Siobhan Dillon – One Voice

By starrymag | June 9, 2020

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) Let’s see…My sound is “truthful, stripped back storytelling with a rich orchestral backdrop.”

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) I have always loved folk and country music and listened to that sort of music growing up. I feel like although I had a classical singing teacher, I really learned a lot about singing by listening to Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston and the other 90’s female legends!! The songs I used to sing were definitely less “powerhouse” though… Eva Cassidy, John Denver, Karen Carpenter, Fleetwood Mac… People have likened my vocal tone to Sandy Denny.

 

Q) How did you select the songs that you covered on this new EP?

 

A) I just chose songs that deeply resonated with me. I wanted to choose songs that I could get emotionally connected to and invested in.

 

Q) What were some tracks you considered covering, but decided to save for a later date?

 

A) We recorded “To Build A Home,” which was beautiful, but somehow didn’t fit with the theme of the record. Also, “Nothing Stops Another Day” from Ghost the musical. Again, it didn’t seem to fit.

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) This doesn’t actually apply to this album… the next one maybe. [winks]

 

Q) Steve Anderson helped produce your latest EP. How much of hand do you have in the production of your music?

 

A) It is very much a team effort, but Steve’s production is flawless… Once we discussed the overall sound of the album, there was nothing more to be spoken about!

 

Q) What are some themes you explore on your One Voice EP?

 

A) Everything from heartbreak to joyous love. Deception to loss of identity! It’s all in there!

 

Q) What songs on it hold a special place in your heart?

 

A) The first track we recorded is called “She Used to Be Mine.” From the musical Waitress. It’s the song that I could never get all the way through without crying. It represents the rollercoaster that is life. How it sneaks up on you and before you know it, you’re a completely different person.

It was my post cancer realization all wrapped up in this song. Closely followed by “Everyone’s Waiting,” which describes perfectly how I felt going back to the theatre. Stepping foot on stage again after so long, after everything, was difficult and this song feels like it was written about this.

 

Q) What do you hope listeners take away from listening to your new EP as a whole?

 

A) I would love for people to find peace and comfort in listening to this album. It’s a very emotional collection of songs for the most part, but if the listeners can connect to the lyrics and be moved – I’ll be happy.

 

Q) We loved your “She Used to Be Mine” – One Take Challenge video. Why was it important for you to participate?

 

A) This challenge came from my producer who knows how terrible I am about posting and “putting my music out there.” He challenged me to do the one take as a way of shaking off that discomfort!

 

Q) You are donating to Breast Cancer Haven with the EP. How else can people get involved to help lend this charity a hand?

 

A) I am donating any and all of the money made!! It’s a UK-based charity, which makes it a little difficult. But I also have a “Donate to Haven” button on my website currently which is the best way to get money to them. I also just wanted to raise awareness, too. There are many, many women going through their treatment plans during this horrendous time and I can’t imagine how hard it is for them being away from family and friends when they need these connections the most.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) Missy Higgins. She’s just a brilliant artist in so many ways. Her talent for writing and performing is incredible.

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?

 

A) During this quarantine, I’ve been listening to old albums from my past! Like Blur, Moby, Radiohead… All the late 90’s stuff. It’s making me so nostalgic – and I love it!

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

A) I am. I’m at the age where social media really kicked off after I’d already been on stage for six years. So, it was a very interesting transition from letter reading and writing to direct messaging! It’s certainly a lot more convenient! I love connecting with people who enjoy listening to my music and social media is a great platform to do that.

 

Q) Are there any upcoming acting roles we will be seeing you in soon?

 

A) There are not – no. Unfortunately. I am staying open to it all!

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) I am always incredibly grateful to anyone who takes time to listen and support me. I have always felt this way, but something about being in this crazy COVID-19 world makes me feel even more grateful for supportive friends, fans and family as it’s becoming more and more important to support others on this planet that we all share.