Meet Seiren

We were lucky to catch up with Seiren recently and have shared our conversation below.

Seiren, so great to have you with us and thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with the community. So, let’s jump into something that stops so many people from going after their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. We’d love to hear about how you dealt with that and persisted on your path.

Being a feminist activist comes with a lot of hatred. People hear the word feminist and make the assumption that you are an angry spinster, or that you’re an extremist that hates men, when in reality a feminist just wants equality and autonomy. These assumptions come from the fact that feminists need to shout, rage, and act out of norms, in order to be heard, because women are dismissed so easily.
There are so many ways in which women around the world are treated lesser than men. From the simple home dynamics of caring for children and maintaining a household, all while holding a job, to the unequal pay, inability to compete for larger roles, and discrimination that surrounds pregnancy, women are lacking in support that helps them succeed in daily life and as a professional.
Women are let down by the healthcare system, often not receiving the same care a man would. Even more so within minority groups. Now with abortion bans and restrictions within America, women are being treated lesser than a bundle of cells. Women are actively dying as they are denied life saving interventions, and if granted permission, are suffering severe consequences of delay of care.
For all of these reasons I am a feminist activist. Not because I hate men, but because I love women. Women are strong, brave, intelligent, incredible beings. Though society has trained us to believe otherwise. I have not given up on the hope that we will obtain the equality and autonomy we deserve.
This is what fuels my music. I’ve recently released a single on just about every platform available called Hell Hath No Fury. This single is a direct comment on the infringement of women’s rights. I’ve received a lot of great feedback, as well as some negative feedback, only from men ironically.
In advertising this feminist anthem I sometimes find myself holding back. I think to myself maybe I shouldn’t post this, it’s a bit radical. Then I pause and think of all the women and girls that have been assaulted, beaten, murdered, cheated, imprisoned, and made to feel lesser. I think to myself, this is for all the women and girls who don’t have a voice, those who live in fear, and those who have survived a life altering trauma. This is for all the girls who deserve to grow up with rights, autonomy, and equality. I forget about the voices trying to tear me down, because they really aren’t important. They’re simply enabling the patriarchal and societal standards that regulate women. I look at the post, say fuck it, and I post it anyway.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am a singer/songwriter. I have been singing and writing since I was a young girl. I love music, melodies and compiling words to create songs. I have recently released two singles out to the world, one a feminist anthem that advocates for women’s rights, and another, a love song that comes from my love of music.
What makes my music different is the message and the genre.
Though I have a few political songs about advocating for women’s rights, racial injustice, and economic struggles, I also have love and lifestyle songs. I dont have a die hard political agenda, but I comment and use my music to advocate for what’s right.
I have been a long lover of ska, reggae and underground music. This rebellious and energetic genre is heard within the guitar riffs, heavy bass, horns, and drums that accompany my lyrics. I’ve been told the bands sound is unique with a vintage feel, which probably comes from the fact that we are all in our thirties or older. Though I am the stage name, Seiren, and the conductor of the music itself, our performance and sound comes from very talented local musicians, all of whom teach, actively gig, and focus on giving back to the community in one way or another.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

I believe that my past medical career as a first responder gave me insight on the way the healthcare and socioeconomic systems within America, fail Americans on a daily basis. With lack of proper medical care, mental care, income, and access to resources, the lower and middle classes suffer in ways that make it impossible to live comfortably or succeed in life. In being exposed to the average home in underprivileged, and privilaged areas, and seeing the way people live, I can attest that majority of Americans are not living quality lives.

This is partly why I have incorporated politics into my music. It’s great to have music that sounds beautiful and is likeable but what makes that different from every other song? Though beauty and love and positivity are all admirable and can be found in the world around us if we look, it’s often a sugar coated blanket covering up the dysfunctional, socioeconomical crisis, that people don’t want to acknowledge.
By incorporating politics into my music I chose to show what’s real and raw, even if it’s unpleasant or upsetting, or not something people want to think about. It’s important to get out of our comfort zones and learn new things about what makes us uncomfortable. It’s important to understand the world around you as it is, and not as you want to see it.
I learned a lot of what makes art great in college. I am a fine arts graduate. I distinctly remember our 3 hour critiques and learning how to take criticism and give it constructively. I would not be who I am today if I hadn’t had my best friend ask me what makes that picture of a rock I had photographed different from any other picture? It was the moment unlearned everything. There was no idea behind the picture at all. It was simply a beautiful picture. A lot of what’s important isn’t seen on the surface, and a lot of great art is derived from an uncomfortable statement. The idea that forms a concept and gets you to think, learn, and grow as an individual is what art truly is about. This is the same for music. My lyrics tell stories that evoke feeling and thoughts. They hopefully provoke thoughtfulness, intropection, and challenge unwavering ideals, with knowledge and truth.

I am still early in my own musical journey, so I dont claim to be an expert on anything. In fact a lot of the social media algorithmic bull shit is enough to drive any one person insane. However I use my music to send a message.
I talk about politics, and have merchandise dedicated towards charities that I believe in. I strongly encourage those starting out on their music journey to consider what their message is, and how they can utilize their music to create a better world around them. What makes your music different?

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

I actually felt a little overwhelmed lately with being a feminist activist on social media and the release of my music. I’ve been occasionally doubting myself as many people do when things are starting out. With slow growth and the challenges of networking and maintaining presence I looked to reading as a break for my overactive mind. I started reading Kathleen Hanna’s new memoir, Rebel Girl. For those of you who aren’t familiar, she’s the singer of Bikini Kill and a well known feminist punk, as well. So it was only natural for me to read this book.
I had no idea what it would be like, but as I read I saw myself in parallel planes within so many of her life challenges. When she talked of her feminist goals, I felt as if I was reading about myself at times. Her journey gave me insight on some of my own challenges with being a feminist activist, like preserving yourself, allowing space for yourself, and knowing your limits. Knowing when to engage and when to let go. This book helped me gain back some of my confidence and feminist angst.

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