The Magical World of Siena Liggins

Photo Credit: Savana Ogburn

You recently dropped "3 Bad," which is this super relatable yet chaotic breakup song—how do you balance writing about heartbreak while still keeping it fun and engaging?

I am just a fun girl. writing songs for me is a way to escape—say whatever i want to say. i'm not thinking about if it's gonna be engaging or not in the moment. i'm just trying to do something for myself in the moment. 3 BAD was just a good time in the moment and i'm happy so many people have found it to be as fun for them as it was for me.

Okay, you’re crazy creative! If you won the lottery and had an unlimited budget, what’s the wildest, most over-the-top creative project you’d dive into first?

sheesh, i don't even know how to think when you throw around words like "unlimited budget" hahaha. to be so honest, i think the most creative thing i would do is make sure everyone involved would be paid healthily. as an independent artist, i've been afforded a lot of favor from the most talented creatives. so with an unlimited budget, i would just make sure the whole team would be living their dream as well.

I’m in awe of how you visually represent emotions in your music! How do you translate sounds and feelings into such powerful visuals? Do you usually have the vision for a video while you’re writing the song, or does it come to you later?

I have ten thousand visuals in my head whenever i'm writing or listening to any music. it's such a fun part of the process to take these crazy ideas swirling in my head and then turn them into something people can feel in an entirely new way. when i was a kid, we didn't have cable and we were only really allowed to watch movies on friday nights because my mom didn't want us to have brain rot. So i feel like my imagination had no choice but to be kinda overactive. i'm always thinking about the visuals.

I am obsessed with how visual your album Ms. Out Tonight is! Visual art adds so much to the musical world. Do you have a favorite visual from that project? What made it stand out for you?

If you're going to watch Ms. Out Tonight, you have to watch the entire album visual top to bottom. it's best that way, i promise.

My cats are so important to me and my creative work, do you have any pets at home? Do they ever give you any inspiration?

Princeton, my chubby cavapoo mix is the love of my life and my best friend. not to be like that, but many many people have told me he is the best-behaved dog they've ever met. and it's true. of course he’s an inspiration. his joy for life moves me.

Siena & Princeton 🥹

Your identity has been such an important part of your music and message. How has being a part of the LGBTQ+ community shaped your artistry and the kinds of stories you tell?

I think when i first started to drop music, my identity was a huge part of the message because we felt there was a space that needed to be carved for artists with similar identities to be loud and proud about it. the fact of the matter is that gay artists have been here since the dawn of time, but i like to think i helped pioneer the world where it’s entirely fathomable that someone like me can do the things i've done and beyond.  

all of that said, today is a new day and my identity is one small facet that i hope doesn't weigh so heavily on what people think about my music. these songs are enjoyed by all sorts of people, queer or otherwise.  

 and all of that to say, my experience will always be that of a queer black woman because that is who i am. so the fact that other folks find safety in my story and in my work is powerful and not to be taken for granted.

At Pop Palace, we highlight the importance of seeing people like yourself represented in the media. Growing up did you have a Pop Idol you saw part of yourself in?

you can probably go back to so many interviews i've done and find different answers i've given to this question. my truth today is, no not really and yes all the time. the thing that remains true is that a huge reason i started doing this is because i didn't feel like anyone perfectly summed up wtf i am always trying to say. lots of folks inspired me, but i have always been carving my own path. i want to be my own idol.

As a fashion Icon yourself, do you believe in following any rules in fashion? Where do you find inspiration for outfits?

Though i've had some iconic looks, i'm not sure that i can accept the title of icon or be dishing out rules just yet—BUT if i had to weigh in, i'd say everything ain't for everybody and it's important to be sure of what is for you.

Photo Credit: Maddie Ivey

Finally, here at Pop Palace, we all have our own little 'Royal Court' of artists who inspire us and keep us going. So, if you could build your own musical palace, who would be sitting on your throne, and who would be in your royal court of all-time favorite artists?

well, i'm not sure that i'd be a part of any royal court. my friends and i would probably be in the streets throwing shade at all the royals and trying to organize a more perfect union. but obviously, beyoncé would be queen and i would lead a secret double life where i was totally obsessed and hoping she'd notice me one day.