost’ by Delta Heavy. It’s ethereal, emotive, and still has a heavy drop.
Apart from the music itself, one of the things that stands out is your style on and off the stage. Are you generally interested in fashion, and where does this inspiration come from? How important is it for you that the way you look on the stage translates the energy and the vibe of the music you play?
SIREN: I can’t say I’m really into fashion, I don’t really follow trends. I like to wear things that I feel good and confident in. As Gemma, comfort is key – but as SIREN, I want to feel fierce and edgy. I want to go on stage and be the most confident version of myself. My whole brand – from the music I play in my sets to the music I make to my look, is dark and edgy. And affordable (laughs)
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You are known for your amazing DJ sets that got you all over the world, but you also have your own show at Kool FM. Can you tell us more about it, and how did it happen?
SIREN: Yes, I have a drive-time show on Kool FM on Wednesdays. When I started the show, I said that I really wanted to use the platform to shine some light on new and upcoming talent. I encourage anyone who is starting out to reach out to me with a mini mix and I will listen to it and potentially play it on the show. I know I would have jumped at that chance when I was starting out. I think it’s important – if you have a platform, help others where you can.
While they may look similar from the outside, how different are the sets you are putting together for your radio shows, compared to what you play in a club or at the festival? What would be the main differences in what you want to accomplish with one or the other, and how does that change your approach?
SIREN: My radio shows are very different from my sets. I see the radio as an opportunity to play out the tracks, to allow the hard work of the producer to have its moment in full. I also like to try and play tracks from artists that the listeners might not know of. My sets are my opportunity to show my skills as a DJ and performer – not only my technical ability but also reading my audience. With my sets, I want to create a journey with the audience and to create an unpredictable experience.
So, as I mentioned, you played all over the world, including shows all over Europe, all the way to Australia and New Zealand. What are your favorite places to play, and do you have any crazy tour stories you would like to share?
SIREN: I feel very lucky to have played in so many countries, especially when I feel as though I am just getting started. I played my first show in the US last October for Insomniac – I flew in the day of the show, and when I landed I had 2.5 hours to get through security, out of the airport, and drive 40 minutes to the venue! Needless to say, I got ready in my Uber on the way there and made it site with 5 minutes to spare. It was kind of hectic, but I kind of love the pressure of situations like that.
Speaking of shows, not too long ago you had the chance to play the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Can you share more about the experience? Is it as amazing as it looks?
SIREN: Firstly, just WOW! Red Rocks is truly incredible. I still pinch myself that six months into playing shows here in the US I’ve played Red Rocks. I played the first set of the day and it was amazing to see people come running into the venue as soon as the doors opened. I threw down some heavy DnB and they were loving it!
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Later this month, you will be coming to the Great White North! What do you expect from these shows, and what can the Canadian crowd expect from you?
SIREN: I’m super excited about my debut in Canada! My first show is in Vancouver at the Harbor Theatre and then I’m travelling to Fairmont Springs for Wicked Woods Festival. I’ve received lots of messages from people who are looking forward to my sets whilst I’m there, so I’m looking forward to connecting with a new audience. In true SIREN style, you can expect some filthy doubles, triples, maximum energy on stage, and hopefully a set you won’t forget!
To finish things off – what’s next for you? Any new releases or announcements we should have our eyes (and ears) open for?
SIREN: I have two more releases before the end of the year, both of which I am really excited for you to hear. At the end of September, I have a release with Deadbeats, which will be my second release with them and the following month I have a release with a European label. I also have something else exciting that I will be announcing in the coming weeks so keep your eyes on my socials for that.
Follow SIREN:
Instagram: instagram.com/siren_uk
Facebook: facebook.com/SIRENuk
Kool FM Radio show: rinse.fm/shows/siren
*Interview edited for length and clarity