PUNK GLOBE:
Thanks for doing this interview Yvonne. Can you give the readers some background about yourself?
Yvonne Lace:
Hello Punk Globe, it's an honor to be doing this interview with you! My name is Yvonne Lace and I sing and play bass in Siren Call. I was born in Bulgaria, currently living in Vienna, Austria and an "LA Woman" at heart! I love music and poetry, so songwriting is the ultimate creative outlet for me.
PUNK GLOBE:
You and Jason started doing Siren Call in what year?
Yvonne Lace:
Back in 2012!
PUNK GLOBE:
Tell us how you and Jason met?
Yvonne Lace:
Some friends of mine had told me about a great "flower power"-themed party at a local Vienna club. Since I'm a big fan of the 60s, there was no way I could miss out on that! Jason was the DJ that night, also screening psychedelic videos on a big screen and playing guitar solos - the whole 60s experience! I was especially impressed by the way he played "Little Wing" by Jimi Hendrix. When the party was over a friend of mine and I jumped on stage and started playing some Sublime songs. Jason came up to me and asked if I'm a fellow Californian, because apparently I sounded like Gwen Stefani. When I told him I'm from Bulgaria he was rather amused! The rest is history: exactly one year later, November 10, we played our first show at the Whisky a GoGo!
"I was especially impressed by the way he played "Little Wing" by Jimi Hendrix."
PUNK GLOBE:
Where did Siren Call originate?
Yvonne Lace:
Vienna, Austria - the city of music!
PUNK GLOBE:
And The Sound Of Music!!! You and Jason are the core members of Siren Call who is playing drums with you currently?
Yvonne Lace:
The Siren Call drummer is an enigma! At the moment we are playing with a bunch of different drummers and you never know who is going to be behind the drum set each performance!
PUNK GLOBE:
How did you come up with Siren Call for the bands name?
Yvonne Lace:
I've always been fascinated with Ancient Greece and I find the myth of the sirens particularly appealing. Sirens combine two of my favorite things: music and the sea. They lure sailors to shipwreck with their enchanting voices and there is nothing more appealing than the dangerous, the unattainable and the enigmatic. It's a name which carries the soul of the band, which is all about creating our own myths through poetry and music.
PUNK GLOBE:
Who are some of Siren Call's influences?
Yvonne Lace:
My number one influence is Nirvana. I love the 90s sound, so also Alice in Chains, Hole, Garbage and No Doubt. Other Siren Call influences include Ramones, The Clash, The Police, Bad Brains and Rush.
PUNK GLOBE:
I really like your CD cover with the Mermaid on the cover. Can you elaborate about that?
Yvonne Lace:
Thank you! The mermaid is directly linked to our name Siren Call, although in the classic myth of the sirens they are half-human, half-bird, not fish! Eventually sirens began being depicted as mermaid-like. I love myths, because everyone has their own interpretation. In some accounts sirens are monsters, in other beautiful creatures. Such contrasts that make for beautiful art.
PUNK GLOBE:
How many releases does the band have out?
Yvonne Lace:
So far we have two official releases: "Comfort Zone" and "Just a Man". We are about to release "LA Crash" and we will be shooting a music video for it here in Hollywood at the Whisky a GoGo. Other songs which are about to be released are "Rose Ashes" and "Ambien". Many of our unreleased songs are part of our live show, so fans have a chance to experience them live even before anything is recorded. In the time of DJs and auto tune, live music has to be stronger than ever.
PUNK GLOBE:
Is the band signed to a label at present?
Yvonne Lace:
Not at the moment! We are doing it all on our own.
PUNK GLOBE:
Tell us about the music scene in Europe?
Yvonne Lace:
Music is the universal language. We are a rock band and I believe there is a place for rock everywhere, not necessarily the mainstream. The underground scene is definitely booming, which makes it even more exciting and avant-garde! Europe is no exception. I am from Eastern Europe and as we are faced with political and economic turmoil, punk still plays a major role in the youth's rebellion.
PUNK GLOBE:
Tell us about some of your stand out shows?
Yvonne Lace:
For an indie European band our shows in the US are most stand out for us! We've played the Whisky a GoGo in 2012 and 2013 and we are returning for two more shows on the 21st and 27th of July. We've also played The Roxy's "On the Rox" and now we will be playing at The House of Blues on July 17th. Other shows we loved were when we toured the North West, the Mecca for grunge, so our concerts in Portland, Olympia and Seattle were also very special for us.
PUNK GLOBE:
Siren Call will be playing at The Whiskey with The Barb Wire Dolls. I bet you all are very excited.. How did you meet The Barb Wire Dolls?
Yvonne Lace:
That's right, on July 21st! We got booked to play at their residency show, which is a great fit, because we are both female-fronted rock bands with European roots! I saw their show at the Whisky and they have amazing energy! We are very excited to play with the Barb Wire Dolls and be part of an exciting new scene! I've always been inspired by the concept of a scene like CBGB when bands came out to support and inspire each other and the audience and performers were one!
PUNK GLOBE:
You will also be playing The House Of Blues.. Tell us about the show.
Yvonne Lace:
It's a great honor to be able to play at The House of Blues before it closes, because it's such a big part of the legacy of the Sunset Strip. With our show there we are going to pay homage to rock'n'roll history!
PUNK GLOBE:
Now will you be playing in other parts of the United States?
Yvonne Lace:
This time around we are sticking to Los Angeles. We aimed to spend some time in Hollywood and explore the local scene. There really is something magical in the air here and it is our job as artists to fight for and preserve the legacy of the Sunset Strip.
"...it is our job as artists to fight for and preserve the legacy of the Sunset Strip"
PUNK GLOBE:
What is in the works for Siren Call for the rest of 2015?
Yvonne Lace:
We are going to be releasing some new songs and videos! As I already mentioned, we are especially excited for our "LA Crash" video, which will be filmed at The Whisky, so stay tuned for that!
PUNK GLOBE:
Do you have any Internet addresses that you would like to share with the readers?
Yvonne Lace:
A great way to get an overview of our band is to visit our website: http://www.sirencallofficial.com/. Also check us out on Facebook, we definitely would appreciate your love there: http://www.facebook.com/sirencallband.
PUNK GLOBE:
Are you a fan of the 70's sitcom "Bewitched" starring the talented Elizabeth Montgomery as Samantha and the fabulous Serena?
Yvonne Lace:
You know, I remember watching it as a kid and now you are really taking me back! It's a very insightful question, there is a great parallel to Siren Call, because in my performance I am not just Yvonne, but also Sirena: a sort of darker version of myself, a more exuberant, mythical creature! This is just like what Serena is to Samantha!
PUNK GLOBE:
Does Siren Call have any final comments for the readers of Punk Globe?
Yvonne Lace:
Stay unique and always be inspired! Keep your inner spark alive, because this is what punk is all about: expressing one's individuality, provoking the status quo and living life to the fullest.
PUNK GLOBE:
Punk Globe would like to thank Yvonne for the fun insightful interview and hope you all get a chance to see Siren Call at a venue near you!