Soraya Hostens - Syrens Call
Interview by Si Smith
In Greek mythology the call of the Syren was both beautiful and bewitching, something incredibly alluring yet tinged with danger and the possibility of the dark side. It tugged at the emotions of unsuspecting sailors and drew them under its spell. The band Syrens Call have been achieving something similar with their captivating blend of female vocal and solid progressive metal backing. Growing from humble beginnings as a Savatage tribute band, they have now found their own voice through original vocalist Valerie and more recent vocalist Soraya. I braved the winds and the waves to snatch a conversation with the syren herself, Soraya.
Your band's name is very well spoken of among those who know, but that is unsurprising seeing as you have been together as Syrens Call since 1997 - maybe this explains how tight the band is in the live environment.
Indeed, Syrens Call is like a family. The atmosphere in the band is very friendly and we have a lot of fun each time we see each other for a rehearsal or a concert.
I believe the band went through a number of changes of name and style in the early years.
In fact, Snailbooster was the name of the band in which Sébastien (drums) and Stéphane (rhythm guitars) were playing before Syrens Call. But the style was more classic rock oriented. They decided to play a more melodic style and recruited Thibaut as a solo guitar player. That’s how Syrens Call was born.
How clear was the band's direction when you first joined in 2005?
When I first heard of Syrens Call, it was as a melodic metal band. And it remained a melodic metal band, with new influences.
By this time the band had already released two full-lengths - 2000's "Fantasea" and 2004's "Emoceans". Your personal debut with the band was on the EP "Against Wind and Tide" released in 2006. How difficult was it to step into the shoes of an accomplished vocalist like Valerie?
Valerie is an excellent vocalist, but vocally speaking, I’ve never tried to sound like her. I’ve just tried to remain myself… By this time, the difficulty was to adapt my voice with the music and to invent melodies to compositions especially written for Valerie’s voice.
How was the reception of the fans as a whole?
It was an unexpected great reception! It gave me the support I needed to start with the band and I knew that what I chose to do was a good choice and that I could carry on this way. This EP included, among other songs, a Depeche Mode cover song.
How would you describe the various musical influences that are brought together by the different members to create the Syrens Call that exists today?
All the members are open-minded… this is THE band’s secret ;-) When we compose our songs, we try to broaden our influences to any kinds of music we like and we don’t feel obliged to stick to our previous releases. Anyway, everything we play and compose will sound like Syrens Call if we agree on the songs structures and melodies.
Your singing background was quite varied before joining Syrens Call - in what ways did you have to adapt your vocal sound to the progressive power metal sound of the band?
I didn’t change my way of singing, I don’t try to sound like any other vocalist… I kept my vocal identity, I sing with my personality… It’s just my voice… Some love it, some don’t… Maybe it’s what makes Syrens Call somewhat original.
You seem as at home on an acoustic set as you do in full metal onslaught. What do you think it is about your music that appeals across the board?
Whatever the type of set we play, the melodic aspect is still present, as on an acoustic set as in full metal onslaught. We can play metal but stay melodic, it’s important for us!
Your Tenth Anniversary concert in 2007 must have been an emotional experience - as can be seen by the live DVD - how do you envisage Syrens Call developing over the next ten years?
We had the opportunity to live a wonderful experience and we needed to show it to the audience through a DVD. In fact, each concert is important for us, but this one was maybe the most important on the emotional field. I wish to play a lot of concerts again with Syrens Call… I wish to meet a lot of bands, famous or not, and share our passion for music with them!
The band has now played live alongside great bands such as Nightwish, Symphony X, Within Temptation, Epica, Threshold and Vanden Plas - are there any other bands you would like to play with or tour with if it were ever possible?
Wow! The list is too long…I’d like to play with so many bands…. Maybe a concert with Muse would be wonderful!
You are playing the Power Prog Metal fest in Belgium in April - it looks like a killer line-up - how do you prepare yourselves for such an experience? And how do you think Syrens Call stands out against the backdrop of general progressive metal out there?
Our goal is to work as much as possible on the energy of our performance. We try to select the best songs for this kind of festival. This day will be very important for us because a lot of people and journalists will be there and that can be a good showcase for us. I’m really looking forward to play there.
Lyrically the band’s songs deal with themes of strong emotions and feelings – where do you find inspiration for such heartfelt lyrics?
I find my inspiration in my everyday life. Any subject that I consider important to me or that can touch human-beings are interesting.
Are there any subjects you have not covered yet that you would like to write about in the future?
Life is an everlasting source of inspiration. And my imagination is overactive… Anyway, it’s when I hear the instrumental song that I think of a subject that could suit best to the song.
One glance at any fan page of the band shows that the band has a widespread international appeal, but how has been the reaction within your own country to the music of Syrens Call? Are the French audiences enjoying the progressive metal sound?
Metal music is not part of the French culture. There are still prejudices in France concerning this style of music and it doesn’t meet the audience and media expectations. Moreover, our songs are sung in English, which doesn’t help. Nevertheless, we have a fanbase and there are people who like our music. This is what is the most important for us right now.
With "Raging Waters", released in 2010, you seem to have some songs that are lighter and more "catchy" than on previous albums: was this a conscious decision to make the music more accessible?
Previously, I told you that all the members of the band are open-minded… so it was a collective decision to add some modern touch to our music, and to make songs more catchy. But we also tried to keep our identity.
There are some strong songs and also some softer songs on the album: what is your personal highlight from the album and why?
I really love all the songs on "Raging Waters"!!!!! For example, "Perfidious Paradise", "Hang on to Life" are made to be played in live and the chorus or the bridge are made to be chanted.
Finally, have you any words for potential future fans out there?
And of course thank you so much for getting involved with this interview! We wish you all success in the future! Thank you! Dear listeners, don’t forget to visit our website and I hope that this interview may have given you the envy to listen to our albums!
Links
Soraya Hostens Official Profile
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