A queer-coated sugar bop with a deeper meaning in SIESKI’s new single, “Gumdrops”
If Disclosure and Kimbra had an audio baby, it would be queer-coated sugar bop, “Gumdrops.” SIESKI releases this dance-centric pop-house track following her fruity cover of ‘Lunch,’ she dropped in June for Pride Month. Featuring jazzy synth chords and her signature buttery vocals,
SIESKI brings us another stimulating alt-pop track for dreamy summer nights. With her ability to create a soundtrack for your senses, SIESKI is unparalleled in the Canadian alternative music scene.
Sieski shares,
“Gumdrops speaks to that feeling of being overcome by a joyful wave, a moment of intense connection with another person, a shimmer, a beacon, and allowing myself to ride it out, free of judgement or critique.”
First off care to introduce yourself to our readers?
Heya! I’m SIESKI, a queer singer, songwriter, musician, and actor, creating alt-pop music on the unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples in so-called Vancouver. My artist name, SIESKI (see-ess-kee) is a phonetic combo of the word ‘sea’ (SI)- as in the ocean and ‘key’ (KI)- as in the keys of a piano.
I’ve been releasing music professionally since 2019, beginning with my debut EP, ‘Dreamist,’ and a multitude of singles since then. Prior to that, I studied theatre in the Acting Conservatory at York University.
I’m a multi-disciplinary artist and my background in dance and theatre definitely influences the way I create and approach music.
Tell us a bit about your recent release.
If Disclosure and Kimbra had an audio baby, it would be queer-coated sugar bop,
“Gumdrops.” Featuring jazzy synth chords and signature buttery vocals, the song speaks to that feeling of being overcome by a joyful wave, a moment of intense connection with another person, a shimmer, a beacon, and allowing myself to ride it out, free of judgment or critique.
This dance-centric pop-house track follows my fruity cover of ‘Lunch,’ I dropped in June for Pride Month. This one is for dreamy summer nights and for grooving and vibing with people who stimulate your mind.
How do you typically go about the songwriting process? Do you have a specific method or creative routine that you follow?
Every song creation is different, but there are consistencies in how I approach songwriting.
Typically, I start writing all of my songs on my keyboard. Sometimes it comes from a longer improv, and following my ear and impulses. Within the improv, there might be a moment that grabs my attention or a chord progression that speaks to me, or makes me feel something, and I know it needs to be fleshed out.
Other times, I explore with non-piano sounds, creating a texture, a beat, or something I can loop and jam over top of. After finding chords and a general song structure, I play with lyrics. They might be in the form of vocables (non-words), simply to sus the melody. Or, sometimes they flow like a story from thought to thought. Within that, I marry the music of the song with the story it’s telling.
I find a lot of my creation process comes down to listening and following impulses, which I associate with my training as an actor. The result is something organic that flows and involves developing an innate sense of trust and liberation within myself.
Once I have a full demo created, I bring it to a producer to collaborate on the fullness and richness of the track, always maintaining the integrity of the initial demo, while exploring the audible possibilities.
Looking ahead, what are your plans for supporting this new release? Are there any upcoming tours, music videos, or additional content that fans can look forward to in connection with this project?
Leading up to ‘Gumdrops’ I’ll be sharing some BTS from Queer Based Media, where we shot the visuals for the Spotify canvas and album art. This was a collaboration with all queer artists, and that’s something I’m proud of and excited about!
On July 27th, I’m celebrating the ‘Gumdrops’ release with a dual release party / Pride show at Hipposonic Studios with fellow queer artist, Dust Cwaine. As well, I have upcoming performances this Summer in the city, as well as in Squamish and on Salt Spring Island.
I also have my debut album in the works, so stay tuned!
Looking back on your musical career, is there a particular moment or accomplishment that you consider a turning point or a highlight?
I would say that creating my queer-femme anthem, ‘Lady Deity,’ in the Vizzybility Project, curated by season 1 winner of Canada’s Drag Race, Priyanka, and Queer Collective was a turning point for me. It was an opportunity to create queer-femme art and to put my name on a national platform. It was my first time creating an official music video, and working with a full team from the audio, to director, to choreographer, to actors on set.
It felt empowering to share a song that spoke to queerness, and involved dance and movement, mixed into a witchy alt-pop style that resonated with so many people. From this point forward, I felt inspired to lean into my individuality and quirks as they relate to my unique sound and style and to continue making art that is personal, conceptual, and elevated. Especially in the alternative music scene, I feel like my theatrical tendencies and quirky mind can run wild.
Last but not least, it’s time to pay it forward, what upcoming band or artist would you recommend your fans check out?
If you’re a fan of women in jazz, I’d highly recommend Montreal-based artist, Loryn Taggart. She’s a wonderful singer/songwriter and her music is intimate and nuanced, capturing a spectrum of emotions.