Independently speaking: Songwriter Mariee Siou's journey in music inspired by taking chances

May 8—Mariee Siou really misses the sun.

The California native recently moved to Portland, Oregon, where there's a lot less sun during her days.

She doesn't let that deter her from her goals.

"I'm always working on different types of projects, including activism," she says. "It's all part of the same work because it's all infused."

The singer-songwriter is hitting the road on her spring tour and will make a stop at Fuller Lodge Art Center in Los Alamos on Saturday, May 11. She will then perform at Fusion 708 on Sunday, May 12.

"I'm so excited to come back to New Mexico," she says. "It reminds me of where I grew up in the mountains in California."

Siou released "Circle of Signs" in 2023, and it is a stripped down acoustic record.

"It has a lot more embellishment on it," she says. "It was fun to play around with new sounds."

On her current tour, Siou will be joined by her guitar and a few accompanying performers, including her partner.

Siou has been an independent artist for more than 20 years and has learned a few tricks along the way.

"I've had two decades of learning things in the ever-changing indie world," she says. "I started putting music out before the industry became digital. I've lived through that big shift. I've been able to navigate the waters and realms. I've finally found a really good booking agent, which has helped take a lot off my plate."

Siou has developed a writing practice that suits her over the years.

"I journal in the mornings," she says. "I would say that I try not to be that intentional when writing. Sometimes lines will come and songs will form out of that. Every piece is helpful with the process. I'm also not picking up the guitar every day. I wait until the guitar calls to me and then we make something happen."

With eight albums in her arsenal, Siou admits that it's become difficult to put together a set list for the tours.

She's learned to love some of the older songs again as she grows older.

"I have new relationships with songs during the two decades that have passed," she says. "The songs shift and morph. The set spans most of my time in music. Most of the set is usually reflected in what's happening in the world. Those songs feel the most powerful."

The biggest lesson Siou has learned during her music career is that she belongs on stage.

Growing up, she knew she wasn't a born performer because of her apprehension of being on stage.

"That was never my dream," she says. "I was an artist and a writer, and I thought I was going to be a photojournalist who was going to explore my humanity and incorporate my art. I never imagined that I would write songs, but it all happens spontaneously for me. I was in Argentina with a tribe in Patagonia, and that's where I learned guitar and began writing songs. It's been a journey for me on stage as well."