What is your name?
Jacqui Siu
What is your genre of music?
Contemporary R&B
Give us a little bio about you.
I’m from New Zealand, and I live in London. I grew up around music, playing classical and jazz piano, which turned me to writing my own alternative pop/R&B songs. I released my debut single and EP in 2017 and since then I’ve continued to release music independently. I love working with people around the world and each single I’ve released has been written and produced in a different city.
What made you go into music?
I don’t really remember a life without music, so it was always there. But I loved the ‘00s era and the culture influenced me a lot, music was always on TV, people were still buying CDs, I’d record tapes from songs I liked on the radio, and I just loved the music and singing along to it. And then I discovered songwriting, and I knew it was something I was lucky to be able to do, so I held onto it!
Are you signed?
Nope!
You have released your new single ‘Angel’, tell us more about the single.
I usually try to release at least one song a year, which doesn’t sound like much but as a self-releasing artist it can take a lot of effort and time. And I’m a perfectionist. This was the song. It’s more upbeat than my usual stuff, so I was nervous about sounding a little different, but I wanted a feeling of hopefulness together with the story behind the song. There are always things I’m dealing with internally and even if it can be hard sometimes, I feel like there’s a blanket of hope around every situation, like I’m in the right place and I’m always transitioning and growing. I want this reflected in my music.
What is the meaning behind the single?
This song is about meeting someone you have a sudden, high chemistry with, but you are both on your own journey and there are things that are holding you back from giving yourself to anyone. The connection is intense and it’s about revelling in that temporary romance before you have to leave each other.
What was the writing process like?
I wrote the song quite quickly just before lockdown, but for the whole song to come together as a track was a long journey. I was working on it from March – November and it was hard to keep the momentum up. I worked with the producer of my first EP back and forth online over a few months, then I re-recorded the vocals and worked with another engineer back and forth in the last few months. I went from being totally excited about it to completely doubting it. But thankfully I pushed through and I’m proud of it and happy that I could release it this year.
What was the recording process like?
I recorded the vocals in London just before the first lockdown, and then again just before the second. Recording sessions are always fun!
Who did you work with on the single?
Rory Noble remotely in New Zealand, and Jon Kelly in London.
Will we see an EP or Album and if so, what can we expect?
There will be another single released in the coming months that goes with ‘Angel’ conceptually, you’ll have to see!
Do you have any collaborations coming up with any upcoming artists?
I’m working on my upcoming single with a talented rapper and producer, Nix Northwest. He isn’t rapping on the song, but he has been with me in the writing process and is behind the production.
Would you be up for collaborations if other musicians wanted one with you? and who would they have to contact?
I’m always open to collaborations, and they can contact me on jacquisiumusic@gmail.com
Do you play any instruments?
I play the piano.
Who are your influences?
I love Alternative R&B music. BANKS, Sabrina Claudio, Jhené Aiko, Frank Ocean, Daniel Caesar.
How do you get inspiration to write songs?
Mainly my own experiences, otherwise my friend’s experiences, but sometimes inspiration will come out of nowhere, from something someone said, something I read, or a scene of a TV show and I’ll want to use it somehow.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
I don’t think anyone knows where they will be in 5 years anymore. I just plan to keep releasing music without a destination or huge goal. I am trying to live in the present and put less pressure on myself, otherwise it affects my creativity.
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
I’m a fitness freak and I love food! CrossFit and cafes 🙂
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more in to the music scene?
‘Dilemma’ by Nelly and Kelly Rowland, and ‘Someone’s Watching Over Me’ by Hilary Duff, haha! I listened to a lot of pop / R&B music in the 2000s.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
99% of the things you worry about never happen. Though it’s hard to take on sometimes!
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry and just as an artist?
Don’t overthink it, and make music for yourself first. Remember why you love music, and you’re the only one in the world who can play or write like you.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
Everything happens for a reason.
Where in your hometown is a must go to visit?
Waiheke Island, next to my hometown, Auckland, is amazinnnggg. It’s a beautiful place to get away with cute markets, good food and wine. I miss it so much and I can’t wait to go back.
You’re coming off tour;
1/ Where do you go first? Home!
2/ Who do you see first? No one, I’ll want to be a hermit. I love my alone time.
3/ What do you eat first? Takeaway – pizza or a burger and cookie dough for dessert.
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
The feeling of everyone singing along
The voice
The stripped down or special version of a song
The unreleased song
The people I’m with and the experience of being with them
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
Yes please!
Instagram
Facebook
Youtube
Soundcloud
