Interview: CELIANE THE VOICE
What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?
I have been singing for a long time. Music is something that has been with me since I was little. I used to sit on the floor listening to classical music and listening to beautiful melodies. I knew I wanted to do something with music in my life. If I wasn't doing music, I would still be in the classroom teaching.
What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?
When I am not working on my music or creating my persona, I am working on spreading the message of love through other avenues and spending time educating my mind. I am always trying to do better and be better versions of myself. It influences my creativity because I am being myself when I create. I put love in everything I do to present to the world. It is my hope this love will spread and this world can start to heal. Other than that, I am working on my comic book, more music and my upgrades.
How long has music been your career?
I officially started my music career in 2015 part-time, and then changed gears to full-time in 2021 during the pandemic. You can imagine how crazy and tumultuous that was.
Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?
I am based out of the Bay Area/SF, CA. The only way the Bay influenced my music is that the Bay Area is so full of different styles of music and cultures. It did shape what languages I sing in and how I began my singing practice. Being an artsy area, you are exposed to all types of cultures and styles. I couldn't choose one so it helped create the blending of 5 styles into what I call my style today, Electronica Hip Opera.
Tell me about the best and worst shows you have played.
I haven't had any shows that were the worst so far, honestly. The fact that I shock the senses when people see me is enough for people to be in wonder of what I am and what I will do. That is what helps make the shows awesome.
Tell me about your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?
My favorite event was singing for an underground event. What made it awesome is that my music touched someone so much, they appreciated the fact that I got it as an artist and it was like I was singing to each person. I was so grateful that I could do that for those people and the music was great. They loved it. I want to play at the MGM Grand stage and Tokyo Dome one day! I want to play internationally at some point and share love and my art across the world.
If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?
My line up would be: Alan Walker, Steve Aoki, Deadmau5, Macklemore, Eminem, Silk Sonic, Tina Guo, Snoop Dog, Daft Punk and Lady Gaga
What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into music?
I would tell them to stay true to your art, to know who they are inside before they begin this journey; don't do it for fame or money - that is fleeting and there is a price. Lastly I would tell them to make your music count because it is their mark they are leaving on the world; what they will be remembered for. Above all, be themselves and know your worth because this business will test it.
If you could go back in time and give yourself advice, what would it be?
The same I would give anyone else starting out. Stay true to you.
Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?
Inner Universe Reloaded is the most artistic of my songs, but Papa's Song (What Is This Feeling?) is my ode to my ancestral roots, my way. It is important to know where you really come from to know how to move forward and know where you are going. Papa's Song is my first dance piece, and really me. I was able to relax and do this song for something important to me.
Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?
My favorite is Systematic. I am not at the stage to get requests yet. But Systematic shows the true Technohuman for who she is and the message she carries.
What is the creative process for you, and what inspires you to write your music?
I let what goes on around me influence what I write. Sometimes lyrics flow, other times not so much, I have to wait. But when it flows, I write it down immediately. What inspires me are things that would influence and affect people positively or something people need to hear.
What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?
The real message of love. What love really is and what it means to be real. You look at celebrities and everyone wants to be one but no one tells you the cost. You gotta be you at the end of the day. If you are not your authentic self, you are not real. If you are not real, then anyone can make you into what they want you to be. Your art is about you, no one else. It is your expression you are sharing with others. I make my art to spread the message of love and it is what I love to do. I compete with myself. I push my own envelope to be better because the only person I know is me. I need people to understand love is in them and around them and self-love is the most important. That is what my music is about.
Do you ever have disagreements when collaborating and how do you get past them?
No, because I am intentional with who I collaborate with. My voice is different from other voices out there so I know I can't just sing with anyone. I have 5 genres, with the lead being electronica so I also know that I have to be mindful who I am partnering with so it is beneficial for both people. My voice doesn't fit in every genre, even if my persona can. I try to be very intentional in every way I create.
What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?
Plans for the future are performing more and creating my signature show that is in the works now. I have some performances in talks now and hopefully, we will continue to stay open so these performances can happen. Everyone has been hit so hard by Covid, it is time we live and move forward with our new reality. We can do this together if we truly try to love one another, be open and understand each other's points of view without judgment. We are not here to judge each other, we are here to love and uplift each other to the next level of our own personal evolutions.
Social Media Links:
Instagram: @celianevoice