About Us
Song of the Siren
The Story Behind The Music
Muse to Sirens, led by the otherworldly vocals of Vanity Ladner and the hypnotic rhythms of Ozymandias Ladner, is one of Pennsylvania's most intriguing musical gems, with a story that begins a world away in the vibrant bars and underground venues of Shanghai. Conjuring sonic inspiration from the golden era of Gothic music and the rich folklore and musical roots of America’s Deep South, Muse to Sirens effortlessly creates uniquely captivating and hypnotic listening experiences that lure their audience to a place where one might feel as if they’re standing at a crossroads in rural Mississippi, brokering a deal for their soul with the devil.
Since returning to the US, Muse to Sirens has performed along the Gulf Coast and set up new roots in Pennsylvania's underground scene.
The band has been featured as the first US band to be interviewed by Viva! Podcast, based in the UK and were 2023 and 2024 Nappie Award Finalist for Best Underground / Metal Band.
The band released their first EP in October 2023.
Band Bios
Vanity Ladner
Lead Vocalist / Songwriter
Vanity has been captivating audiences with her trance-inducing vocals and somber lyrics. Born and raised in Mobile, she is the middle child of five to a single mother and helped to raise her two younger sisters. She grew up constantly surrounded by music and her mother's poetry. It was her mother's artistic ability and strength that influenced and motivated her to continue songwriting.
As a teenager she began experimenting with the piano and honed her songwriting skills with a close friend as they formed a small band called 'Three Cheers for Carrie'. It was at this time that she became exposed to heavy metal and dark instrumentals.
Shortly after graduating high school, she met her now husband, Ozymandias Ladner. The two immediately connected due to their love of music. He soon introduced her to gothic and darkwave music, which allowed her to dive deeper into a darker style of songwriting.
Throughout her college years, she continued songwriting and performed in her university's talent show. She began branching out musically and dove into folk goth and more ethereal genres.
In 2018 she and Ozy moved to Shanghai for a year to teach English. While abroad, she bought Ozy an acoustic guitar for their birthday, which gave the two the spark they needed. The two immediately began creating music together and performing at open mics and bars. This experience is what formed Muse to Sirens.
Ozymandias Ladner
Lead Guitarist
Ozy has been playing guitar since he was twelve years old. They were inspired to pick up a guitar after finding a cassette tape of The Jimi Hendrix Experience and falling in love with the way he played. They were intoxicated by the way Jimi created sounds that he had never heard before.
Ozy saved up money to buy their first guitar from various odd jobs around the neighborhood. As a child, Ozy used music as a means to escape his toxic home life. They didn't have the means for formal training, so they taught themselves how to play by listening to whatever music they could get their hands on and attempting to play along. Even if all the notes were wrong, it gave them an outlet to express themselves.
They soon found themselves craving musical knowledge and took up playing bass guitar and alto saxophone in their high school's marching band. It was at this time that they began experimenting with new and different styles of music. This journey led them to the genre where they found home - goth music. The dark, entrancing melodies of bands like Christian Death, Bauhaus, and Sisters of Mercy really resonated with their feelings towards their upbringing.
During high school, they started a local metal band with a classmate. Although it didn't last long, it introduced them to a wide range of metal genres. Eventually, they moved to Mobile, Alabama, where they met the love of their life. The two have since traveled and played music around the world together.