Wow!!! Is the best way to describe Wayward Sirens

By Tracy Dietlin

Last Saturday night at Schmidy’s Tavern, Wayward Sirens, the valley’s newest “supergroup” took the stage for the most engaging performance of vocal harmonies I have witnessed on a local stage.

I say “supergroup” because the band is made up of six extremely talented members who all play in and have had much success in other bands. Wayward Sirens is comprised of three frontwomen on vocals: Lisa Lynn Morgan (R Buckle Road, Meltdown, Duover, to name a few); Chelsea Sugarbritches (Long Duk Dong); Linda Lemke-Heinz (Blasting Echo)and three guys (also referred to as the “Bubbas”)playing backup instruments: Martin Barrera (Michael Keeth & Martin Barrera, Aphrodisiac jacket) on lead guitar; Jeff Mazur (Long Duk Dong) on keyboards and upright bass; Joshua Fimbres (Thr3Strykes, several duo projects) on drums.

The show started with just the three women on stage performing a Capella the song called “Nothing But the Baby” from the movie “O Brother Where Art Thou”. This was a smart choice to open with as it grabbed the audience’s attention from the start. From there they went into a theme of “Crazy” songs which allowed them to showcase fluid and flawless harmonies.  “Crazy” by Patsy Cline (Miss Lisa sang),” Crazy for You” by Adele (Sugarbritches sang), “Crazy” by Gnarles Barkley (sung by Linda aka “Sweet Tea”).

Lemke-Heinz who usually sits behind the keyboards when performing with Blasting Echo was the surprise of the night for several reasons. First we aren’t used to seeing her stand on stage and sing, which she did with confidence. Second, who knew she had the chops that are at the same level of strength that Morgan and Sugarbritches (aka Chelsea Rowe-Smith) are known to possess? And third, her original song “Dead To Me Now” was a gripping tune that showed powerful emotions with the ability to cut like a knife with her vocal prowess and range that channeled a bit of Beth Orton.

She then took a few humorous liberties with the lyrics of “Mercedes Benz” which the audience enjoyed while the three women took turns each performing a Janis Joplin song that boasted what each of these ladies brings to the table.

Chelsea Sugarbritches is an absolute powerhouse when it comes to singing rock songs period. Just when you think you’ve heard her at her best she ups her game. And she did it on every song she performed including her gut-wrenching version of “Piece of My Heart”. It was also interesting to watch her be able to pull back and show a softer side during some of the harmonies. Sugarbritches is also currently working on original material that we might be lucky enough to hear at their next show.

Then there is Lisa Lynn Morgan, who had a vision and created the whole Wayward Sirens concept herself, even before forming the actual band, including every nuance and detail down to wardrobe, nicknames, photoshoots and marketing campaign.  Wanting to do more than just sing backup in other bands or be a part of a duo singing covers, Morgan wanted a platform where she could showcase her original songs and at the same time allow her bandmates to do the same.

“When I first put the band together I asked each one of them what “they” wanted to bring to the table  that they had not been able to do in the past in their other projects,” shared Morgan. “It’s been awesome to watch Linda come out from behind the keyboards and just sing and to watch Chelsea start writing her own songs.”

“I have spent the last couple of years as a music writer asking other artists what their motivation is for doing what they do.  I remember asking Martin Barrera, ‘What would you do musically, if money or even the slightest thought about getting paid was off the table?’  Shortly after, it struck me… I had never asked myself these questions.  I had just pretty much said yes to every musical endeavor I was invited to.  I spent some time really thinking about, ‘If it was my last project ever, what I would want to do?’  The vision gradually came to me.  It is a combination of everything I have truly loved during my life in music…strong female vocal harmonies delivering lyrically strong original songs, along with putting a unique combination of cover songs on a whole new pedestal, backed up by earthy, roots, instrumentals; A stage full of music and personalities that would just shower an audience with warmth, laughter and even a little bit of awe.”

Morgan’s vocals that night were also perfection garnering her new fans while mesmerizing her legion of loyal followers. Her rendition of “Cry Baby” by Joplin would’ve made Janis herself take notice wondering if she was hearing herself on stage.

What impressed me the most about Morgan that night was when she performed her original song “519 Days” which is a compelling tune about her sobriety. From the stage, she made the comment that “her drinking ended up being like ‘a bad ex-boyfriend’”. This track won the spot on Mix100.5’s Acoustic Palooza and could easily end up on the Top 10 Country charts.

While Morgan is the one who created this dream team of musicians and vocalists it would be difficult to say who the leader is vocally, as they all take turns power-housing and pulling back on every song giving each other the spotlight to share. If there are egos involved or a fight for control you would never know it by how they seem to nurture each other’s talents. They weave their voices together like a tight knit rug.

While the band has only performed three times and still have a few kinks to work out with timing between the three vocalists and the three backup instrumentalists, I feel this band is destined for major success.

In a bar where even when the best of bands are playing there is still much chatter going on, you could hear a pin drop on this night while Wayward Sirens performed. They held their audience in the palms of their hands.

Check them out on FB/Wayward Sirens