Interview with Sound of the Sirens

Sound of the Sirens is an acoustic singer-songwriting duo based in Exeter, Devon comprising Abbe Martin & Hannah Wood.

Who inspired you to make music?

Abbe– My Dad always sang a lot when we were little and Music was often playing in the house. I had the standard recorder lessons as a kid and then started the Guitar but always loved to sing. I was always involved in the school plays and Musicals up to about 17 years old. I wrote a few songs for my Drama A Level but it really took off when I met Han at 18. Working with someone else gave me the confidence that I lacked on my own.

Hannah– My friends when I was a teenager, them and Hanson! They were all about the harmonies and I became obsessed with harmonizing. Also, like Abbe, my dad too. He persuaded me to start a band when I was 17 and so I started to get into songwriting with a band who could play the songs.

How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?

Throughout the Pandemic, we have massively relied on the internet to offer Live streams, join with our Fanbase, join Patreon, etc. We even had online gigs and Zoom concerts when we couldn’t get out there to perform. The internet saved a lot of Musicians during Covid. Music streaming has changed things for smaller artists like ourselves. It’s very hard to compete with big bands who can pay a lot of money to boost posts, pay for inclusion on playlists, etc. I guess it makes it all the more rewarding when it happens organically.

Have you got a ritual of sorts when making music?

Songs are more often than not born from a difficult life situation. We find that writing can be cathartic and so it’s a great way to get through a tough situation and have a good old vent on paper. Lots of the songs come about in different ways and we can be quite playful with songwriting. Using tongue twisters to kickstart a writing process, a melody game to come up with a tune, etc. When it works …you just know. We have found that taking ourselves away from our usual environments gives us the kick we need to write. The last 2 albums began life this way.

How would you describe your music?

Acoustic Folk rock with some harmonies and punch. We have so many different styles of music, using our own sound, which hopefully makes it unique!

What’s next for you?

We are launching our new Album on April 8 th at The Grace in Islington and we are being joined on stage by Saul Davies from James who produced the album. We then tour this album in April and May. We are all over the UK and we can’t wait.

What are your top two favorite songs of all time? Why those songs?

Abbe – I have always loved ‘A case of you’ by Joni Mitchell. Her voice, the story, the lyrics and the emotion get me every time.

Hannah– I don’t have one particular song, but right now it’s ‘Just like you’ by NF.

What was the last series you watched on TV?

Abbe – This is us on Amazon. It made me cry so much and the soundtrack is brilliant.

Hannah – Afterlife. Very moving, and hilarious!

What do you think the greatest invention has been?

Abbe – The Kettle……we drink a lot of tea and coffee

Hannah – A sewing machine. (that’s my new discovery and I love it so much)

Do you have any lucky items, objects, or traditions?

Abbe – I like to have some piece of jewelry with either a star or moon on it. A little piece of the cosmos on me at all times to make a wish o upon.

Hannah – I am way too unorganized to remember items! So no!

If you could ask your future self one question, what would it be?

Abbe – Are you still having fun?

Hannah– Where are my keys?

If you had to describe yourself as a flavor, what would it be?

Abbe- Well I love Vanilla ( the ultimate bore) and my favorite crisps are ready salted (even more boring) ….so ….a flavor……hmm…..coconut…or apple

Hannah – Cheese, an immature cheddar.