Meet Malgorzata Wacht | Singer/Songwriter/Performer/Composer/Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Malgorzata Wacht and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Malgorzata, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I always knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. When I was a young girl, I remember holding a jumping rope in my hand, standing in front of a large mirror in the hallway, pretending that it was a microphone and watching myself sing my heart out. Singing to me is a form of expression of my inner soul. This is extremely healing as music paints pictures in my head that only I can see; it is my private gallery of sound. This all started in Poland where I was born and raised. I sang Polish songs and tunes that I heard on the radio, mostly in English. Mind you, I did not speak English, so I would make up my own language. Little did I know I was actively practicing, “idioglossia”, an idiosyncratic language invented and spoken by only one person.

My childhood/teenage years were amazing and challenging for different reasons. The environment I was raised in made me aware of both the beauty and ugliness present in this world. Poland was under a Communist regime and everything was controlled by the government. I remember we had two TV channels, radio played only selective music and getting music from the West, well, you had to get bootlegs. This situation alone made my dream even more desirable. I wanted to sing, I wanted to learn English and I wanted to move to America. During those years I got introduced to many underground and not so underground bands and artists: The Cure, Depeche Mode, Clan of Xymox, Sinead O’Connor, Kate Bush to name a few. All their music had a profound influence on what I do and who I am today.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
One of the darkest moments of my life was when I got very ill, right after the Chernobyl explosion. I remember watching Polish MTV, it was the first time when I heard “Lovesong” by The Cure and it was a time just before I lost consciousness. Next thing I remember I woke up in the hospital and was told that my leg will be amputated. You can imagine my reaction… actually, you cannot. I was just a child and the first thing that came to my mind was how in the world will I perform without my leg? Well, here I am, whole, with both legs and doing what I love most, singing. Life in the US was not easy, I had to earn it. Earn my first guitar, studio time, practice space and time. I worked odd jobs supporting myself while adapting into a new culture. It took time, patience, hard work and a lot of love for music to make it this far. It was through work, (retail), that I met film producer, Mani Isler, whom I told of The Siren Project. Isler liked our music and gave us an opportunity to compose an entire soundtrack for his film, “Dead Love”. The writing process was something new that I have never done before. Creating music based on emotion shown on the screen was very challenging and took us three months to complete. A project that Alex Seminara and I are very proud of. The film premiered at the Denver International Film Festival.

We also are very proud of The Siren Project’s record “Denouement” which takes you on a journey with each song having a unique sound. My Eastern European background has a distinctive influence on our music. You can hear alternative, ethereal, electronica, eastern folk, and world sound among others. I encourage you to check it out at: https://thesirenproject.bandcamp.com/album/denouement

My motto is that if anyone has done it, you can do it too. Writing, practicing, producing, it is all about consistency and follow through. Yes, it is fun, but it is like a sport, you must never stop continuing to develop yourself. I am currently working on and excited for The Siren Project’s new videos as well as our next record. I also started another project with my friend and teacher Chadzilla, but this my friends is a surprise. We also are preparing for performances, first one coming up on February 12th at Globe Hall. For all event information, please check my website at: www.thesirenprojectmusic.com

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I have friends visiting from all over the world. Most of them are some sort of creatives or spiritual individuals. Hands down, the first place I take them is Red Rocks Amphitheater. Everyone should see where U2’s Sunday Bloody Sunday was filmed. Not to mention the place is truly magical. Geologically you cannot beat Colorado so a good hike is in order, maybe in Estes Park. I would also take them to Morrison town where we would go to one of the restaurants. Any one of them is great. When in town I will take you to FashioNation, the best place to buy Dr. Martens. Paul, the owner, always takes care of his clients and you get to see very cool people. In the evening we would swing by Cochino Taco, a Mexican restaurant where my friend Johnny will hook us up with Margaritas. Then for lunch I would take you to SOBO151, a Czech Bar, where they make the best schnitzels in town. For entertainment I would check out Ritual Entertainment to see what is going on in town. They put on the best shows, club nights and events. Lastly, I would invite you over to my home where we could enjoy a good meal and play music on my guitar.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

I arrived in Colorado because my family lived here, where I met Alex Seminara and where my band, The Siren Project was born. Alex has been my biggest supporter throughout my musical journey. He has seen me at my worst and at my best. Together we have worked with many artists and performed numerous shows. I have learned from Alex that there is always a way to get things accomplished, that obstacles can become an opportunity to create something amazing. I am grateful for his vision, and for his directing me to push myself into the unknown when it comes to any art form. We both share passion for art, music, film, etc. Working with Alex is magical to me – together, we take nothing and create something beautiful.

Another person that had an impact on my music is Kurt Ottoway. During the first year when I arrived in Denver, I went to see his band Twice Wilted. I will never forget his energy on and off stage. He was the first one to record my band. I saw him as wise, straight edged – an amazing writer, great guitarist and creative genius. Kurt always told me not to waste time because we only get so much. He is an example of true authenticity.

Many others have been involved in The Siren Project journey. There are two people I want to recognize that made a huge impact in my singing career. In 2014, I was asked by Bryan Erickson of Velvet Acid Christ to sing for him on his European tour. I have developed a professional relationship with Bryan who, in turn, helped us finish our first record, “Denouement”, which means a final conclusion. We also worked with Todd Loomis of The Twilight Garden who offered his mastering services. I am extremely grateful for their guidance and professionalism that took our music to the next level. It is challenging to find people that vibe with your music, and those two truly get me and my style.
Lastly, I want to shoutout all strong women present in the music industry. I have learned the sisterhood of supporting each other and showing that there is always a place for one more voice.

Website: www.thesirenprojectmusic.com

Instagram: thesirenprojectmusic

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSirenProjectMusic/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYJpKo9z4jq9hEEiJIFWruA

Other: https://thesirenproject.bandcamp.com/album/denouement

Image Credits
Alex Seminara Sophie Firethunder Malgorzata Wacht