Hailing proudly from the Bay of Plenty, Siena Mascheretti aka Siena Stone plays guitar (primarily) and dabbles on the piano. Her debut “public” single Freewheeler features on the August 2018 NZ On Air’s NewTracks compilation, along with 27 other artists. Identified as an Alt & Indie track, Freewheeler is about the world’s fascination with rock stars of the ’60s and ’70s,Bob Dylan in particular. Written when she was a teenager herself, the song’s title is a nod to one of his earliest albums ‘The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan’.

What made Freewheeler stand out for you as a single?

Freewheeler is about something that I think everybody can relate to. It’s a fun song that stirs up images of that one enigmatic person that you just can’t quite figure out. When I first began writing the song it was about Bob Dylan, but it kind of morphed into a song about any guy or girl who has that gravitational pull.

What is the story behind the song?

I’ve always been drawn to music, but it wasn’t until I heard Bob Dylan’s song, It’s Alright Ma, (I’m Only Bleeding) that I really began crafting my own songs. Freewheeler was one of the first songs I ever wrote and is my way of paying homage to one of my biggest inspirations.

What’s your favourite moment within the single?

My favourite moment is the second half of the bridge, just before the final chorus. It reminds me of the feeling you get when you’re about to do something that you’ve never done before. The nervous excitement of doing something that scares you.

Who did you write/record/produce the single with and where?

I wrote Freewheeler on my own while travelling around Australia, and then in the winter of 2017, I flew to New York, where I teamed up with songwriters/producers Dan Gibson and Simon Oscroft (of Frills, Streets of Laredo, Midnight Youth). We hunkered down in a Brooklyn studio, tweaking and fine-tuning Freewheeler as well as a few of my other songs. In spite of a huge snow storm that rolled through while I was there, it was an epic way to spend Christmas and my 20th birthday, which just so happens to be New Year’s Eve!

What do you want listeners to take away from this song?

All in all I just want listeners to enjoy the song, have a good time and take a break from life’s usual mundanities.

In general, how do you work out what song would make a good single?

In my opinion, a good single needs to have a distinct message so that the song can speak for itself. I enjoy writing and listening to songs that feel like a conversation, where the listener has room to interpret and respond in whichever way they choose.

Are there any other releases you’re working on that we should keep an eye out for?

There’s a music video in the works! It should be on my YouTube channel within a month. I have another single lined up and will be releasing an EP later on in the year.

Can you think of three other local tunes that should be on a playlist alongside your song?

The Naked and Famous – Higher
Marlon Williams – What’s Chasing You
Yumi Zouma – Depths (Pt I)

Have you made any previous NZOA applications that didn’t get through? Got any advice for people out there?

I’ve only just started applying for opportunities like NewTracks and funding, however, I have experienced a few disappointments previously. My advice is to just keep creating and sharing your talent because you love it. Don’t put pressure on yourself to ‘make it big’, just enjoy every step!

How can we find you on social media?

Instagram: sienastonemusic
Facebook: Siena Stone
Youtube: Siena Stone 

Any last words?

I’m super excited for this opportunity to share my music and can’t wait to see what the future holds!