Who is Syren Jones? There are so many answers to that question. More than a singer whose powerful vocals that can stir your soul, she is among the last of a seemingly dying of breed of artist who practice the mostly abandoned art of making real music. With her first single tentatively scheduled for late fall/early winter, you are about to witness greatness.
Tell us why you chose the name Syren Jones.
How do you know that is not my real name?
Are you telling us that your mother named you Syren Jones?
No, I’m just saying how do you know that’s not my real name? That’s what has me intrigued.
Okay so let’s just assume that it’s not your real name (laughing). That was really good. I wasn’t prepared for that. Is Syren Jones your real name?
No, it’s not my real name. I chose Syren because it has dual meanings. A siren is a mythical creature – a water nymph and I happen to be a water sign. I’m into astrology. The other meaning of siren is like being an alarm in the sense of having the power an alarm has on people to wake them up.
Syren, tell us who inspired you to pursue a career in music.
I started singing very early in kindergarten. I had a best friend who started doing solos. I wanted to do solos too. I started doing solos and duets with her. My music teacher took me under her wing. I had my grandmother, of course. My grandmother was into opera and Billie Holiday and that kind rubbed off on me as well.
Who do you listen to these days, musically?
Right now, I listen to Alabama Shakes. The latest CD is always in the deck of my car. I can’t seem to get enough of them. Other than that, I’ve been listening to a lot of different things. I am pretty well rounded. I go back and forth. I might listen to some J Cole, then might go back and listen to something old – some Nina Simone. I like everything.
Describe what separates you from other artist these days?
What separates me is the openness that I have in my creativity and in my mind. Also, my drive to share the importance of what’s going on socially and help by being a voice for those who are voiceless.
So you’re into making socially conscious music?
Absolutely. My music has meaning. I write about real experiences from real life and the world is my muse. There are so many things going on around the nation, around the world, and we may not be able solve the problems overnight, but we can at least discuss them. My goal is to inspire that dialogue.
I draw inspiration from very socially conscious artists, everyone from John Lennon, Bob Marley and Nina Simone to Marvin Gaye, John Legend and Lauryn Hill. There are so many more I could name.
How would characterize your sound?
In difference to other artists? I would have to say the character of my voice. My voice has a deeply resonating soulful sound. But, what is interesting vocally is that I can bring a different character and energy to each track.
Tell our readers about your recording process. How do you approach the creation of each song?
Right now, I am working diligently in fusing my music together. I listen to everything. I listen to rock. I listen to soul. I listen to R&B and hip hop, the blues and jazz. I just try fuse everything together. I am pulling together things that are acoustic and things that are electronic. It’s pretty hard to box myself into one genre.
Based in New York, where have you performed most recently?
I performed this summer at The Delancey. I had a really good time. I performed with a great group of women. They had been working getting their own stuff together. I had the opportunity to jam out with them. We had a good time.
You are also modeling as well. How much of a role will sexuality play in your branding?
That’s something I will keep to a minimum. I don’t want anything that is hyper-sexualized. I really want to be more of a positive role model/superheroine for the younger generation. I think anything hyper-sexualized will give the wrong impression. We have a lot of young impressionable minds out there so sexual overtones will be kept to a minimal.
