The FADER’s transgender charity covers compilation FADER & Friends Volume 1 is out now, available exclusively on Bandcamp until December 1, 2023. 100% of the proceeds go towards the Transgender Law Center, Mermaids, and Rainbow Railroad. Throughout the month of November, we’re speaking to the artists who contributed to the 44-song collection about the songs they covered.
The ethereal power of "Song To The Siren" has remained unmatched since Tim Buckley first debuted the folk ballad in 1970. This Mortal Coil's 1983 cover is arguably the definitive version of the song, an art-pop masterpiece carried by a tremendous vocal performance from Elizabeth Fraser of Cocteau Twins. Ydegirl's dreamy R&B sound carries strains of the tune, and the Dutch songwriter's cover version takes its lead Fraser's shattering melodies over a gently plucked electric guitar.
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Listen to the song below and buy the full album on Bandcamp. Scroll down to read Ydegirl on the original song and her cover.
What's your first memory of this song?
I was at my friend’s place keeping him company one night because he was going through some things. This night he also played me "Song To The Siren," the version by This Mortal Coil. I love Elisabeth Fraser and have been a fan of Cocteau Twins since I was a teenager so getting to know this other project of hers opened a whole other portal for me.
Why did you decide to record it as your cover?
This recording was sort of unintentional. We were rehearsing the song for an upcoming show. My mic and the violin were both plugged into my soundcard because we were rehearsing on headphones and I just hit record on my computer to remember the arrangement. But then I kind of grew to like this recording - you can tell the vocals are still finding their way through the melody and improvising over it in some parts.
What does this song/band mean to you personally?
Performing this song live has been really cool. It feels vulnerable and unapologetic at the same time to sing these lyrics while facing an audience. There is nothing to hide behind and I love that.
A while back I sent the cover to the friend who had introduced me to the song. He told me later that he listened to it on repeat while going through a heartbreak. That meant quite a lot to me.
What's another song you'd love to cover and why?
"Love On The Brain" by Rihanna.