Sienna Spiro, the emerging British artist, made an impression on an exclusive audience during her recent performance at the Soho Sessions series in New York City. The concert, which took place on July 21, has become a sought-after event, attracting celebrity attendees and raising funds for North Shore Animal League America. Spiro, whose music blends retro-soul with poignant lyrics, has been steadily rising in the music industry since the release of her hit single, “Die on This Hill,” which peaked in the Top 20 upon its debut.
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At just 20 years old, Spiro has already captured the attention of fans and critics alike with her unique sound and distinctive fashion inspired by the ’60s. Her sophomore album, “Visitor,” released on July 3, debuted impressively at No. 9 on the Billboard 200 chart. The artist shared her thoughts with PEOPLE about her rapid rise to fame, expressing her gratitude and disbelief at how quickly events have unfolded. “It’s super overwhelming,” Spiro remarked, “but it’s crazy, and I feel so lucky and so grateful… Yeah, it’s been mad.”
Before her expansive tour, which begins in October, Spiro gained invaluable experience opening for Sam Smith during their “To Be Free” residency in Brooklyn. Reflecting on that experience, Spiro described Smith as one of her idols and praised the opportunity to learn from their performance style. “I just learned so much watching them do their craft every day,” she stated, highlighting the wealth of knowledge she gained while on stage in New York.
As a rising star, Spiro has often been compared to legendary artists such as Adele and Amy Winehouse. She acknowledged the weight of these comparisons, confessing that they feel both flattering and intimidating. “No one will ever be them,” she said, emphasising her desire to carve out her own identity in the music industry. “I do want people to see me as my own artist… But of course it’s flattering,” she added.
The theme of her album, “Visitor,” arises from Spiro’s contemplative approach to her personal experiences of love, friendship, and the fragility of human existence. “I’m a visitor,” she explained, highlighting her feelings of impermanence in various aspects of her life. The closing track, “Mono No Aware,” embodies this theme, exploring the beauty and sadness of transience, a concept drawn from Japanese philosophy. Spiro’s connection to this idea marked a significant turning point in her creative process, framing her perspective on life’s fleeting moments.
One of the standout tracks from “Visitor,” titled “Pure,” reveals Spiro’s candid vulnerabilities. Initially written as a private reflection, she hesitated to release it, unsure if others would resonate with her raw honesty. Nevertheless, the track has been met with enthusiasm from listeners. “It kind of just shows you that honesty is what people want,” Spiro noted, reflecting on how her authenticity has struck a chord with her audience.
During her performance at the Soho Sessions, Spiro showcased her powerful vocal range with original songs and a rendition of the classic “Autumn Leaves.” The evening was attended by notable figures such as Katie Holmes and actor Ryan Eggold, adding to the allure of the event. The Soho Sessions, known for their high-profile guests and charitable efforts, have raised significant funds for various causes, further cementing their reputation in New York City’s vibrant music scene.
With whispers of Grammy nominations circulating, particularly for the Best New Artist category, Spiro is embracing her newfound success while remaining grounded. She reflected on her artistic journey and the personal growth she has experienced throughout the process of creating her album. “I really feel like I’ve come out of it a different person,” she concluded, recognising the transformative nature of her work.
As Sienna Spiro continues to capture hearts and minds through her evocative performances and relatable lyrics, the future appears bright for this innovative artist. With her undeniable talent and thoughtful approach to songwriting, she is poised to make a lasting impact on the music industry in the years to come.