As she shares her dazzling debut EP “SINK NOW, SWIM LATER”, rising star Sienna Spiro delves into her origins, identity and creative process. 

Empathic performances, a core vulnerability in the songwriting and stunningly curated instrumentation: “SINK NOW, SWIM LATER”, the debut EP from rising gem Sienna Spiro, hurtles into emotional crevices. It’s full of imagination, grit and skill, and feels very much like the opening chapter of a long and winding book towards stardom. Despite only emerging into the industry spotlight a year ago, Spiro’s now one of the most promising singer-songwriters in the UK soul-pop space, and this EP cements her budding acclaim tenfold. 

Wonderland spoke to the emerging star, discussing her musical approach, the making of her debut EP, and shining through honesty. 

Listen to “SINK NOW, SWIM LATER”…

Read the exclusive interview…

Hi Sienna! How are you? How do you reflect on your first year in the spotlight in 2024? 

H !! I’m doing good thank you! This first year was really insane. I’ve been making music since I was 10 and 2024 was my first year releasing and the community and connections I’ve made with people through music was something I didn’t know was possible. It’s been overwhelming in the best way and inspired me so much.

Talk us through the origins of your musicality? What are your early musical memories? 

My dad was the one who introduced me to music. When I was younger, he would play all old soul and jazz records in the house —artists like Marvin Gaye, Nina Simone, Frank Sinatra, and Sarah Vaughan etc. That’s when I first fell in love with music and started shaping the sound I wanted. Singing is something I can’t remember ever starting—it’s just always been something I’ve done . I wrote my first song when I was 10, writing, singing, and listening to music has and still is the thing that has made me feel human.

How would you describe your sonic identity? What ingredients go into the Sienna Spiro melting pot? 

My sonic identity at the moment feels both intimate and expansive. It’s grounded in raw vocals, paired with interesting and original melodies and textures. Lyrically, I strive for honesty and visceral expression, without dictating too much of what I think the listener should feel. Frank Ocean is kind of the pinnacle of lyricism for me. I have a deep love for jazz and soul, which will always be part of my sonic DNA, alongside influences from hip hop, R&B, folk, and even Latin music.

Why did you decide to start pursuing music as a career? 

It was never really a conscious decision to be honest, its always been the natural thing to do. I don’t think I could or would want to do anything else. Music is such a big part of me and the fact I get to do it as a job is insane and such a blessing.

Congratulations on your debut EP, “SINK NOW , SWIM LATER”! How are you feeling about the release? 

Thank you so much!! It’s a weird feeling you know, I’ve been working on this project for so long and its been such a process to get all the songs and creative right that it feels like a relief to finally have it out but i’m also very nervous and really hope people resonate with it!

Why did you decide now was the right time to unveil your debut project?

There will always be something I could find to add, change or improve but this project is for people to get to know me and so it really felt like the right time for it to come now. 

What was the process of creating the work? 

I wrote these songs over a period of time where I was finding my sound and finding the people I wanted to work with- so the songs came first and then I found the title which just made everything make sense and the world started coming together.

What inspired you sonically throughout the process? Is there any key influences? 

My main influences have always been jazz and soul so naturally that was a huge influence for me, As well as different sounds, I love different textures and weird sounds usually things I hear in everyday life or in the studio would just spark something in me and id feel inspired and that where some of the songs where born. But some artists that I listened to during the time I was writing these songs where Frank Ocean, Nina Simone, Olivia Dean, Lianne La Havas, Mustafa, Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, Beatles, Little Simz etc.. Theres been so many artists that have inspired me so these are just a few.

What are you tackling across the project, thematically? 

This project was written at a time of significant change in my life. It explores the complexities of being young and a woman, the beginnings and endings of relationships. Even though the songs all have their own story and world they all relate to the feeling of being on the outside, whether thats needing validation, the desire to be kept around or even just needing an escape and doing that through fantasy. This project (I think) really captures what its like to be a young person who feels a lot in todays society. 

Your songwriting is admirably vulnerable throughout. How did you find the comfort and confidence and be open and honest in the way you express yourself as an artist?

Thank you! To be honest I really struggle with vulnerable songwriting because it often means being honest with yourself! Which I am not very good at. But I really surrounded myself with people that allowed me to feel safe and pushed me to do better, and i’m so grateful because for the music on this project where its so intimate it’s incredibly important.

What do you hope the project achieves?

I really hope it reaches the people who need it and I hope people connect to these songs in their own way and find new meaning in the songs. As for the title, it was a conscious decision not to explain it. I loved that everyone has their own interpretation of it and ways they connect to it.

What else is to come from you, this year and beyond?

Loads of new music and a lot more live!!