Singer-songwriter Sienna Melgoza signed her first record deal at just 13 years of age, and now she is releasing original music, with her debut single see you tomorrow? on 14th February and her new single differently now released 4th April. Sienna has also released a collaboration with Cole Swensen called Just You and Me, and she will be recording more songs and music videos and is hoping to perform live in the coming year. We caught up with Sienna, who answered our questions about her new release differently now, her debut single see you tomorrow? and collaborating with Cole Swensen.
Can you tell us about your new single differently now, which was released on 4th April, and where did the inspiration come from for the lyrics?
This song kind of came out of nowhere! My friend Cole had called me and told me he had written a verse about a situation I had just gone through, and wanted to see what I thought about it. So he showed me the song, I loved it, and we wrote the full song in the next two hours.
The inspiration for the lyrics sprouted from the first verse Cole had written, which was an introspective verse about analysing your emotions after going through something so emotionally exhausting. It eventually blossomed into an emotional song about self-love and worth.
How long have you been working on differently now and how much did the lyrics change over time?
The song was written on October 1st, 2024, and it was recorded on October 6th, 2024!
Surprisingly, the lyrics didn’t change at all. Maybe a word here and there, but what we wrote that first night is what you hear now!
What has differently now been like to write and record and how was it seeing the song come together?
This song came together so naturally. The writing process was really freeing because it flowed. There was probably a part or two we had to spend extra time on because we got stuck. Besides that, it wasn’t too difficult, because I knew what I wanted to say and what I had to say. This song was a big part of the healing process for me. Learning I don’t have to be afraid to say the hard thing in a song because it’s okay to be vulnerable through a vessel that has helped me find myself in all different kinds of ways.
Watching this song come together was like watching puzzle pieces being put together. You may get it wrong at times, but once it fits, you know it’s here to stay.
Is there anything you have enjoyed most about working on differently now?
My favourite part of the process is always recording and hearing the final product! There is something so rewarding about hearing something personal that you created come to life. And then be shared with the rest of the world!
Your debut single see you tomorrow? was released on 14th February, how did you feel on release day?
I felt so at peace. Releasing and creating music is all I have wanted to do my whole life. Once it finally happened, it felt like I could almost relax and let the song speak for itself.
How different did you find both singles to write, and what do you hope listeners take from each?
Both of these singles are extremely different. So the process was also very different! I wrote see you tomorrow? in a recording studio with three people I write with often named Caleb, Aaron, and Ashley! They are all so incredibly talented and I trust them all with my creative vision intensely. I hope this song can resonate with people who know what it’s like to fight so hard for something when the other person doesn’t want to do the same.
differently now was very unusual for me because it was very “not-typical” in comparison to how I’ve made my other songs. This song was written over FaceTime and recorded over a few hours at my co-writer/producer/friend Cole’s house. I opened up a lot of wounds in order to write this one, but I wouldn’t have had it any other way. I hope listeners take away whatever they need to take away from my songs. I hope that whatever they believe or want it to mean can help heal them in ways they didn’t know were possible.
How has it been seeing the response to your original music so far?
When see you tomorrow? was released, I was very shocked at how well it was received. Especially because I have never released a song on my own before. My favourite part of it all has been receiving messages from people who randomly find my music, and felt inclined to tell me that they loved or it resonated with them in some kind of way!
Also in February, you released Just You and Me with Cole Swensen, how was it collaborating with him on the track?
Cole is just so brilliant, so collaborating with him on this track was such a blessing. He created this incredible song, and when he asked me to sing vocals on it, of course, I said yes! It was really cool recording this track with him because he was very particular with the way each line was sung, and for good reason, because the final track is so emotional and raw. He’s so great!
How would you describe your music style and who do you think your songs will appeal to?
I would describe my music style as pop/any sub-genre you could find. I think my songs will appeal to the lover girls/guys/gays/theys of any generation!
Where does your love of music come from and how did you get into it?
I think my love of music comes from within. There is not a specific time I remember that made me fall in love with music, but musical theatre was definitely a catalyst into my lifelong journey with the arts.
Can you tell us about your songwriting process?
My songwriting process varies depending on who I am working with or where I am. If I am writing a song by myself, most of the time it begins with an instrument. I’ll play something on piano, guitar, or with my MIDI keyboard into Logic. I’ll find a fun chord progression, and then I’ll find the key of the song. I’ll either keep building on the progression or I’ll start finding a melody. This part tends to be the quickest for me. After I find a solid melody, then I’ll begin figuring out what I would like to write about and write the lyrics!
Who are some of your favourite music artists to listen to?
Ariana Grande is 100% my all-time favourite, but my latest obsessions include Billie Eilish, Alfie Jukes, REHMA, Presley Regier, Sabrina Sterling, Sabrina Carpenter, Tate McRae, Imogen Heap, and BETWEEN FRIENDS!
How do you like to spend your time away from music?
I like to spend my time away from music either hanging out with my girlfriends, going to the movies, finding hidden gem thrift and second-hand stores, or spending some time with myself!
We understand you signed your first record deal at the age of 13, what can you say about your music journey so far and how would you say your music has developed since then?
It has been quite the journey! I have learned so much since then from my mentors and peers. Since I got an early start, I got to learn what I want and don’t want for my music and my career before I even thought about releasing a song on my own. Experiencing what it’s like to be in the studio and work towards my career at such a young age has taught me some priceless things that I will forever be grateful for.
What upcoming music plans do you have and what are you hoping 2025 brings for your career?
My upcoming music plans and hopes for 2025 include recording a bunch more music, filming music videos and visualisers, doing more live performances, and hopefully opening for someone on tour. We will see what the rest of 2025 brings!
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