Check out our interview with Jazz-soaked alt R&B singer and actress Siena Bjorn.
Siena’s new single entitled “Easy Tiger” narrates letting women take control of their decisions, whether that be in a romantic relationship, friendship, or at work. She confides, “Sometimes I feel like people aren’t listening to you when you ask for something or say something. It’s about stepping into the alter ego and telling men around you that you are strong and smart and beyond capable and that it’s their turn to listen.”
Follow Siena @sienabjorn
Hi Siena , please tell us a little about you?
I’m an LA based artist with a love for film, old cameras, thrifting, and traveling. I like to express myself through a few different media, music being the main form, and you’ll always catch me singing at the top of my lungs in my car or around the house.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
A dreamer, determined, and vibrant…although my friends would also say goofy.
We’re sure you have been asked this million times but how did you get in the industry?
As I’m sure every artist says, I’ve been singing since I can remember and writing down lyrics since my early days as well. When I was in highschool I was in a few bands and we’d perform around town and even internationally occasionally. I didn’t really see it as a viable option for myself though and then one day it was all I could think about and everything I wrote down was a song.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Earthy, Explorative, Smooth
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
I’m influenced by a lot of different artists, not just musicians, but also films, books, poetry etc. Its definitely difficult sometimes to distinguish which songs I love to listen to and what I feel like I truly need/want to make. I’d say Lauren Hill, Jill Scott, Joss Stone and Eartha Kitt among others are huge influences for me, but I’m also very turned on by other women that are my age and breaking into the music industry as well and their art influences my style in many ways too. I didn’t necessarily choose to make music so much as it chose me. I couldn’t help it, it just started forcing my hand into writing and singing. It is the most euphoric feeling (singing) to me. It gives me an avenue to sort through all of my thoughts and emotions that can get bottle up inside.
Do you play any instrument?
I play only a bit of guitar and piano…really only enough to make demo tracks and to basic production, so I’m not sure that I can say I do, but I’m learning and slowly teaching myself.
Do you ever get nervous?
I get nervous all the time! Stage fright is definitely my best friend and worst enemy in terms of music. I also get nervous that I’ve risked everything for a career that is so difficult to break into. But the nerves fuel the creativity and persistence.
What’s the story behind the song?
Easy Tiger is about owning your power (specifically as a woman) and really feeling it deep in your bones. Men come and go and shoot their shot, but at the end of the day they don’t
Did you have plans/concerts planned and cancelled because of COVID? If so have you done any online concerts or interaction with your fans?
I’ve been really taking this break from the “normal flow of the world” as a chance to sit myself down and ask the hard questions about my art and where I want to go. Because of that, I’ve been solely focused on making music, and, honestly, I’m still learning how to use social media to my benefit and reach everyone in a meaningful way.
Which project is still on your bucket list?
I’m in the process of writing a couple of projects, one of which has definitely been on the bucket list! It’s very dramatic, performative, and edgy. It’s difficult and fascinating exploring that side of myself and the genre that I like to make. I can’t wait to pair the visuals with it.
What is fun and rewarding about what you do? And what’s not?
It is such an amazing feeling singing and making music. There are definitely times when I’ll play a track back and think…damn, I made that! That’s crazy! It can be tough though pushing through the lack of inspiration that sometimes strikes at very inconvenient moments and fight back the self-doubt that likes to pop up here and there too. There are plenty of songs that I’ve scrapped and sometimes it can be hard to let go of them.
What’s next for Siena Bjorn in 2021?
Big things! Lots of new music and cool visuals!
What is your favorite song? And why?
I don’t have a favorite song, there are too many amazing songs that each fit a very specific feeling or moment in my life.
Any loves other than music?
Many; I love film (both movies and film photography) and acting as well. I love travelling and exploring new places and languages (although I can’t speak nearly as many as I’d like to).
Best advice ever given?
Just keep going and you’ll find the music/yourself in it.
How’s a typical day in your life?
Typically it’s easy going around my house. Some reading in the garden, making music, playing guitar (teaching myself really). I’ll often head over to my friend’s studio and we’ll mess around for a bit and come up with ideas or I’ll spend time with my girlfriends. SInce COVID it has really been about doing what makes me happy and fostering a sense of freedom within myself to let go. (although a routine does come in handy from time to time)
Name one your strengths?
I like to jump into a project or idea, sometimes without thinking about all of the consequences or potential hurdles that I’ll have to jump and that can scare a lot of people, but I’d rather jump jump those obstacles when I get to them, otherwise I’ll be paralysed and overanalyse and never do anything that I want to do.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Creating the life you choose with the freedom to change.
Do you support any charities?
Yes, I’m passionate about a number of different social issues and I support each with what I can! We have a long way to go as a people and as a society.
What is your favorite healthy food?
I’m a huge caprese fan!
And your favorite cheat food?
Anything sweet: chocolate, cheese cake, you name it and I love it!
What would be a deal breaker on a first date?
Someone that is too cynical or doesn’t spark excitement for me intellectually….and frankly, poor taste in music!
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself content, still making music, hopefully touring Europe or on set making films. I love what I do so it’s not really work and I hope I get to do it forever.
How would you describe your fashion style?
That’s a tough question, I asked my boyfriend and he said that I try to match the unusual/blend what wouldn’t normally go together, but I also like elegance.
What do you think of Social Media?
Social Media is tough; it’s always been a challenge for me to accurately and authentically portray myself and my art without making it too egocentric and all about me. It’s a daily internal struggle between just wishing I could post whatever I want and know that I need to keep my feeds neat. I think it can be used for good and I commend those that have hacked the system and are using it to their benefit, but it just doesn’t feel like me.
Where can we follow you?
Speaking of social media! I’m on everything! All under Siena Bjorn!
Quote: “In every lifetime I will find you.”
Movie: As of right now? Here’s my most condensed list: Thelma & Louise, Malcolm & Marie, Pretty Woman, Girl Interrupted, Roman Holiday, The Professional, The Gladiator, Stealing Beauty…I have so many more favorites, but I’ll spare you.
Travel Destination: I’d love to go to India, Japan, South Africa, Namibia – honestly there are so many amazing places in the world that I have yet to go to that are constantly on my list.
