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Interview with Juliet Lyons: My Siren Song
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Evocative singer finds muse in St Lucia and releases first CD.
While surfing the internet for interesting stories on the Caribbean, I came across a small blurb about a talented woman named Juliet Lyons. The article mentioned she was currently living in St Lucia, which further piqued my curiosity. So I took the bait, and checked out her website, www.julietlyons.com. I listened to a few of her songs, which are available on the site, and suddenly I realized this wasn’t just another voice with a new CD being released. This lady has a voice which one does not easily forget.
The Albuquerque, New Mexico native has one of the most evocative and ethereal voices I have ever heard. The haunting melodies on her debut CD, My Siren Song are true stand-outs in a maze of new talent. Ms Lyons is no newbie to the music scene, she had a steady career in Los Angeles for seven years dong session work, demos, guest vocals and professional musicals. She even spent some time on-board a few luxury cruise ships entertaining passengers. Luckily for Juliet, another crew member on one of these romantic sailings eventually became her husband.
Juliet and her husband broke from their work at Coconut Bay Resort to meet with me at Hewanorra International Airport in St Lucia as I left for the states. We talked about her inspirations for this beautiful, ethereal CD.
LAF: I understand you are living in St Lucia, how long have you lived here?
JL: I’ve been here for a year now. I had made a couple trips here prior to living here while my husband (fiancé at the time) and I were doing the long-distance thing. I was living in Los Angeles which is a place I really love, but who can pass up an opportunity to spend some time living in a tropical paradise?
LAF: Do you find inspiration in St Lucia as so many other artists do? If so, what it is?
JL: I have to say I love St Lucia more and more every day. At first the inspiration was the obvious things – the ocean, the pitons, the lazy-summer stillness of island life. Then it became the birds singing and the coqui frogs at night. Now I’m finding inspiration in some of the friendships I’ve developed with people here.
LAF: Your very first, debut CD, My Siren Song was released recently, what kind of promotional plans do you have?
JL: I actually finished the CD in November. I sent out an email to family and friends to announce it, and that was it. I made the mistake that I assume many people make when releasing their first album – all I could see was getting the finished product in my hand, and had no idea what to with it once it was finished. I’ve since been working with an artist development coach who has helped me greatly to develop a plan of action. At this point I have online distribution, interest from radio stations and podcasts around the world for airplay, and am having my official album launch party on March 25, here in St Lucia.
LAF: Did you write the music and lyrics yourself?
JL: I did! There is one co-write on the album, the song called Voyage. The lyrics were written by my great friend Frederick Melendres, who is an amazing poet in a lawyer’s body!
LAF: What inspires you most to write?
JL: Tough. I don’t really know – just being alive. Life is precious and I savor each day that I’m here. Music is such a powerful force in my life. I eat, sleep, and breathe music; it makes me feel alive! I actually get cranky if I’ve been too busy to spend time creating. Sometimes The Muse herself will show up, and at the most random places or times of day, but I don’t wait for her to show up - I’m inspired to write on an almost daily basis.
6. Which is your favorite song on this CD and why?
Ok, that’s like asking a mom which of her children is her favorite! I guess The Quest is my favorite lyrically-speaking because it’s a reminder to myself that, to quote Richard Bach, “Your only obligation in any lifetime is to be true to yourself.” But I really love Peace Within. Sometimes the simplest lyrics have the strongest impact and the simplest melodies sound the sweetest.
7. Were you able to fulfill a certain purpose with this piece of work?
Yes, I needed the courage to do it and the courage to present it to the world. I’m pretty introverted and enjoy solitude. But I don’t want to create music for just myself; one of the greatest powers of music is its ability to connect people to each other, and I needed to reach outside myself and get beyond the fear of rejection to have the chance to share it.
LAF: What other artists inspire you?
JL: So many, from so many different genres. Anyone from Mozart to Bob Marley! I love Bjork for her fascinating and fearless arrangements, her orchestral elements, and the undeniable passion she emits in every note of her voice. Loreena McKennit’s voice is the epitome of ethereal, and her music transports you to faraway places. I also love chill out and deep house for that “sexy factor,” – anything from the Naked Music label, for example. I listen to lots of music from around the world, Indian music in particular, because I’m a Bollywood junkie! The whole musical scale system is different which is fascinating to my ear, and the music production is very sophisticated - a real blend of elements from all over the globe, I love that!
LAF: What projects are you planning in the future?
JL: I’m already writing music for my next album!
LAF: You have a distinctively theatrical quality to your voice, would you consider Broadway or live theatre?
JL: Are you kidding? Of course I would! I grew up performing in musicals, then went to a Conservatory of Music where I studied opera. I performed professionally in musicals and have recorded vocals for several musical concept albums. As a child I dreamed of becoming a Broadway star. But in adulthood I spent nine months living in NYC and trying the audition scene. NY chewed me up and spat me out. I was already past a place in my life that I was willing to pound the payment for peanuts. I couldn’t hack it; I admit it. Standing outside in the freezing cold for hours in high heels for a 30 second shot if you’re lucky enough to even get seen…for a dinner theater show in Kentucky that pays $200 a week? Of course if Broadway ever called ME, all would be forgiven.
LAF: If you left this earth, what would you like to be remembered for?
JL: Wow, great question! For being a loving and creative human being who fluently spoke the universal language of music.
Run to your favorite download site or music store to purchase this beautiful new CD. I promise you will not be disappointed.
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