If one were to take a random bin of music from one of the few remaining record shops in the world and thrust it into the middle of a rally, you’d have the foundations of Siena Liggins. The musician with a million and one influences who balances the arts with activism, Siena Liggins is a dynamic artist whose music never fails to burrow itself into the minds of all who come across it, and just having wrapped up most of the “This Is Not a Tour” tour, there are plenty of people who can attest to that. We talked about all of that and then some, including the latest single, “RENT FREE” and ‘FLOOZY,’ the new album that’s out now on all major music and streaming platforms to check out!
Kendra: Looking back at, say 2018’s “Flowerbomb” and comparing that musically and lyrically to where you are now, what do you feel has contributed the most to your artistic growth?
Siena Liggins: I’ve grown a lot since “Flowerbomb.” Obviously, the subject matter of my songs has maintained some consistency. I’m still singing about love, sex, and connection. I think I’ve got a new perspective now. I’ve lived a lot more life, so there’s more experience, and you can hear that in the music.
Kendra: For a few years, you were dropping singles and making a name for yourself, and then ‘Ms. Out Tonight’ seemed to take you to the next level. After that album, you took a bit of a step back from releasing but came back stronger than ever with three singles out so far this year; “3 Bad,” “Sneaky Links,” and “RENT FREE.” Are there plans to drop a few more?
Siena Liggins: “RENT FREE” was the last single release before the album, ‘FLOOZY.’ comes out. Coming off the success of ‘Ms. Out Tonight,’ I wanted to give it time to breathe while also creating and planning the release of my next body of work. I wouldn’t say I took time off because I’m always working, but it’s not easy for everyone to understand all the moving pieces for an independent artist. The behind-the-scenes takes time, relentlessness, and perseverance, and when you like things to be beautiful, flawless, and BIG (like me), it takes time.
Kendra: Since we just mentioned it, “Rent Free” is such a fun listen. When it kicks off, I sort of feel like I’m in a 2000s teen movie with that sort of pop-rock intro, and then we get into this cool pop sound. Are your musical influences as eclectic as your latest single?
Siena Liggins: Sometimes I feel guilty about how all over the place my musical influences are. I wanted “RENT FREE” to feel nostalgic. It’s a nod to millennialism, and it’s supposed to be reminiscent of the 2000s pop hits, but it’s my song. So, all the things that impress me are inevitably going to influence what I make. That’s why it’s hard to box me. My music is pop and R&B and hip-hop and alternative and hyperpop, and… and… and…
Kendra: Your music also lingers in a good way. I think that’s because of that pop base. Pop music is meant to stay around and wiggle into the base of your brain. With that, what do you think are some of the most quintessential pop earworms to date?
Siena Liggins: There are too many good answers to name just one; “Oops I Did It Again,” “Single Ladies,” “Super Bass,” “We Found Love,” “We Belong Together,”… the list goes on forever.
Kendra: On the flip side, on top of music, you’re also involved with activism. Being a Black woman, I know all too well the reality that comes with that, but how does being part of the LGBTQ+ community also play into how you navigate the world because, let’s face it – being anything but a straight, white, rich, Christian man in America is wild right now…
Siena Liggins: I like to look at my life and existence as an expression of my activism. I move strategically through the world, not because I want to, but because I have to in order to maintain the integrity of my identity in a way that feels true and right for me. I’ve become less concerned with spreading a message and letting my work speak for itself. I’m not going anywhere.
Kendra: Time for a side note – this month, we’re asking everyone to pick a song for our ‘ZO Summer 2023’ playlist. So what summer anthem would you add, and why?
Siena Liggins: My summer anthem is “RENT FREE,” of course. But if I have to pick a song that isn’t mine– I’m gonna go with “Put It On The Floor” by Latto. Rip me out the plastic!
Kendra: Lastly, with a few singles out now, including “Rent Free” and the Wonderstruck Festival on July 8th, what else is on the horizon for you at the moment?
Siena Liggins: Everything is always changing and moving fast in today’s world. I’ve got an album next week and a few shows to close out the summer, but you’ve really got to follow the journey to make sure you don’t miss anything.
