Fann Geoghegan singer of Scarlet Siren
I had the wonderful opportunity to engage in a captivating conversation with Fann Geoghegan, the lead singer of the dynamic band Scarlet Siren. During our insightful question-and-answer session, we explored various facets of her life and musical journey, delving into her experiences and growth as a vocalist for the band. Additionally, we discussed her diverse hobbies and interests, shedding light on the personal passions that inspire her artistry and creativity. I hope you guys enjoy reading this!
AA: We would love for you to share your background with us more. Please tell us about your origins—where you were born and raised, the environment you grew up in, and how your family traditions and cultural heritage have shaped your identity. Additionally, we’re interested in any significant life experiences that have profoundly impacted you. How have these moments influenced your values, beliefs, and who you are today? Your story is important to us, and we are eager to learn about the unique aspects that have contributed to your journey.
FG: I was born here in Santa Monica hospital CA and raised in Northridge until I was 9. My family and I moved to Orlando FL after the 1994 Northridge earthquakes and spent the rest of my schooling in FL. So, I usually say to people I was born in CA but raised in FL. I am the youngest of 3 (2 older brothers). My middle brother is autistic and as kids we were obsessed with Disney, Micheal Jackson, and superheroes. My father was a musician turned director of sales for light and sound equipment (concerts, rides, vegas shows, etc). My mother was a homemaker but used to manage my dad's bands when they started dating. Shes a life coach, singer, and has a deep love for the arts. My parents always wanted us kids to do some kind of activity outside of school, so my oldest brother did karate then became an actor, my middle brother went to art classes, and I was a dancer. I was a ballet dancer as a child starting my training with the Kirov Ballet.
FG: I was on my toes by 7 and had already been in some big ballets all before I was 10. When I moved to FL, I started to take jazz classes, Lyrical, and hip hop, which eventually took me to NYC on a dance internship right after high school. I eventually realized a career as a dancer was not what I wanted, and I decided to take a stab at singing. As children, when we were in the car on long distance drives, or even before bed our parents encouraged us to sing songs either together or even taking turns. There was always music in the house whether it be rock, pop, musicals, disney, and we were always dancing or singing. It was a loud house at times. My father was raised Mormon, and my mom was raised Christian, however they never pushed anything on us strongly. We would say our prayers at night, and before holiday meals, but we were never forced to church, pushed to have a definitive religion, but to just believe that there is something out there. We never had the “race talk “or the “gay talk “, because there were always people from different walks of life around us that became family. Family friends that became aunts and uncles, but when bad things would happen because of race or sexual preference, my parents made a point to always say how wrong that was, and people are people. My parents also taught us that we will always get through life's situations together, they didn't know how, but we'd get through it. Through my dad's job loses, many moves from CA, FL, Miami, PA, back to CA, through my drug abuse and alcoholism, my middle brothers struggles with autism and epilepsy, all the way up to 6yrs ago when my father had 2 strokes on both sides of the brain 2 weeks a apart, we have always found a way to get through it with unconditional love and support.
AA: I find your musical journey truly captivating, and I’m genuinely eager to learn more about it. Could you share with me how you first ventured into the world of music? What sparked your initial interest, and were there any specific moments or experiences that significantly shaped your path? I’m particularly curious about the early influences in your life—whether they were family members, iconic musicians, or particular events—that inspired you to pursue music as an art form.
FG: So, as I was in NYC for my internship at the Broadway Dance Center, I was dancing every day, working events and also trying to audition for a paying gig while I was there. I had the talent, but not the “it “factor as a dancer. When I came home, I auditioned to be in a hip-hop group in FL. The instructor running the audition stopped the dance and singled me out and said, “stop mouthing the words of the song, if you want to sing the song, be a singer”. Needless to say, I didn't make the audition, and I was extremely embarrassed. I didn't even realize I was mouthing the words of the song, So in a decision out of spite, I decided to give being a singer a shot. My father was elated by the idea, so my parents went into full support to find my sound, genre, and career asa solo artist. I started out with instrumental covers in bars, pop originals, classic jazz standards and wine bars, R&B in the local open mic clubs. I even go to be on MTV for their revival show of say what karaoke 2.0, I was on the online competition and won.
