Q&A: Celia Gears up for our NYC Show, Talks "Studio Rat" and More
INTRODUCING CELIA: A DYNAMIC ARTIST WHOSE MUSIC AND IMAGERY MELD INTO A PROFOUND AND HARMONIOUS TAPESTRY. With a background steeped in folk, Italian, and R&B influences, Celia's journey has evolved to embrace experimental electronic sounds, leading to a fusion of styles that feel both authentic and innovative. Her heritage is now a driving force in her music, evident in her Italian language compositions. Collaborations with her friends and peers breathe life into her art, continually pushing her creative boundaries.
Celia's latest single, "Studio Rat," exemplifies her willingness to embrace vulnerability and transform it into empowerment. This single serves as a testament to her courage and ability to express the complex layers of her emotions. As she prepares to unveil her upcoming album, Celia promises a captivating blend of range and experimentation that invites listeners to explore new musical horizons. Through her atmospheric compositions, Celia conjures vivid emotional landscapes, allowing listeners to immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of feelings. With her music, Celia encourages others to embrace their emotions without judgment, fostering a sense of freedom and empowerment. As her journey unfolds, Celia's intention remains focused on sharing her music live and embarking on a remarkable and enduring artistic voyage.
Catch her this weekend at our show at Arlene’s Grocery in New York and read below to learn more about Celia.
LUNA: Your recent interview with Hero Magazine offered insights into your creative journey and influences. Could you share more about the evolution of your artistic style and how you've navigated the balance between your visual art and music?
CELIA: I grew up listening to mostly folk music, with some Italian and R&B sprinkled in from my father. I wasn’t really interested in any maximalist or intricate production till I got to college. There my world changed thanks to my friends and my partner at the time. They introduced me to so much incredible electronic and experimental music that totally rocked my world. It made me realize my passion for production and the ability to world build using sonic elements. I found that this inspiration fueled my visual narrative as well. To me, music and imagery go hand in hand. They are essential in enhancing and expressing one another so I find it to be a very natural and harmonious balance.
LUNA: How has your background and upbringing manifest in your music? Do you find ways to celebrate and merge these identities?
CELIA: Now I do. Recently I have been writing in Italian to really relearn the language and embrace my heritage. I used to think it was an irrelevant part of my musical identity but as I have gotten older I realize how pivotal it is to who I am and therefore my art. I think a part of aging is realizing how significant your ancestry and childhood are. The Italian music will be for my next project which I am already excited to share.
LUNA: Collaborations often bring fresh dynamics to creative projects. Can you talk about your experience collaborating with other artists, and how these collaborations have influenced your creative process?
CELIA: My friends are really everything. I owe so much of my growth to my peers, particularly my school friends (Quinnie, Jackson Shanks, Jake Weinberg and Sora Lopez) as well as my best friend Chrissy. My friends are in my opinion some of the most exciting artists, producers and writers coming up today and I truly don’t think I am biased. They push me every day and inspire me to be better. So yes I owe so much to my community and all my predecessors that inspire me and have paved the way for the music I create.
LUNA: Your latest single “Studio Rat” has been on repeat lately. Can you share a favorite moment from the making of the track?
CELIA: That song sounded very different three months ago. I was so afraid of that song and how vulnerable it made me feel so I buried it in a lot of production. I came to my friend Sora and told him I really wanted to put it out but I knew I needed to strip it back. He was super supportive and helped transform it to what it is today. So my favorite moment was allowing myself the permission to redo it and let it breathe.
LUNA: How does the rest of your upcoming album feel in comparison to what we’ve heard from you so far?
CELIA: I think there is a lot more range and experimentation. I do think it makes sense contextually but I pull from so many influences throughout the project that there is a lot to explore that the singles don't capture fully.
LUNA: Your music has a distinct atmospheric quality. How do you work to evoke specific feelings and emotions within your listeners through the sonic textures and arrangements in your songs?
CELIA: Through pictures. I usually think about what I want the song to look like if it were a picture or place and go from there. I am super inspired by composers like Jon Brion and the way that music amplifies and associates with memory and places, so I try to use that to guide my production. It can be really confusing for my poor friends because I’ll be like I want this to sound like a "rainy day in Virginia after a funeral in an attic with two kids who are melancholy” and they’ll be like ok? That was literally what I told Jackson Shanks (executive producer of the record) I wanted for Mott St.
LUNA: How do you hope this upcoming project resonates with listeners? What kind of experiences or emotions do you aim to create for them?
CELIA: I went through so much while making this project and I think you can hear it in the songs, but ultimately I want this project to leave people feeling empowered and hopefully comforted. I think a big part of my self growth has been accepting that I can be optimistic, joyous and empowered while also being sad, angry, and unsure at times. In my opinion, freedom is allowing yourself to embrace and love all sides of yourself. So if you listen, I hope you can allow yourself to feel all the feelings you need to without judgement.
LUNA: What intentions do you have for the upcoming months?
CELIA: I have no clue where this music will take me but hopefully I get to play it live and share it with more amazing people. I’ve said this before but I just hope that I am fortunate enough to be at the beginning of a long journey.
