Superior Siren is an eerie folk project created on the shores of Duluth, Minnesota. The music is inspired by Lake Superior and Siren mythology, with an ominous and alluring sound. The project is led by vocalist and guitarist Laura Sellner. In 2014, she debuted her captivating songwriting with the solo EP “Lotus in the Muck”. In 2016, she joined forces with cellist Rachel Gobin, bassist Nyssa Krause, and drummer Emma Deaner to create a mesmerizing blend of vocals, strings, and percussion. The all-female quartet released a self-titled LP in 2018, followed by a tour of the Midwestern United States.
On May 7th of this year, Superior Siren returned with her newest tracks, a five-song solo EP entitled “Kill Your Darlings.” Discussing the effort, Sellner explains:
“This collection of songs is an ode to past relationships and how those experiences influenced the relationship I have with myself. By knowing and loving others, I have expanded my ability to know and love myself…The meaning I connect with the literary reference ‘Kill Your Darlings’ is letting go of what no longer serves you. My intention is to release this collection and create space for the new.”
A purging of sorts, then, this solo collection spotlights Sellner’s very personal journey through love and loss. A stripped-down solo affair with Sellner performing on acoustic guitar and vocals, the minimal instrumentation only heightens the intimacy of the songs. It is in that close and vulnerable space that the vocalist can deliver some of her most poignant lyrics unafraid to explore the darkened corners of her recent past. But it is the otherworldly power of her fully developed voice that deals the most stunning blows. Sellner’s incredible dynamic capacity moves from a bedroom whisper to full-throated expression, giving the songs on “Kill Your Darlings” a daunting emotional range.
We recently took to time correspond with Laura regarding Superior Siren and the new solo EP. Below, you can listen to “Kill Your Darlings,” and read a transcript of that discussion…
LETV: You play with expectations a lot on this EP. The song “Love Poem” is not the bright song the title might suggest. Was this a stylistic choice you were consciously making? Or, was it something that just kind of happened as the EP came together?
LS: The theme of this EP is letting go of what no longer serves you, returning to what really matters, and finding opportunities for growth and healing within the dark parts of ourselves. The title “Kill Your Darlings” is inspired by the literary reference to rid of unnecessary elements for the sake of the overall story. These songs were written about relationships with others, the relationship I have with myself, and the process of letting go of the past. Intimate and romantic relationships can be challenging and beautiful, and each connection can help both individuals discover more about themselves and each other. I think it’s important to allow things to unfold naturally, and to be grateful for the lessons learned. “Love Poem” is about resisting the natural unfolding which prevented the experience from being tranquil. This collection is about letting go of expectations and accepting what it is. The first four songs are about releasing these relationships and experiences, and the last is about returning to oneself.
LETV: Was there ever an impulse to make these songs bigger productions while you were writing and recording? I love how stripped-down it is, but I know sometimes the desire to make something grandiose can cloud
LS: My intention was to have these songs be raw and vulnerable. I wanted to highlight the vocals, guitar, and songwriting of Superior Siren; which are the focal point of the music. I released a solo EP in 2014 titled “Lotus in the Muck”, and then composed most of those songs with the band for the 2018 self-titled LP. That path will likely be followed, and some of the songs from “Kill Your Darlings” will have a higher production on the band’s next full-length album.
LETV: The vocal performances on these songs are amazing. There’s so much power and tone in your voice. Do you have a favorite vocal on the EP?
LS: Thank you for saying that. I felt I was able to focus on the authenticity of the expression of my voice on this EP. My favorite vocal is on “Release”. It was enjoyable to create and layer different vocal parts into this poignant song.
LETV: Were you reading anything particular while recording these songs? There’s a strong literary vibe to me that’s really interesting!
LS: These songs were written while on a journey of self-discovery. Throughout the years that I was writing these songs I was reading books about yoga philosophy, spirituality, and the subconscious; including Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse, The Inner Tradition of Yoga by Michael Stone, and Goldmining the Shadows by Pixie Lighthorse.
LETV: What’s next for you? More music on the horizon?
LS: I hope to continue to promote healing and transformation within myself and within listeners through music. The band and I are working on new material and plan to release the next full-length album soon.
