
2 minute read
Q A EMMA DEANER
DRUMMER FOR SUPERIOR SIREN, WHICH RELEASED ITS DEBUT, SELF-TITLED ALBUM IN JANUARY; EVENT PRODUCER AT GLENSHEEN MANSION; KUMD-FM ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER; BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MINNESOTA MUSIC COALITION AS A NORTHERN MINNESOTA REP.
By Christa Lawler
CL: Tell us about your musical path: from picking up an instrument for the first time to Superior Siren.
ED: I grew up in the woods to the sound of music. Piano was my first instrument of choice. Classically trained by local harp virtuoso Georganne Hunter. I later picked up sticks in high school as the only female in the percussion section. I hung up the sticks for books in college. Years later, my dear friend Ariane Norrgard had me sit behind what would soon become my first starter kit. Our first gig was at the Free Range Film Festival in Annie Dugan’s barn. A few months roll by and I hear Laura (Sellner of Superior Siren) sing for the first time. I could hear something, the siren’s call perhaps. After the show, I told her if she ever needed a drummer to let me know. And she did. I joined forces with her for Homegrown 2015 and the rest is history.
CL: What is it like to be in Superior Siren? What is the band’s dynamic?
ED: A sisterhood. It’s an honor to collaborate with a collective of independent women to create soundscapes from the soul. And to share that sisterhood with all those who listen. For music is a universal language.
CL: What do you want people to know about the new album?
ED: The debut self-titled Superior Siren LP dropped on January 12 and is now available at your local record shop as well as superiorsiren.com. The album was recorded (a year ago) at Sacred Heart Music Center in Duluth. (It was) produced by Tom Fabjance, mastered by Huntley Miller, manufactured by Noiseland Industries, with album artwork by Wolfskull Creative. The project was made possible by the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council. Album release show just hit Duluth, yet you can experience the Minneapolis release show on February 24 at The Icehouse with Coyote. Tickets are on sale now.
CL: What are you listening to right now?
ED: Thom Yorke’s solo work. Bjork’s latest album “Utopia.”
CL: Who is your favorite drummer?
ED: Sean Carey, known for his work with Bon Iver and his solo project S.Carey.
CL: Have you ever talked shop with Low percussionist Mimi Parker?
ED: The last time we were together was at the cinema. We talked about the ideal distance between the chair and the screen.
CL: Why have you chosen to live in Duluth?
ED: Lake Superior
CL: Without the constraints of time or gravity, how would you spend your perfect day?
ED: Park Point Beach, mid-summer.
CL: What modern-day concerns keep you awake at night and do you have a solution?
ED: Social media. Have a conversation with someone, in real life.
CL: What is the best thing you’ve read recently?
ED: “Just Kids” by Patti Smith
CL: What piece of advice would you give your 14-year-old self?
ED: Be the weird. v
