An Interview with Siena Liggins
By LA Kendall LaBree
Siena Liggins is a rising star, with an album forthcoming, who’s performing at all of the hottest festivals and Annual music industry events coming back online post pandemic. Liggins is making all the Top 10 Queer artists to watch lists by some of this country’s most prestigious Press outlets – and now we are quite tickled to have nabbed her for a performance on the Mural Stage at Seattle PrideFest. We were lucky enough to steal a few moments to discuss her passion for the music, how she perfected her sound and how it continues to evolve, and what to expect from her appearances at both Wildrose Pride on Saturday 6/24, and PrideFest Seattle Center Sunday 6/25. Read on readers!
LAKL: You played for our friends at Boise Pride last year, which is how you came to our attention. What’s changed for you from last year to this?
SL: Well, for starters– I’ve been to Boise twice in one year (Pride & Treefort Music Festival) and I can’t say I saw that on my life’s BINGO card, but I love Idaho! The people there are incredibly welcoming.
LAKL: Detroit is one of my favorite cities- I see you hail from there, but now live in Atlanta. Why the move? Both are cities with rich musical communities. What do you find to be the difference?
SL: I love Detroit and Atlanta. They’re both home for me in different respects. Both cities are full of culture and have incredible diversity and communities. They’re more alike than you’d imagine.
LAKL: You have appeared on multiple lists as one to watch or top 10 queer Artists of the moment? How does that make you feel? Pride or Pressure – or both?
SL: I’m always grateful to be recognized. I try not to make a habit of putting too much weight in the opinions of the ones that are blogs, but it does feel nice to have the opinion of those writers be positive about me.
LAKL: You made a whole album during Covid. What was that experience like? Was it healing, distracting, cathartic? Bring us into that experience.
SL: Making an album during COVID unlocked a lot for me. I spent time, like everyone, really confused in the beginning until I saw the opportunity in front of me. I had a lot of time and that really presented a lot of ideas which turned into an album and amazing visuals.
LAKL: A few months back you played Treefort – which is a big deal! What was that experience like for you? As an Artist, but also as a Queer person is Idaho, a state getting more and more radical when it comes to Queer rights.
SL: Boise is an incredible city with some of the warmest, most inviting people I’ve met from all the shows I’ve done. To quote a cliche, “hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” I feel confident that love will prevail in Idaho and many other states facing similar challenges.
LAKL: I love that. We’d all do well to keep our eyes on that prize! You have shared the stage with the likes of some pretty “up there” names in the industry: Lizzo, Doja Cat, King Princess, and more. How did these come about? What was it like working with these artists? Do you feel it has helped to increase your platform?
SL: I’m extremely gifted and wildly persistent. I think at the time of all of these shows, I was the best fit for the bill. I’m happy to have those memories.
LAKL: Ok, this visual album, Ms. Out Tonight, has me having the strangest dreams. All 3 parts. What inspired this very bold move to make a visual album? …and what kind of subliminal trickery did you tuck in there to gift these crazy psychedelic dreams on me?! Bring us on your journey.
SL: When we were making Ms. Out Tonight, it was meant to feel like a fever dream. So, that’s perfect! No subliminal tricks, but I did work with Maddie Ivey to craft this dream world where I was a pop star to remind everyone about the power of dreaming. Look at me now!
LAKL: What’s next up for Siena? Because you damn sure betta bet Seattle will be watching after this year’s Pride.
SL: Well, I’ve got an album coming out in June called “Floozy” and I am excited to share this body of work. I’m incredibly proud of the work my friends and I pulled together to create and counting the days until it’s out in the world.
LAKL: We are honored and humbled to have you this year to not only headline Seattle PrideFest Mural stage – but also Wildrose Pride on Saturday night. How should we prepare? What do you want to see when you look out from the stage? How can we as a city, support you in manifesting your best shows ever?
SL: Hm.. how to prepare. Hydrate, stretch, do some vocal warm ups, and get your outfit together. When I look out into the crowd I want to see a sea of sweaty strangers who’ve fallen in love with each other over a few minutes of good music. That’s the best time. See you soon, SEA! Xoxo
Ahhh – WE CAN’T WAIT!
Catch Siena Liggins at Wildrose Pride Saturday, 6/24 at 9:30 PM – or – Headlining the Mural Stage at PrideFest Seattle Center, 6/25 at 4:00 PM.
