SIAH introducing his new release: SIAH 01
An alternative indie EP that blends bedroom pop textures with 80’s pop and R&B touchstones, shaped by saturated tones and careful vocal layering.
SIAH is a solo artist working within the broad lane of alternative indie, pulling from bedroom pop, classic pop songwriting, and modern R&B production. Released in November 2025, SIAH 01 functions as a concise introduction and a statement of intent. The EP frames SIAH as both songwriter and producer, with a clear focus on sound design, vocal arrangement, and groove over narrative exposition.
Across the project, the most immediate impression comes from the production choices. Many of the instruments and vocals are driven through deep saturation effects, adding density and texture without tipping into distortion. This approach gives the tracks a warm, slightly rough surface that feels deliberate rather than nostalgic for its own sake. The low end stays controlled, allowing bass lines to anchor the songs while leaving room for drums and synths to breathe.
Vocals are central throughout SIAH 01. SIAH relies heavily on stacked harmonies and layered takes, often building chords out of vocal parts rather than leaning on a single lead line. These layers are mixed to feel integrated with the instrumentation instead of sitting clearly on top of it. The result is a vocal presence that functions as both melody and texture, reinforcing the EP’s emphasis on cohesion.
The influence of artists like Prince, Blood Orange, Dijon, Mk.gee, and Steve Lacy is apparent, but it shows up more in approach than imitation. From Prince comes an attention to rhythm and arrangement, where songs are structured around movement rather than dramatic shifts. Blood Orange’s influence appears in the way synths and guitars are blended, often sharing similar tonal ranges and treated with comparable effects. Dijon and Mk.gee are reflected in the intimacy of the recordings and the slightly off center feel of some performances, while Steve Lacy’s imprint can be heard in the emphasis on groove and simplicity.
Synths and guitars frequently occupy the same space, with neither instrument taking a traditional lead role. Guitars are often processed to the point where they function more like pads or rhythmic elements, while synths are shaped to feel tactile and grounded. This blurring of roles keeps the arrangements fluid and avoids predictable verse chorus dynamics.
Lyrically, the EP favors suggestion over exposition. Rather than telling detailed stories, the songs sketch emotional and physical states, focusing on presence, motion, and self expression. The themes align with the music’s physicality, reinforcing the idea of freedom through movement rather than introspection alone. Even when the tracks slow down, the rhythmic foundation remains active, encouraging engagement rather than passive listening.
SIAH 01 also stands out for its consistency. Each track feels like part of the same session, sharing similar tonal palettes and production values. This cohesion supports the EP format well, making the release feel intentional rather than a collection of unrelated singles. It also positions SIAH as an artist interested in bodies of work, not just individual moments.
As an introduction, SIAH 01 succeeds by clearly outlining SIAH’s priorities. Sound comes first, with songwriting and performance serving the overall feel of each track. The EP suggests an artist comfortable working within familiar influences while refining a personal production language. By the end of the release, SIAH emerges not just as a performer, but as a self contained creative force shaping every layer of the music. SIAH 01 closes with the sense that this is a foundation rather than a conclusion, setting the stage for future releases under the SIAH name.
We also had the chance to ask the artist a few questions - keep reading for more!
- SIAH 01 feels very cohesive from track to track. What decisions helped you keep the sound consistent across the EP? It was something I just trusted with my gut. I knew I wanted everything to blend together. I was making the songs once at a time without any idea of a project. It wasn’t until I heard maybe 1 0r 2 finished songs was when I was like oh okay , yeah maybe this would song good with these demos.
- Saturation plays a big role in the production, especially on vocals and instruments. How do you decide when texture is adding character rather than clutter? It was really just throwing paint & seeing if it stuck. I ended up tweaking a few things just before the release because I knew that I wanted the sound of the EP to be clear. So it was a lot of removing unnecessary vocals & tidbits during the recording process.
- Your influences range from Prince to Mk.gee and Steve Lacy. How do those references shape your approach without becoming something you consciously imitate? I grew up listening to Prince & the rhythm & vocals kinda always stuck with me. So I never really wanted to imitate or copy any of the artists I look up to. I’ll record something & then look back on it and then realize wait this sounds like so & so haha , you know.
- The vocals often work as layers and harmonies instead of a single focal line. What draws you to that kind of vocal arrangement? It honestly comes down to whatever enters my mind in the moment. I usually don’t write down my lyrics ahead of time & it’s just whatever comes out of my mouth is what stays. I tend to focus on what feels good & I sorta let that carry the track as a whole.
- Many of the songs prioritize groove and movement over traditional song structures. How important is physical feel when you are writing or producing? I have a rule of thumb , if I can’t listen to my own music & dance or feel anything. Then it’s not worth creating in the first place. I’m a dancer & I feel the music within my body so feeling is a big motivator when it comes down to my process.
- As your first EP, SIAH 01 sets a clear foundation. What parts of this sound feel essential to you going forward, and what feels open to change? I wanted to set a precedent for the listener or anyone new discovering me. It was almost like a rebrand & reboot for me to get more focused and deliberate on what I want to put out into the world , you know? I feel like going forward people will look back on this project and say
“hey this was pretty good , but have you heard his newer stuff!?”