FG: When we moved back to CA, is when I attempted an original rock band that fell through. One day on bandmix which is like craigslist for musicians, I was asked to audition for a cover band and stayed with them for 3yrs called Dead Ringer. We played a lot in Orange County from downtown Disney to the House of blues foundation room, Laughlin's Colorado Belle, roof top lounges and even private beach parties. However, my fathers strokes ended that time with that band as I took on being my father's full-time caregiver. I eventually joined another cover band but found it was more drama than it was financially worth, especially when you're getting paid to sing other people's music. I wanted to give original music one last try, because I knew my father always wanted me to at least try to experience what he was able to when he lived here in his 20s, so I auditioned for one last rock band. The band didn't pan out; however, this band is where I met 3 out of the 5 members that are now in Scarlet Siren. My mother was so happy I found the band I was going to be in, but very shocked to find out it was metal.
AA: Additionally, I’m curious about the challenges you faced along the way. Were there obstacles that tested your dedication or would-be setbacks that made you reconsider your path? How did you navigate these challenges, and what strategies or steps did you take to transform your love for music into a successful and fulfilling journey? Your insights would be incredibly inspiring!
FG: As of today, I am 5yrs and 9 months sober, 18yrs clean from drugs, and 25 days free from vaping. I also suffer from Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). I wasn't sober when I met the band and started to build our project, so to have their support writing as well as in the scene as I got clean and found my true self has been incredible and a real gift. I am also a yoga and pilates instructor. I LOVE teaching. Becoming a teacher has been absolutely life changing for me. It has helped me to see what's worth chasing after and what's not, how to live in the moment, that everything happens for me not to me, who to trust working with and surround yourself with, and to be proud of what the band has accomplished. I truly believe it is my soul's purpose to be a teacher and to help others, through movement, and through music.
AA: Is there an artist whose music and life story have significantly impacted your decision to follow your passion for music? Their struggles, successes, or unique perspectives inspired you to take the bold step of forming your band. I would love to hear how their experiences and artistry influenced your musical journey. What specific aspects of their story resonated with you, and in what ways have they shaped your approach to music? Your journey sounds fascinating—please share your insights!
FG: A lot of the artist who inspired me all have one thing in common. They all have a unique voice, sound or style. PINK, Gwen Stefani when she was in No Doubt, Alanis Morissette, Spiritbox, Lacuna Coil, Celine Dion, Prince, Joss Stone, etc. The list goes on and in many genres. My father always told me to be a GREAT musician, you have to have an appreciation for ALL genres. You don't have to love them all, but respect, and appreciation. So, my taste in music is rather eclectic. Every time something big would happen in my life, good or bad, I always wondered if PINK was following me around and writing about my life. I felt extremely connected and could relate to her music. Every album. I never felt like I fit in anywhere. Especially moving from school to school. Town to town. Even when I sang, I didn't feel like I sounded like anyone in particular, so these artists really spoke to me. Another piece of musical advice my dad gave me was when you write a song or sing, get inside the song because you're the storyteller, and these artists always made me feel I could relate to them. It's also inspired me to keep the lyrics I write open to interpretation so I can maybe reach someone through my music the way these artists reached me.
AA: Additionally, I'm curious about the story behind your band name, Scarlet Sirene. What inspired you to choose this name, and what significance does it hold for each of you? Is there a personal narrative or specific symbolism tied to “Scarlet Sirene” that influenced your decision? It would be fascinating to understand how this name reflects your music and identity as a band.
FG: The name Scarlet Siren is something I'm very proud to be a part of. Scarlet comes from the book “The Scarlet Letter”. People see women in a metal band and assume its gonna be girlie or not be heavy hitting. Just like the letter “A” was placed on Hester Prynne for adultery which was not true. Siren comes from Greek mythology. The sirens sang so beautifully from a distance, but once you got too close, they would kill you. Combining these 2 words truly represents this band. We may have 3 women and 3 men, we may have a female lead singer, we may be silly online and at times on stage, but we go hard with our sound, our performance, and will leave you shocked.
AA: How many members make up the band, and what distinct roles does each play within the group's dynamic? It would be enlightening to understand how each member's unique contributions and talents enhance Scarlet Sirene's overall sound and identity.
FG: So as I said, I wanted to try one last time to be in an original project, so I found a band that needed a singer and a guitar player. I auditioned and got into the band. Unfortunately, there were 2 lead members of the band that made the environment very toxic and we got very little work done. We found a second guitar player, and a week later 4 of the 6 members (myself included) decided to walk away from that band. Eventually the 4 of us become the beginning stages of Scarlet Siren. Katie Brewer, Rachel Manriquez, and I decided to start our own project as a pose to us all, usually joining someone else's projects, and asked Raul Loza jr to be a part of this band. We all have some form of jazz training, and we all enjoy rock and metal music. We found our amazing drummer Dylan Cutler on bandmix and I'll never forget that day. We had already auditioned 3 drummers, and it was beginning to feel hopeless. The rhythm section of a band is the hardest to find.
