The Siren sisters have arrived to create a storm on the Cardiff music scene

Cardiff has a large and diverse music scene. Surprisingly however, tribute and themed bands are much thinner on the ground. Bands representing the 1940's era is rarer still. In 1946 major big bands started to diminish, which moved music from the "swing era" to the "sing era" and started to focus on vocal artists.

World war II, and the subsequent affects it had on women were key influences for the music genre that followed. It was a time to move on from the war and celebrate loved-ones returning home. So why is Cardiff not representing this bygone era? Well one female trio is.

The siren Sisters; Sarah, Helena and Joanna are a relatively new group inspired by all things 1940's, and are starting to become very successful in the industry. There are now more vintage style venues cropping up in and around Cardiff, which is allowing the girls to broaden their market appeal. After a visit to Gwdihw in Cardiff city centre to watch the trio in action, it is clear that this unique act has found a true gap in the market.

It was clear that many people feel the post war music is slightly neglected, which is a great shame. Claire Smith explains "I have never been before, but was told by a friend. I love the whole revival burlesque scene, and am familiar with it." When informed that it is a rarity in Cardiff, she replies, "that is such a shame, even though people love the burlesque scene, it seems if people aren't taking their clothes off, they are not interested, I think that it is a visual production of vintage genius."

Sarah Perryman, manager, agent and singer in the band, has moved back to Wales from London where she had lived for four years. After completing a masters in musical theatre at Montview Academy, she decided she was not happy in London, and followed her dream in Wales, "I have always loved medieval madrigals. I was part of a theatre company called Applause, and one of our big numbers was a 1940s medley in five parts, sung with 20 girls in uniforms. From that day I knew that I wanted to set up a 1940's trio", Sarah says.

When the trio first started out they had no problems securing their first gig. In fact they had been booked before their third female member had even been found! Sarah says; "They loved the idea, we had 6 months to learn the material, choreograph routines and sort costumes before our first gig in the Summer."

The trio has featured at Bestival, which was voted best music festival 2010. Despite this success, the trio explains that Cardiff was a little wary of their style when they first started out, "Cardiff seemed to be a little unsure of us, but now there are venues like Gwdihuw which are laid back, and has the right kind of people – we are now doing really well," Sarah says enthusiastically.

Vintage style and culture has really taken off in Cardiff in the last couple of years, and as Lauren explains, "I think even over the last couple of months, it's great to see that all of these amazing songs are having a real showcase now. Some of the best music came from this era, and it is lovely to see it's reaching a new era."

It is clear that there is definitely a market for this genre of music, and Cardiff should embrace this unique sound. "The 40's is such a popular era to recreate, but I think all sorts of music from vaudeville and the golden era of Hollywood is really enjoyed too", Lauren says with passion.

So vintage style bands it would seem do have their own place within the music scene, "Well they definitely do now, and are increasing in popularity, but in the future who knows? Cardiff has such a varied music scene now, I'd like to think there will always be somewhere you can go to hear the songs you love, whether they be from this year, or 70 years ago, but no-one can know what will happen in the future!", Lauren realistically suggests.

The Siren Sisters obviously have the drive and determination to present their music to a wider audience, and it seems they have tapped into a potentially timely genre. They are currently taking the Cardiff music scene by storm, are looking for a new cover girl. They have recently acquired a permanent band which has boosted their booking potential and popularity both in and around Cardiff.

A fourth member is required to cover gigs if one of them is unable to perform. Sarah explains the requirements for candidates, "They need to ideally read music and have experience of live performance and singing complex harmonies." The act also requires a jazz trained pianist to complete what is becoming an extremely niche singing group. If anyone thinks they are up to the job contact info@thesirensisters.co.uk.

- Rebecca Prescott

Photos by: Seth Adams Photography www.inspirationalimages.co.uk