SIRI NEEL

RGM INTRODUCING – WE INTERVIEW SIRI NEEL  

Hi Siri. Thanks for joining us today… Tell us a bit about where you are from and how you got into music?

I’m originally from Denmark, but I spent several years living in England, which had a huge

influence on my artistic identity. I didn’t take a traditional route into the music industry as I quite

late. At one point, I actually lost my voice for 6 years due to a nerve damage, which forced me to step back and reconnect with why I make music in the first place.

When I found my voice again, it came from a very honest place. I started writing because I had something to say, a need to express not because I wanted to fit into an existing format. That mindset has stayed with me ever since. 

What’s the live music scene like in Odense, Denmark right now? Anyone we should be looking out

for?

The Danish live music scene can feel quite closed in many ways, especially as an upcoming artist. There’s a strong tendency towards music in Danish, and if you write in English and have a more international outlook, it can sometimes be difficult to find your place — particularly in a small country like Denmark.

That said, I was incredibly grateful to headline my biggest show so far in Odense at Posten. It felt like a real moment of recognition and confirmation that there is space for artists who choose a slightly different path.

Do you think it’s easy to become a victim of our surroundings sometimes?

Yes, absolutely. I care deeply about diversity in the music industry and about reminding people that we don’t all have to sound the same. Choosing authenticity over format is incredibly important to me. Though I don´t see myself as a victim, but a woman with power. Someone who pushes back, questions norms and inspire true autheticity.

We live in a time where streams, numbers, and algorithms often dictate what gets attention, but there’s so much powerful, unique music that never gets heard because it doesn’t fit into those systems. Difference should be celebrated, not filtered out.

What’s your favourite social media platform to use and why?

Instagram is my favourite platform. It allows me to express myself visually while also sharing more vulnerable, human moments. I enjoy showing different sides of myself — both the polished and the emotional. I feel a real sense of trust with my followers there, which makes it feel more like a community than a performance.

We believe it’s essential to have a presence on Facebook, Instagram and X to introduce yourself to different audiences. What are your thoughts on that?

I think presence is important, but intention matters more. I don’t believe in being everywhere just to be visible. For me, authenticity comes first. I would rather have genuine listeners than large numbers that don’t really connect.

I hope the people who follow me actually feel something — and that those are the same people who come to my shows. 

What’s your view on the music industry today?

It’s a very complex space. On one hand, there are more possibilities than ever for independent artists. On the other, there’s enormous pressure to constantly release, optimise, and perform. I also believe it’s important that major labels continue to take chances on modern artists and diverse voices. Success shouldn’t be defined only by social media breakthroughs. There needs to be roomfor artistic depth, longevity, and development — especially for artists who don’t follow a traditional or fast timeline.

What’s the biggest thing you’ve learned as you progress with your music?

The biggest lesson has been learning not to try to fit in. I’ve actually walked my own path from the very beginning and made choices that felt right for me as an independent artist — even when they didn’t always make sense on paper.

That said, there have been moments where I listened too much to external expectations and allowed myself to lean slightly more commercial than what truly felt natural, simply out of fear of being too quirky or too far from the norm. Especially when you already stand out — as a woman, as a mother of two, and as a mature upcoming artist — that pressure can be very real.

 I trust my instincts more than ever, and I choose to work with people I feel safe with — people who believe in the art first, not just the numbers.

Today, I truly believe that I am good enough. I know I’m a strong songwriter, and I know that my uniqueness is not something to hide — it’s exactly what sets me apart. I truely hope to inspire anyone to take a chance on themself no matter where they are in life. You are good enough. 

What’s currently in your ears and on rotation at the moment?

I’ve been listening a lot to Olivia Dean. I think she’s incredibly cool and has such a strong stage presence — I really admire her. I’m also very inspired by artists like Robyn. Seeing a woman in her mid 40s returning with that level of confidence and power feels important. I hope it helps open doors for more artists, so the industry doesn’t only focus on youth, but also on experience and longevity.

What was your worst experience on stage? Any funny stories to share?

At my first release concert last year, I wore a transparent blouse with a top underneath. By the end of the show, the top had slipped down — and you could clearly see my bra.

I didn’t realise until later, when I watched the video back. There were quite a lot of people there, so yes — that was a little embarrassing. But I love that my audience embrace my quirks, vulnebaility and empower me.

Got any fun or funny stories from life on the road?

We once played a show in Randers, Denmark, and were invited to stay overnight at what was described as a community hostel. When my drummer and I arrived, it was very late and completely dark. The place was a deserted house, everything was open, and an old stone path led into the yard, with a cat quietly walking around. Inside, it smelled terrible, and the door looked like it had been splattered with blood — which turned out to be red paint. In that moment, though, we completely panicked and ran away screaming. We did not stay the night. 

I hear you have new music. What can you tell us about it?

Think I Said Something carries a quiet sense of humour beneath its surface. It’s that familiar “oops… did I just say that out loud?” moment — when you realise you’ve spoken your truth before you’ve had time to soften it or make it more acceptable.The song is playful and quirky, but underneath its about not fitting into predetermined boxes, but also about learning to smile at that fact. There’s self-irony in the lyrics — an awareness of being “too colourful,” too emotional, slightly out of sync — saying : this is just who I am.

What was the recording process like?

The recording process felt very full-circle for me. I started my musical journey in England, and I still feel a strong connection to that part of my life. England represents one side of me, while Denmark represents another side of me — and with this song, those two worlds finally met. We began writing the song in a very intimate setting, in my living room, with two close collaborators I’ve worked with for a long time. From there, the song evolved naturally. I gave myself time to sit with it and make changes.

David, who is also a songwriter, was part of the production, and we invited Mark Flanneryinto the process as well. Mark has been my mentor for many years and has collaborade with artists like Depeche Mode. His involvement helped lift the track to another level. I love that the song is a collaboration between Denmark and England — it reflects exactly where I am right now.

Would you change anything now it’s finished?

I think I suffer a bit from “closing anxiety” — the feeling that something could always be adjusted.But I’ve learned that perfection isn’t what makes a great song.

What matters is whether it has the right feel, the right vibe, and whether I allowed myself to be truly authentic. If a song holds that honesty, then it’s perfect for me. And that’s exactly how I Think I Said Something feels. I wouldn’t change a thing.

Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?

There’s no expiration date on creativity. You don’t have to fit in to move forward sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is stay true to who you are. Don´t be afraid to show all your sides. The fancy, the vulnerable, the quriky, the powerwoman, the perfect side and your insecurities. Don´t let others define your worth – especially from people with power.  

FOLLOW SIRI HERE

🇩🇰 FOR MORE NEW MUSIC NEWS FROM DENMARK CHECK OUT RGM DENMARK🇩🇰

Cheif