Scarlett Siren & The Howlin’ Tramps are a musical collective formed in Portland, Oregon. Fronted by burlesque performer and Songwriter ‘Scarlett Siren’, the 5-piece blend the traditional with the unusual to cultivate an eclectic concoction of music now coined as “Psychedelic Swing.”
Scarlett’s undeniably captivating vocals are often compared to that of Amy Winehouse, while the band provides a solid backdrop of playful melodies, evocative beats and rugged bass lines. Influenced by Psychedelic Rock, Blues and Jazz their music is fuelled by emotional inquiry combined with an unquenchable thirst for a creative output. Their live shows “Pink Elephant Cabaret” involves performances of both circus and burlesque which evokes an atmospheric experience for their audience. Additionally, Scarlett, being a plus size model, aims to promote empowerment and body positivity.
Scarlett let us in on a few of the secrets she used to concoct the woozy, pitch-perfect rockabilly waltz “Fuck You.”
Who are some of your musical influences?
My Musical influences are Amy Winehouse, The Black Keys, Devil Makes 3, The Doors, Janis Joplin, & Twin Temple.
Who would you love to collaborate with? Why?
I would love to collaborate with Shannon & The Clams or Bridge City Sinners. I met the Sinners when they were first starting out as a band. its been great to watch them grow!
How do you kill the long hours in the van?
Whenever I’m on a road trip, I like to choose albums to dive into and listen to it from start to finish. People don’t often get the opportunity to listen to full length albums anymore. They’re still a musician’s masterpiece to me and it often puts me in such a calm, meditative state.
How do you approach songwriting?
I read this quote by Hemingway. it said, “It is easy to write. Just sit in front of your typewriter and bleed.”
I’ve always written that way ever since.
Tell us about the first song you wrote.
The first song I wrote is called “Love Song” its about the period of a relationship where the romance is dead.
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