Interview: Cinderina

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today? 

I actually don’t remember getting into music. I imagine it must have been through learning nursery rhymes from my parents and teachers. I have an early memory of singing twinkle star and taking such care over how I delivered the song that my teacher singled me out. I was a very shy kid but my excitement to sing would somehow override this shyness. The same can be said for drama class, how being a character enabled me to express myself in new ways and envision the person I wish I had the confidence to be. If I hadn’t of gotten into music I would be acting or pursuing another creative outlet.

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

When I’m not emersed in music you’ll find me out with my friends, pole dancing or modelling. My music is mostly drawn from my relationships including my relationship with myself. My close relationships are at the centre of my world. I have fantastic friends and we all support one another and wish to see each other succeed and be happy. My close relationships remind me not to settle for less and help me feel understood and empowered. I want my songs to feel like your best friend gassing you up while also soothing comforting your concerns. 

How long has CINDERINA been around?

CINDERINA bloomed out of Lucinda. Lucinda is the cocoon phase of my performing, musical, expressive self. CINDERINA began to emerge at the end of 2020 when I decided to commit to pursuing music and undertake a journey to discover who I am as an artist. In the first year of this journey, I explored writing music in many styles and found many layers to myself. I thought how am I going to tie all these together? I wrote numerous songs that year and there was a period where I wrote 42 songs within 53 days. But it wasn’t until the end of 2021 when I wrote Don’t Waste My Time that I felt like, this is me! And I’m sure this will evolve over time too! 

Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?

I grew up in a small village in Kent, surrounded by green hills and bushy trees. I was a huge daydreamer and these sights of impressive tall trees only inspired me more. My mum would say, I lived in a pink fluffy cloud! When I was listening to music, I felt the confidence of these artists, their passion resonated with me and showed me what was possible. I took part in all school choirs and vocal lessons and continued to do so after school, at one point I was a part of the Kentish Opera company and considered a career in classical music.

How did you come up with the name CINDERINA and what does it mean to you?

CINDERINA is a play on my name Lucinda. I’ve been called everything under the sun, Lulu, Lu, Cindy, Cinderz ect. Lucinda is authentic but also sounds too formal when I’m such a playful character. I chose Cinderina because, it has a bounce to it when you say it. It also has a youthful feel that reminds me not to take myself too seriously. Changing my name will also help to detach myself from any negative comments I will most likely receive in the future.

Tell me a memory that sticks out from one of your shows.

 A moment which still makes me laugh today, is when I was singing a song I wrote about a boy, trying it with me when he had a girlfriend. It was the first time I had performed it and the audience laughing along took me by surprise. Their laughter infected me and I felt my throat go tight trying to hold in my laugh and I stifled the rest of the line! 

What is your favourite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

I’ve only done a few shows as an artist but, as a performer I have performed at Her Majesty’s Theatre in London which was incredible! Going forward I would love to perform at all the festivals! Capital’s Summertime Ball, Reading, Glastonbury…

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

Okay I’m going big! It would include Mabel, Doja Cat, Camila Cabello, BIA, Rita Ora, Little Mix, Megan Thee Stallion, Becky Hill and Boys World. I’ve chosen female artists that have empowered me over the years. I think to have a line up with these influential women would create such a powerful positive energy! These women have shown us the power that is available at our fingertips.

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into music?

I would advise to experiment with different sounds and techniques to grow your skillset and creativity, but to make the music that really gets YOU excited not the music you think others would like.

If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?

It’s a cliché and I never really felt moved by it until recently it’s, you only live once! Be brave enough to go after what you truly desire! And share it with others don’t keep it to yourself. Speak it into existence and you’d be amazed the people willing to help you and the opportunities you attract. But it starts with you declaring what you want! Don’t be put off by hurdles either! They just teach you to aim higher!

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why? 

Ah this is a tricky one! I’d have to say my upcoming single Don’t Waste My Time. Because here, I can see how my mindset to relationships has matured. In this song I express that this past relationship has taught me what I like. And the reason this is so important to me is because in the past, I just wanted to please them and be treated nicely, I never considered anything more. But now I’m finally stepping into myself and going after what I desire in all forms. 

What is the creative process, and what inspires you to write your music?

My best songs come from reflecting on my mistakes and twisting this negativity into an empowering song. For example, another song I’ll be releasing soon called Healin, was born out of me feeling guilty for doing less. But the song overwrites this narrative. Healin is about taking a step back from being productive and allowing myself to go slow, process my emotions and discover myself more deeply. I felt guilty for taking this time off because we live in a society to do do do. But this song owns it, saying it was necessary, I’ve been healing. 

What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

I want my listeners to gain confidence when they listen to my music, to OWN who they are and their situation - just like other artists did for me! I hope people hear the messages and realize we are only human and should be less harsh and more forgiving towards ourselves and each other.

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

Don’t Waste My Time is out on the 6th of May! If you enjoy the song, I’d love it if you share it with your friends and family. I also have a track on Spotify, Apple Music and TikTok called Welcome & Thank You, this shares a bit about my journey as a person. If this track or Don’t Waste My Time resonate with you, feel free to share your stories with me! You can find me on all socials under the name CINDERINA.