FG: So, when Dylan auditioned, he did such a great job learning the songs and adding his flair to it, I remember being in tears knowing he was the guy. Our original bass player chose to move on to a different career path, but funny enough our bass player we have now has been with us from the start as well. Mario Orellana had been friends with Katie and Rachel from high school and he had his own music projects he had been very successful in. So, he ended up helping us record our 1st song, helped us with our 1st music video, and even did the sound at our show at the House of Blues Parish room.
FG: Once our bass player walked away, we asked Mario if he had availability to join our band or at least fill in and he is now a permanent member of the band. Without even trying, we have 3 guys and 3 girls in the band. So, Mario plays bass, screams and does vocals, Raul plays guitar and screams, Katie plays lead guitar, Rachel plays keyboard, Dylan plays drums, and I sing. We truly are a democracy. The music is written by all of us, meaning one person will have an idea, but we all get to put our ideas to the song. We all have a say in the sound, ideas, name of the songs, what shows we do and very rarely if ever have any arguments or disagreements which is a shocker to most when you know there are 6 band members. We are always there for each other outside of the band and really treat each other like we are family or as we call each other “ bandmily “.
AA: Lastly, how would you characterize your music? What influences or themes do you explore in your work, and how do those elements combine to create your distinct sound?
FG: We are all fans of Kill switch Engage, Lacuna Coil, Periphery, Spiritbox, so we started to jam together, go to concerts, talk about the things we like and don't like about certain music, and we eventually came up with the idea that our sound and genre of music would be “Melodic Metal”.
AA: What is it like to experience the thrill and excitement of being a singer and the frontwoman of a band? What emotions and challenges come with taking center stage, and how does it feel to connect with an audience through music?
FG: I love being a frontwoman. It definitely brings out another side of my personality. I would like to think that when someone meets me, I am nice, approachable and actually kind of shy, but once I am on stage, the part of my personality that wants to get in your face, wants to let out all of the emotions or feelings I keep inside and not care what anyone thinks about me comes out. Don't get me wrong, I have a lot of fun being silly on stage and I always hope my lyrics are reaching people who need to hear them, but this really strong dark feminine comes out of me every time I hit the stage. I enjoy telling the stories of each song through singing, so I get really connected to each emotion as I perform. Some of the songs have a lot of personal meaning to them which can bring up some pretty tough emotions, so making sure I keep the emotion but stay present can be a challenge at some shows. It absolutely makes my evening when I have someone come up to me or message me how much they enjoyed the set or a particular song and how it relates to their lives. Or when people come up and compliment how I perform on stage and say it was the best performance they have seen in a while. It makes all the hard work worth it.
AA: How do you deal with criticism from those who view you only as the face of the band? It can be tough when individuals concentrate on superficial elements instead of recognizing the artistic skills and contributions you bring. What techniques do you employ to handle criticism and uphold your self-esteem in your position?
FG: Honestly, we haven't received a lot of negative feedback as a band. If we did though, I wouldn't be surprised or upset because there is so much music out there, we are not going to be everyone's taste and that 100% ok with me. When it comes to individuals concentrating on superficial elements, I just laugh at that. I love my band, our music, the people we surround ourselves with, the fans that come up to us, the promoters we meet and become close to, that anyone's opinions about superficial things or thoughts that are negative are their own to deal with. When someone is passing judgment on you, 9x out of 10, it's about their own issues. Now if you're getting the same critique from multiple sources, it may be something to look at, but if you feel good in your skin, you're proud of your project, and have a lot of people supporting it with a few people hating on it, keep doing what you're doing. You can't make EVERYONE in the world happy or like you, so do what makes you happy without harm and you're set.
AA: What three standout qualities make you truly exceptional as a singer?
FG: The qualities I believe make me an exceptional singer are 1. I am always looking to try new things as a singer like the many genres I've sung throughout my life, harmonies and different ways to control my breath. 2. I can ‘let the song breathe”. Meaning I understand that I don't have to be singing through an entire song to make the song great. Especially when it comes to Scarlet Siren. We are a unit and a team, so the song needs Raul and Mario to have a moment to scream their lyrics, or for Katie and Rachel to have a solo to really allow the vision of the song to come together. It's also helped me to explore opportunities where I'm a feature on other bands projects, or only singing harmonies. 3. Like I said before, I always have in the bank of my mind my father's voice saying to me “be the song, get inside the song” so I’d like to think I am a pretty good storyteller when I'm on stage.
