Have you ever felt a wave washing over you—not just any wave, but one of pure joy, a moment when it seems like the world gets a bit brighter and everything around gains a special kind of magic? That’s exactly what SIESKI’s new single “Gumdrops” captures, which she delicately names after her own experiences. We’re ready to taste her world and discover what lies behind this sound that, like a sticky yet sweet trail, remains in your soul. In this exclusive interview, SIESKI will discuss how she lives through the moments when her muse visits, how she navigates through her fears and doubts, and why music is a unique way for her to understand herself and the world around her. She will open the doors to her inner world, share her impressions of her summer tour, and even her plans for the future. Amid the sweet scents of freedom and self-expression, we’ll uncover what inspires her to create such unique music. Oh yes, today you’ll learn a lot about SIESKI.

photo by Baevocative Photography

Hi SIESKI! First off, I have to say, the title of your new single, ‘Gumdrops,’ just exudes joy—it’s like a burst of sunshine every time I say it! It’s got this sweet, retro vibe that sort of takes me back to the ’90s. Can you walk us through how a track like ‘Gumdrops’ begins its journey from an idea to what we get to enjoy?

Thank you! That’s totally the vibe. I wrote the song on piano and the chords have a very jazzy feel. I have a keyboard with lots of sounds where I build out my demos. Branching out from the piano chords, I play with textures and sounds, blending them into a heightened, dreamy palette. Often it’s in this process where my creativity runs wild and I find a nuanced vocal melody or a rhythm to the lyrics. It’s a way I like working to explore the unique elements and subtleties that makes my music have a distinct vibe.

From there, it’s always a cool process to bring the demo to a producer to craft the soundscape, or to add more emphasis to certain sections. It’s about figuring out what lends itself to the song’s writing and message, and how it all meshes together. I wanted ‘Gumdrops’ to feel groovy and dancey and gooey with an ethereal and floating quality to it. That’s how it earned its house-dance beat with the kick and high-hat leading the charge – like the song’s heartbeat. 

What’s the main difference between “Gumdrops” and your previous single “Lunch”? It feels like you’ve moved in a new direction with “Gumdrops,” experimenting with a new sound.

When Billie Eilish released ‘Lunch,’ I knew I wanted to cover it as a soft version, stripped back to just a piano/synth and vocals. I feel like this version showcases the track’s queer, sapphic energy. I joked with my friends about how some people release Christmas song covers, but I just felt drawn to put my witchy spin on ‘Lunch’. 

‘Gumdrops’ is different in that it is more saturated in production, and a further exploration into the alt-pop land I’ve created with previous singles like ‘Lady Deity,’ and ‘Happy To Be Here’. I think it just comes down to the message and place I want the song to live in – I’ve been quite experimental with mood and undertones using glitchy electronic drums, and lots of layered synths and stacked vocals, but it all still comes back to my songwriting. I think there’s a through line thematically with my music, while I still play with boundaries of genre. 

I’m absolutely thrilled with your new photos for “Gumdrops.” Could you share who was behind the photoshoot and how you came up with such a stylish look? You look simply stunning.

Eee thank you so much! I am so in love with the imagery for this one too. The photos were shot and edited by Baevocative Photography and we’ve been collaborating for a couple of years. I envisioned candypop, vivid imagery for ‘Gumdrops,’ and I felt like the latex bubblegum pink and shiny blue-raspberry tones were a yummy match. I also found this amazing pair of earrings by Rylee & Ink that looked like gummy bears with trippy, colourful swirls, and they definitely inspired the fun look. Our beautiful shooting space was at Queer Based Media studios in Chinatown, Vancouver. We shot against this pink backdrop, and with various lighting and editing techniques, it pops out as either pink or indigo. Baevocative edited the photos, gorgeously amplifying the tones to bring it to this lucid and dreamy place. 

For the album art, we both loved the ‘tripping’ pose that reminded us of Alice (in Wonderland) falling down the rabbit hole. To exaggerate that concept, I wanted to see the photo put into a surrealist and playful background. Baevocative ran with that, using various elements and graphic techniques to collage the album artwork.

photo by Baevocative Photography

You mentioned that “Gumdrops” conveys a feeling of joy and a strong connection with another person. Was there a specific moment that inspired these emotions? Perhaps a special story or event?

For me this song is about a strong connection to physical sensation or emotional heights in general, as well as a notion of shaking off a negative energy and trusting the freedom of a moment. I’ve spent so many nights dancing in queer spaces with beautiful people, reeling in the energy around us; same with my time spent as an actor in theatre rehearsals. There’s such a simplicity to that movement of energy within yourself (presence) and the exchange of energy with others, just allowing yourself to be free of limitations. Growing up as a dancer and training in acting and movement, I’ve grown to honour the sanctity between body and mind, and I’m drawn to movement styles and practices that stimulate that connection to feeling both grounded and stimulated. I think it comes from a trust within yourself and staying open and connected to your impulses.

What does performing the new track on stage mean to you? Do you feel a special connection with the audience when you sing “Gumdrops” live?

I love playing ‘Gumdrops,’ live and drawing people into its smooth groove. It is through the arts and performance that I’ve made my deepest connections with others, and it’s honestly such a joy sharing these moments with audiences. 

“Gumdrops” has been released and is receiving exclusively positive reviews.  Also, your summer tour is also in full swing. How has the tour been going so far? Are there any memorable moments or experiences you’d like to share?

This Summer (and 2024 in general) has been full of shows in new places and venues, and some exciting moments! In particular, the release show for ‘Gumdrops’ was a really special night. We celebrated the release at Hipposonic Studios in Vancouver, BC, to a warm audience of friends, colleagues, family and industry folk. I put the show together with a fellow queer artist, drag performer, and musician, Dust Cwaine. They released a single on the same night called ‘Brooklyn,’ so we decided to have a signature cocktail, combining both of our singles into a ‘Brooklyn Gumdrop’ jello shot. These nights of bringing people together, sharing art, and building community is truly the best part of performing and pursuing this craft.

photo by Baevocative Photography

Preparing for a tour is quite a journey: rehearsals, keeping your vocals in shape, planning every step. It takes a lot of time. What do you enjoy most about this routine and the preparation process? Is there a special moment that you look forward to?

I love the feeling of release that happens when you get to perform and share that thing that you’ve been working so hard on. The performance high is real. It’s a balance between preparation and taking care of yourself (vocals, hydration, rest) met with the high’s of excitement and nerves in a live show. I’ve always just found it so fulfilling and rewarding to share pieces of myself, my heart, my mind, my brain, with others through artistic expression. It’s the songwriting and performing that feels like home to me, and makes me feel centred. I like writing new songs and playing with my band, and finding lightness and play amongst the discipline. 

What’s next? Can we expect a new album or exciting collaborations in the near future?

Yes! My debut album is in the works, and I’d love to travel and tour around North America, and eventually internationally. 

If you could choose any place in the world to record your next album, where would it be and why?

Ooo, I’d actually love to record it in New Zealand. My mom is a New Zealander, and I travelled there a lot when I was young. It’s a gorgeous country with two islands to explore. So anytime we aren’t inside the walls of the studio, we can explore the natural beauty of our surroundings, and feel rejuvenated.

And finally: imagine your new single “Gumdrops” was a food. What would it be? Or maybe a dish that perfectly captures the mood and flavor of your music? Just don’t say it’s gum:)

Okay, if ‘Gumdrops,’ was to symbolise a different food than gummy candies, I would say it’s a blue raspberry milkshake with edible lavender glitter dust. 

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