Have you ever heard of “siren battles”? In New Zealand, this is a phenomenon of a car and music-loving subculture – and a reason for anger. The Queen of Ballads also feels the displeasure.
Céline Dion is considered the queen of quiet ballads. If you play “My Heart Will Go On” at room volume, you may find relaxation – but in New Zealand the Canadian’s music is perceived as noise pollution.
Reason: In the middle of the town of Porirua on the North Island, music fans have been fighting so-called “siren battles” (literally: siren battles) for some time now, especially at night – especially with the singer’s biggest hits.
The “battles” are part of a New Zealand subculture that has its origins in the Pasifika ethnic group, the Guardian now wrote. Music enthusiasts pimp their cars with dozens of speakers and sirens and then compete in various categories for the loudest and clearest sound.
Dion’s songs are ideal for this because she hits very high notes with her vocal range and there is hardly any bass, Paul Lesoa, who regularly takes part in “battles” around Auckland, once told the New Zealand news site “The SpinOff”.
The annoyed residents of Porirua, who are regularly deprived of their sleep, are now fed up and are calling for the authorities to intervene, reported Radio New Zealand. Some citizens have started a petition on Change.org to put an end to the sleep-depriving fuss.
“Enough is enough,” it says. “Porirua City Council must act and stop the gatherings of cars playing blaring music and sirens at all hours of the night.”
Mayor Anita Baker also said she was “thoroughly fed up” with the siren battles. However, she does not have the authority to solve the problem. But she is working with the police and regional authorities to find solutions. The ultimate goal is for participants to turn up their loudspeakers where no one can hear them.
Source: Stern
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
