Siri Neel’s journey to her debut album, Drawn Like a Magnet, is marked by resilience, self-discovery, and a determined reclaiming of her voice after years of personal and professional challenges. Ten years ago, she suffered nerve damage that took six years of hard work, hope, and courage to overcome before she could return to singing. In her first interview with InMusic, Siri shared that her debut album aims to help listeners overcome past obstacles and follow their dreams.
Born from a profound journey of self-liberation, Drawn Like a Magnet reflects Siri’s struggle with both physical and mental barriers—losing her voice, facing self-doubt, and navigating the complex process of overcoming insecurities. Throughout the album, she transforms pain and vulnerability into powerful expressions of strength and creativity. Each song is a testament to her personal journey, capturing her longing to express herself freely and the courage it took to fully pursue her dreams.
Recently, Siri made the bold decision to leave her teaching job to pursue music full-time. As a mother and wife, this choice was not without risks, but she felt compelled to show her children the importance of following their passions. For Siri, creating this album has been a therapeutic process, allowing her to confront years of challenges and ultimately find healing through music.
In her interview with InMusic, Siri discusses her journey, the themes behind Drawn Like a Magnet, and the life lessons that continue to shape her music.
Let’s dive right in—can you tell us about your debut album, “Drawn Like a Magnet”?
‘Drawn like a Magnet’ is a deeply personal album that represents my journey of self-liberation, both mentally and physically. For years, I struggled with losing my voice, which left me feeling trapped
and unable to express myself or pursue my dreams. Mentally, I faced intense self doubt and a constant fear of failure. The album is the result of my fight to reclaim my voice, my confidence, and my belief in my
journey – embracing vulnerability and strengths at the same time.
What is the meaning behind this project?
I’m incredibly proud of this album because it represents my refusal to be held back by challenges or self-doubt. It’s my hope that this album will inspire others to find their inner strength and follow their own path, no matter where they are in life.
What does the title of the album represent, and why did you choose it?
Great question. The title Drawn Like a Magnet comes from the song of the same name, which reflects the intense internal struggle of taking the leap toward your dreams and breaking free from anything holding you back. For me, it’s deeply personal. I’ve been stuck in my life for years due to vocal issues, and I’ve also had to confront and let go of past experiences to overcome mental struggles, anxiety, and self-doubt. Above all, I’m irresistibly drawn to expressing myself through music, like a magnet. My hope is that my music will have the same pull, drawing people in and resonating with them on a deep level.
If you were a listener picking a song from “Drawn Like a Magnet,” which track would you choose and why?
Aw that’s difficult. It’s like chosing between your babies. They each represent a huge part of me and I would not be able to chose one. I really couldn’t. I feel each song contributes to a cohesive whole on the album and I deliberately chose to only represent 8 songs. This means I had to say goodbye to many other great songs that did not make it on the album.
Is there a lyric or line that really stands out or captures the essence of the album?
“It’s like I’m under water out of oxygen, but maybe all the pain will help me breathe again”. I personally love the how the metaphor captures the feeling of being trapped in the darkness of personal insecurities and past struggles, hitting rock bottom. However, Oxygen is more than just a reflection on pain. It tells a story of how the ability to accept past challenges is the key to rebuilding oneself.
In your last interview with us, you mentioned that your songs have different meanings for you at different times. Listening to “Drawn Like a Magnet” now, do you feel new emotions or insights in any of the tracks?
Absolutely. Listening to Drawn Like a Magnet now, I definitely feel new emotions and insights. When I first wrote it, the songs were very much about releasing inner conflicts and taking a chance on myself. But as time has passed, I’ve started to see it as a reminder of how far I’ve come. Now, it feels more like a celebration of personal growth and resilience. It’s interesting how the same songs can shift in meaning depending on where you are in life. It’s a reminder that the journey isn’t just about letting go, but also about embracing and moving forward.
In our first conversation, you encouraged people to embrace their authenticity. Recently, you took that advice to heart, leaving your full-time job to pursue music full-time. What emotions or thoughts were guiding you through that decision?
When I made the decision to leave my teaching job and pursue music full-time, it was a mix of fear, excitement, and determination. I knew it was a huge risk, especially with the responsibilities I have as a mom and a wife. But deep down, I felt a strong pull toward living more authentically and fully committing to my passion. What guided me most was the belief that I needed to be true to myself. I kept thinking about how important it is to show my kids the value of following your dreams, even when it’s scary. There were definitely moments of doubt, but I knew that if I didn’t take this chance, I’d always wonder what could have been!! So, I chose to trust myself, embrace the unknown, and let my passion lead the way.
Given the highs and lows of your journey after the injury, what advice would you give to the Siri who first faced those difficult moments 10 years ago?
Wow, I wish I’d been braver and let go of the idea that I needed to be perfect before sharing my work with the world. For years, I held back from showing my songs to others, afraid of being judged or critiqued, especially when it came to my voice, which has had its own journey. I was so scared of letting people see my vulnerability. But now I realize that life is all about growth, and making this album has been incredibly empowering. It taught me to embrace every side of myself, imperfections and all.
Having gone through such an intense recovery process, do you see your music now as a kind of therapy or way to heal?
Definitely. Creating this album has been a deeply healing process for me. Music has always been a form of therapy, but writing and producing these songs allowed me to work through my emotions, confront my past, and let go of the things that were holding me back. Each track became a way to express feelings I couldn’t put into words otherwise. It helped me process the challenges I’ve faced, from vocal issues to mental struggles, and ultimately find strength and clarity. I hope it resonates with others in a similar way.
Looking back on your journey so far, what do you consider to be your proudest achievement as a singer?
As a singer, I’m incredibly proud to have taken the step to perform live again after eight years. It took a lot of courage to return, especially with the pressure of both my own expectations and those of the industry. I had to rebuild confidence in my voice and allow myself the space to grow—even if that meant failing in front of others. But taking this leap also shows my determination, and I’ve been amazed by the incredible support from people. There’s something powerful about making a comeback; it’s something people connect with and feel inspired by. If my journey and my music can inspire others to follow their own paths, then I feel a deep sense of purpose.
What’s next for Siri Neel?
More songs, more live, and pushing the norms in the music industry. I’m so driven and love writing songs and now perform.
Is there anything else you’d like people to know?
I just like to thank you for supporting independent artists like me and letting people know about me. That’s very valuable and I think it’s admirable and makes a huge difference in the end
Listen to Siri Neel’s “Drawn Like a Magnet” on our Spotify playlist:
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