The journey not only captures their musical evolution but also serves as a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. It’s a story that goes beyond music, touching on themes of friendship, resilience, and growth.
“The overall theme of ‘Siamese – The Journey,’ is that it’s an underdog story. ”
Documenting the Heart and Soul of Siamese
What began as a brief school assignment transformed into an hour-long, award-winning documentary that captures the exceptional story of Siamese. Rasmus Volden’s series, The Journey – Siamese, showcases the band’s rise from relative obscurity to global recognition, emphasizing their dedication and persistent effort in achieving musical excellence.
The documentary highlights not just their professional milestones but also provides an in-depth look into the individual experiences of the band members. By chronicling their travels throughout Europe and the United States, it reveals the personal moments that define their artistic journey, from Berlin to New York. These intimate glimpses reveal both the hurdles and the triumphs that have shaped their music.
Volden’s close relationship with the band, stemming from a long-standing friendship and a personal history that includes an amusing audition attempt when the band was known as Siamese Fighting Fish, granted him unique access to their world. This connection allowed him to document the genuine emotions and nuances in their music, resulting in a film that authentically reflects their sincerity and artistic spirit.
Siamese’s Musical Evolution and Overcoming Challenges
Mirza Ranonjica‘s contributions as the vocalist and songwriter are central to the band’s progression. Initially performing for smaller audiences in Copenhagen, their sound evolved, mirroring their personal and collective growth. Their music, enriched with lyrical depth and instrumental skill, resonated with listeners, moving them from local enthusiasm to global acclaim.
Mirza highlighted their ambition, noting, “We started with rock star dreams, not realizing it would take a decade of relentless effort to build something meaningful”. This enduring dedication bore fruit, as their sound reached and touched hearts across the world.
Their journey was marked by obstacles. The path from modest audiences in Denmark to winning over cities like Berlin required consistent effort. Joakim Stilling, the drummer, described their perseverance, saying, “We made ten trips to Berlin to build an audience, and it paid off. Touring the UK, with just one attendee, we still played our entire setlist,” he shared with a mix of humor and humility.
Despite these hurdles, the band unwaveringly pursued their musical and artistic vision. Their pivotal moment arrived with tracks like “Ablaze,” transitioning their style from hard rock to a more melodic and emotionally charged sound. Joakim noted the significance of this change, stating, “With the name and music changes, significant things began to happen.” This shift propelled Siamese from local popularity to international recognition.
Influence of Rasmus Volden and Soundmade’s Assistance
Rasmus Volden‘s contributions are central to the story. His documentary goes beyond showcasing the musical journey; it highlights themes like friendship, resilience, and personal growth. Rasmus aimed to create a narrative that connects with everyone, not just fans of Siamese. The documentary stands as a vivid portrait of passion through his lens.
Soundmade is proud of the partnership between Rasmus and Siamese. This collaboration demonstrates the importance of such relationships in realizing artistic dreams. Soundmade actively supports projects that exhibit raw talent and straightforward storytelling. By offering a platform for these ventures, they enable artists to share their stories widely and forge a stronger bond with their audience.
The tale of Siamese is a beacon for budding musicians, illustrating that international success can be achieved with passion and dedication. Soundmade is committed to spotlighting the unique paths of different bands, each filled with its own challenges and victories. Their initiatives celebrate the inspiring power of both music and film, honoring the artists and the storytellers who vividly portray their journeys.
From modest origins to global recognition, Siamese’s story mirrors the essence of collaboration. Through Rasmus Volden‘s documentary, their journey continues to inspire anyone who dreams big and perseveres against challenges.
