Who am I without my voice? That was the question Siri Neel had to ask herself when she suffered a vocal injury that paralysed both her voice and her promising career for many years. The struggle to come back was long, but on 6 October, she is ready with her first single ‘I Bet You Know’ from her upcoming debut album.

Inspired by Kate Bush
‘I Bet You Know’ was created in collaboration with renowned Medley producer Jakob Groth, who has artists such as Keane and Alfabeat on his CV. Together they have created a sound inspired by the melancholic pop scene of the 80s.

The expression, which is equal parts vulnerable and radio-friendly, has been a common thread in Siri Neel’s latest releases, which have been compared to Kate Bush’s countless times.

Expectations for Siri Neel’s career were sky-high when she laid the foundations for her musical career around 10 years ago. The dreams were huge and stretched far beyond the borders of Denmark.

“You have no idea of your potential, Siri”, was the prediction of experienced Depeche Mode producer Mark Flannery, who took her under his wing at the Brighton Institute of Modern Music, where she had just been accepted.

Three months of complete silence
Shortly after beginning her collaboration with Flannery, Siri was struck by a cough. It developed into what would eventually turn out to be nerve damage that would prevent her from singing for the next six years. After a series of examinations by various specialists, the doctor prescribed “complete silence for three months”.

“The lack of communication for so long affected my mental state and role as a mum. I felt inadequate around my little daughter, and it felt like I was falling into the same hole I had just fought my way out of after postpartum depression.”

“During that time, I lost a big part of myself and was hit by a huge sadness and identity crisis. Suddenly I had to figure out who I was without my voice and was put to a deep personal test”, says Siri Neel, who has always relied on music as an outlet for her abundant emotional life.

“It limited me from following my passion and expressing my emotions. It’s not healthy for someone like me”, explains Siri, who had to work as a teacher during her years away from music – a job she recently quit to pursue her dream of a career as a musician.

Hand in hand with her vulnerability
Over time, Siri realised that she had to treat both the physical injury and the psychological damage in order to come back. After six years without singing, Siri has found a sensitivity in the style of expression she cultivates now. Today, she walks hand in hand with her vulnerability, and it really shows on ‘I Bet You Know’.

“My new single is about daring to show your vulnerability to those closest to you and at the same time trusting that your vulnerability will be embraced. That courage is important for love,” says Siri, who hopes that her story and music can help people talk more openly about their feelings.

“Both my husband and children have witnessed my struggle to get back into music, and it has taught our little family a lot about overcoming adversity and coming together.”