What is your name?
Scott Mallard of Sirens & Shelter.
What is your genre of music?
Rock & Alternative
Give us a little bio about you.
I’m a songwriter from Kent in England and have been writing, performing and releasing music as Sirens & Shelter since 2013. I toured extensively throughout the UK, Germany, Spain and the USA playing original acoustic music, but in recent times have started recording full band songs, the first release being ‘Carried Your Weight’. I have two full length albums available through digital platforms and will be releasing my first full band record entitled ‘Sound The Alarm’ later this year.
What made you go in to music?
I simply love writing songs and playing instruments; it was a very logical step for me. Song writing is a healthy outlet and enables me to express myself.
Are you a signed?
I am signed to an independent record label called Engineer Records.
You have released your new single ‘Carried Your Weight’, tell us more about the single.
This song is my first full band single, and is a change in direction from my previous material.
What is the meaning behind the single?
In the summer of 2018, I moved to Malaysia and, without meaning to, continued to write songs. ‘Carried Your Weight’ is quite simply a release of frustration at a situation back home which I felt powerless to influence or help resolve; I could only observe from afar. Living 7000 miles away from your family and friends has its difficulties, and feeling the distance is definitely one of them. This track is personal and I think you can really hear that in my vocal takes.
Describe the track in two words.
Loud. Emotive.
What was the writing process like?
It took me a long time to write this song as there are many things to consider; chord progression, melody, lyrics, two different electric guitar parts, bass part, drum ideas. All of these elements take time to develop, and trying to imagine how things will sound together without ever having band rehearsal takes a lot of energy and imagination. The writing process is long and can be frustrating, but in the end very rewarding
What was the recording process like?
Unlike the writing process, the recording process is very short. I tracked all of the parts with the help of my friend Paul West (a far better drummer than I’ll ever be!), in just one day- approximately 8 hours. I guess all of the hard work had been done during the extensive writing period, so all there was to do was let it all out!
Who did you work with on the single?
I worked with my friend Paul West, who is an outstanding drummer, producer and recording engineer. He also mixed the song which I’m very happy with. Without him, these songs wouldn’t be possible.
We also see a video for the track, tell us all about the planning and making process.
The video was shot on my IPhone 7 whilst trekking to Everest Base Camp in Nepal. It was all very impromptu and I was just shooting footage for a travel diary, which is why it looks like a travel diary! My fiancée suggested I sing with the track and edit a music video, so that’s what I did!
Who did you work with on the video?
My fiancée, Lauren, helped film the vocal takes. Otherwise, I just took a lot of footage of our trek and edited it on IMovie!
Will we see an EP or Album and if so, what can we expect?
There will be an EP entitled ‘Sound The Alarm’ with a few other full band rock/alternative songs to accompany ‘Carried Your Weight’. I can’t wait to share it!
Do you have any shows coming up?
I’m afraid not for a while. I’m focussing on putting the finishing touches on the EP before booking shows.
What else can we expect in 2019?
I’ll be releasing a new music video soon for the next single, ‘Sound The Alarm’.
Do you have any collaborations coming up with any up coming artists?
Not just yet; this new direction is going to take a little time to get off the ground. One thing at a time!
Would you be up for collaborations if other musicians wanted one with you? and who would they have to contact?
I’m open to collaborations, and I’ve been involved with a few in the past that were great fun. I can be contacted through my Facebook page:
Do you play any instruments?
Guitar, bass, drums and a little piano
Who are your influences?
Into it. Over it. Copeland, Fall Out Boy, The Dangerous Summer.
How do you get inspiration to write songs?
Through experiences of travel and living so far away from my family. Being an avid traveller lends itself well to song-writing.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
I’ve absolutely no idea! I try to focus on the present; one thing at a time!
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
I play a lot of football and enjoy running; they say you can’t outrun a bad diet, but I’m trying my hardest!
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more in to the music scene?
When I first started to learn the guitar, I used to love playing and listening to Pearl Jam and Rage Against the Machine. I guess those two bands influenced my guitar playing a great deal.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
Treat people the way you would like to be treated.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry and just as an artist?
Create music that you’re proud of. Spend time making sure that you’re 100% happy with the product that you create and don’t compromise on your ideas.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
Do more of the things that make you happy.
Where in your hometown is a must go to visit?
I grew up in Gravesend in Kent, England. Pocahontas is buried there, so if for some reason you’re passing by, you should check that out.
Your coming off tour;
1/ Where do you go first? My bed.
2/ Who do you see first? My mum.
3/What do you eat first? A sausage and egg sandwich with brown sauce.
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
Spare strings, tuner, ear plugs, merch box, picks.
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
Facebook
Bandcamp
Youtube
Engineer Records