AA: What do you find to be the most significant hurdles as a singer navigating the modern music industry?
FG: Outside of the obvious looks, age and image your band has to have, I'd have to say some of the biggest hurdles for myself as a singer navigating the industry is that it's all about who you know and networking to create those relationships. I am great with conversation and networking; however, it tends to be a little challenging choosing a sober lifestyle. Most events where you meet people are at shows in the evening where everyone is drinking so while you are getting mentally prepared to perform, do your set and then come down to network, most people are already at a point where they won't remember the conversation you've had with them. Now I understand everyone is not like this, but it's taken a few years and meeting at a show to then message online to create the connections
FG: I personally have today. One of the many advantages of having a 6-piece band is that what one person isn't strong at, another person can pick up. Even when one of us has work the next day after a show, we have 5 others to help set up merch, network, and support the other bands playing. I am also so grateful I've started to meet more musicians and promoters that are choosing a sober lifestyle. I have absolutely no issue with anyone who drinks. If anything, I am the one who has an issue with drinking. The metal scene in the Inland Empire has been extremely supportive and respectful of all of us who choose not to drink whether it's because we have a problem with consumption, or we just never had an interest in drinking.
AA: Could you provide a more in-depth exploration of your latest single, "Release the Reclaim," which was released a couple of weeks ago? I'm genuinely intrigued by the inspiration and narrative that shaped the single. Please share your connection to this track; what emotions or life experiences influenced their creation?
FG: Release to Reclaim is a very special song to me personally on many levels. Its the 1st single we’ve dropped that has Mario’s vocals and bass lines, our producer helped guide me to change the vocal direction and really allowed me to dig deep vocally, and the message behind the song is extremely relevant to where I am today as a person. The song is about starting to see that the life you're living is repeating itself over and over. Same script, different cast. You also begin to see this cycle is changing you and not for the better and you decide to release this pattern, walk away from what no longer serves you to reclaim the person you know you were meant to be in this life cycle. Knowing it's scarier staying in the same negative space than walking away into the unknown. So many people settle to have company or the life they're told they should have (married, kids, job that pays well, house, etc.), and believe if you don't have these things by a certain age, you're a failure. However, what I personally find to be a failure when it comes to life, is running away from who you are. Some people push others away to never get hurt, and some people surround themselves with negative and toxic people, so they never have to be alone. Some tick every box to a "successful life” only to feel lost once they complete everything, and some are willing to completely abandon who they are, their beliefs, change their hair, clothes just to feel accepted. This song is about feeling so tired of the back and forth in your mind so you decide to try something new and the excitement it brings you once you realize all the strength you've had inside you hiding away that you feel you can be and do anything.
AA: I'm particularly interested in exploring the behind-the-scenes elements of the production process in greater depth. Could you share the specific vocal techniques and harmonies you integrate to enrich the auditory experience of each track? Additionally, I'm curious about the tools, equipment, and production techniques you use to create the distinct textures and atmospheric qualities that define your music. Any insights into your creative approach, including the technical decisions made during the recording process and how they contribute to the overall sound, would be invaluable!
FG: The song, like all of our music that has been recorded, was done with Brad Berdberry from Berdberry Music Productions. Even though this particular track was musically recorded at the band members' homes and sent off to Brad, while vocals were recorded at his studio, Brad has been a huge part of our music journey as a band. He has such an impressive background in music and in many genres, he always has a way of inspiring us to try new things but be respectful to the music, what the band wants, and the overall vision. As a band writing the song, someone will have the idea (melody, or concept) and from there, we all put our own ideas into the concept. I personally wait for the final musical part of the song to be completed before I start to write any melody lines. Raul, Mario and I always write a part, then meet up and share what we have to see if it fits together and decide how to layer the vocals. It's a lot of fun, zero drama, and always makes it exciting to write something new.
AA: Can you recall the details of your very first live performance? Describe the setting, the crowd’s energy, and the anticipation leading up to that moment. What were your thoughts and feelings as you stepped onto the stage, and how did it impact you both during the performance and afterward?
