Ever since he first emerged, London-based artist and producer Síomónn Wan has always looked to explore a more dynamic approach than many on the scene. And after a flurry of much-loved efforts under his belt, he recently made a strong impression with his psych-pop-infused debut album ‘Rhythm Phantom Poem Requiem’.
So we took this chance to sit down with him and unearth the origins of his sound, and where he plans to take it from here.
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Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got started in music?
As most musicians, I have loved music from an early age and I loved singing my favourite songs. It was in middle school when I started to imagine myself performing as a career. However, just as everybody knows, it is a very risky business. You might have heard a joke from Seven He. If you want to be an artist, that means your dream is to be homeless. That is what stopped me from stepping into music early on. But over the years, I have dipped in learning music, coming to a point where I realised it was time for the leap of faith. And so I started my studies at Leeds Conservatoire. That’s where everything began.
Who are your biggest musical influences and how have they shaped your sound?
My biggest influences come from C-pop and western pop, especially dance music. My music is very vibrant and energetic, wearing the coat of the western dance music. But I always feel the body is C-pop, which can be very sentimental and tender.
Was there a specific moment or experience that made you decide to pursue music seriously?
I think it was the result of accumulation of experiences over a span of time. I knew long ago I wanted it to be a career, but it took me so long to realise a few things. One is that I deserve investment in music education; I used to think I should not spend so much on myself just for a dream. And I believed that you either had the talent to stand out or else you were not the material. But I came to understand it was an ongoing process of refinement of craft. But above all, you have to put yourself out there. If I kept prioritising other things, it would be unlikely for me to succeed in a thing I put in last place.
Can you walk us through your typical songwriting process?
Usually I would have something that I want to talk about. Firstly I decide what genre and speed it should be. Then I spend a lot of time making the beat before I start writing lyrics. But in the process, I might change the topic, or the genre turns out to be something very different.
How do you find inspiration for your music and lyrics?
It comes from everyday life. If you have something to say, and you’re curious about life, inspiration will always come to you.
What themes or messages do you hope listeners take away from your music?
Love and freedom. They are nothing but spiritual goals reflected in music. I hope listeners share my joy and feel inspired.
What challenges have you faced as an emerging artist in the music industry?
Every aspect of it. It is hard to find stable collaborators that devote themselves to making music together. And if you don’t know many people, you don’t get opportunities. You alone have to be the CEO, HR, executive, marketing officer and everything else.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your musical journey so far?
People tell me they feel so much joy and freedom at my gig or how much they enjoyed it after streaming my music.
How do you stay true to yourself and your artistry in a constantly evolving industry?
Staying true is never a problem. It is about how I evolve. I must say I am a bit of a fossil that evolves very slowly.
What can fans expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming projects or tours?
I am releasing a remix of two of my songs. Maybe a support act in March as well.
Where do you see yourself and your music career in the next five years?
Hopefully, Síomónn Wan will be a name known by millions.
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Listen to Síomónn Wan’s debut album ‘Rhythm Phantom Poem Requiem’ below.
