INTERVIEW: Charlie Siren

How would you describe Charlie Siren to those who have never listened to the band before?
It always depends on who we’re talking to, but, in the most basic terms, we play fast, aggressive alternative-rock.
Out of all the genres of music out there, what is it about punk that draws you in?
We feel it’s one of the most honest genres of music - there’s no glamour or bullshit. It’s fast and passionate and in-your-face.
Minnesota has a thriving music scene. How would you say it’s helped the band’s growth?
While Minnesota does have a thriving music scene, it’s not as thriving for our particular genre as it is for others. We’ve been building an audience more through the DIY community.
You’ve announced that you’ll be releasing new music on October 31st. Is there anything you can tell us about it?
It is going to be a split 7” vinyl with our good friends Et Tu Brute from Chicago. We are very excited for these new songs because we feel like [they’re] a step closer to the sound we’ve always wanted for Charlie Siren.
You released your second album, This Is Home, in the fall of 2013. How do you feel if differs from your first release, ‘til the Cows Come Home, and the music you’re working on now?
The content matured a lot from the first release to the second. We also feel like the new music is still maturing and adding more depth instrumentally, with the addition of new members Aaron [Reed, guitar], Dustin [Reed, bass] and Paeton [Gillette, drums].
What message do you hope to spread through your music?
Overall, rather than trying to spread a particular message, we really try and have our music convey the feelings we had when we wrote it.
What lyric, out of the ones you’ve written, stands out the most and why?
Our favorite line right now is actually in one of the songs we’re about to release, “It’s not that I don’t believe in something. I believe in me. I have faith in honestly.” We really enjoy this line because, in context, it touches on how we feel there’s a way to have belief and faith without dealing with organized religion.
Charlie Siren will be embarking on a headlining tour this fall with Let Yourself Go. What are you most excited about, in regards to it?
We’re excited for old faces to see and new carpets to sleep on. On a personal note, we’re also really excited to take Let Yourself Go on the road with us and have some fun since they’re fairly new to touring.
If there were to be a zombie apocalypse who would live and who would die?
We’re actually pretty sure we would all get eaten up real quick. None of us have that survivor’s spirit. We’ll probably just sit around a bottle of whiskey and wait for our inevitable doom.
What’s one thing fans would be surprised to know about each of you?
Tane Graves: I’m the only person in the band who thinks Patrick Swayze was a better singer than actor.
Paeton Gillette: I’m not really sure how my instrument works, I just know how to play [it].
Dustin & Aaron Reed: We’re not actually brothers and share no relation. We actually met online, searching for best friends on Craigslist.
Where do you see Charlie Siren in five years?
We’re not really sure. We don’t usually plan any aspect of our lives more than three months in [advance], so we’ll just keep playing shows and writing music.
Final question: what is your go-to karaoke song?
Paeton: Culture Club – I’ll Tumble 4 Ya
Dustin & Aaron: Lionel Richie ft. Shania Twain – Endless Love
Tane: Bloodhound Gang – A Lap Dance Is So Much Better When The Stripper Is Crying
Charlie Siren / Et Tu Brute Split comes out on October 31st.
You can check out Charlie Siren’s music on Bandcamp, and make sure to stay up-to-date with the band via Facebook and Twitter.
By Clare Fitzgerald