FG: Scarlet Sirens 1st performance was exciting, hectic, but absolutely unforgettable. We were asked to play a show in Corona CA with a bunch of our musician friends. We didn't have enough music for a full 30 min set, so we added some covers and worked nonstop to time it, practice what to talk about and get all our nerves out before the show. It was a full house with a lot of friends, family, and bands we hadn't met yet. I had been playing music and had been on many stages my entire life, but this show was the 1st time I’d be performing original music, and, in a genre, I wasn't all familiar with when it comes to the scene. I was feeling imposter syndrome, but had the incredible support of my band mates, knew we worked hard, and decided to just say “screw it, let's have fun “. It was a successful show, and we ended up getting booked nonstop that year. It was a wild 1st year as a band, and it wouldn't have been the success it was without each member.
AA: Please tell me about any upcoming projects, tours, or collaborations you look forward to. I'm eager to hear what you're most excited about and any details you can share about these initiatives!
FG: As of right now, with the change in bass player who can sing as well as scream, we want to really focus on writing new music that we have been placing on the backburner for a while, do a music video for release to reclaim, and see if we can grab some endorsements for the band to help us connect with more bands here in CA as well as the US.
AA: If you were presented with the incredible opportunity to open for any band or embark on a world tour, which bands would you choose to join on this exciting journey, and what specific reasons drive your passion for touring alongside them? Consider the musical styles, the energy of their performances, and how their artistry resonates with you. What unique experiences would come from collaborating and sharing the stage with these artists?
FG: If I could personally choose bands to open for and travel the world with, it would be Spiritbox, Lacuna Coil, Killswitch Engage, Dayseeker and even local bigger bands like Screams of Syrens, Inimical Drive, Havoc Faction, to name a few. A few of these bands have inspired us to create the sound we have today, and I always want to be performing with bands that allow you to grow and want to be better. Not competition, but inspiration to be on their level and all of these bands for me personally make me feel this way.
AA: What does success look like to you?
FG: Success to me is just being unconditionally happy with where you are in life. You look forward to playing music and performing, you're proud of the music you've created with your band and enjoy listening to it, you've played some of the venues you've always dreamed of playing, you have created lifelong friends along the way. Yes, making a financial living off of it would be amazing and a mark of success, but it's not the end all deciding move to be successful.
AA: How do you define happiness in your own life?
FG: I would have maybe answered this question about happiness very differently 2yrs ago. So much in my life has changed since I got sober, started my spiritual journey, and really began to follow my soul's purpose. Happiness in my own life is living authentically, understanding things happen for you not to you, not taking others' actions too personally, and unconditionally loving myself on every level.
AA: What are your favorite ways to spend your free time? I'd love to hear about the activities that bring you joy and spark your passion!
FG: I am a Yoga and Pilates instructor, and I absolutely LOVE my career. I also enjoy going to other yoga and pilates classes as I continue to grow and learn more. Yoga has completely changed my life. I went on a woman's retreat in Hawaii in 2023, and we did a lot of yoga as well as spiritual healing so I learned more about Yoga, the history, the different types, the dark side and the ways I can help others. It helped me to reconnect with my internal and spiritual self and I enjoy taking the things I've learned and sharing it with my students. That's a big lesson I learned in my yoga theory class as well. We learn theory, the asanas, and pass it along and keep the traditions going. As a pilates teacher, I love teaching my students to love their bodies the way they are. I teach a strength and toning class, so I actually like to use very little to no equipment to show them how strong they actually are in their bodies. I always tell my class to give me quality not quantity as long as the workout moves are in proper alignment. While they do their set, I explain what muscles we’re working and why we are doing it so they can make the connection to their bodies and find more confidence in themselves. For my own free time, Istarted to take a Heels dance class as well as a hip-hop class. I have always needed to move my body in some way. It helps release stored up energy, keeps me healthy, it helped me get through the 1st week of not vaping and dancing makes me have more love and confidence in
my own skin.
AA: What message would you share with everyone if you had the world attention for five
minutes?
FG: If I had the world's attention for 5 mins, the message I'd like to share with everyone is to just be you. Don't change your hair, your interests, your beliefs for ANYONE except you. There are people out there who like the things you like, listen to the same music as you, enjoy the same activities. It's ok to grow and learn new things from other people and you will change a bit as the years go by, just don't change yourself to the point where you don't even recognize yourself in the mirror.
AA: We appreciate Fann Geoghegan from Scarlet Siren for kindly sharing her story and interests with us.
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