Cece’s love for music has been a constant in her life since childhood. “As far back as I could talk, I was always singing in the car with my family.” she recalls. Her early passion for music involved analysing radio lyrics, writing poetry, and participating in choir during her formative years. However, it was her teenage fascination with Guitar Hero and Rockband that pushed her to learn guitar. “I didn’t think I’d be able to stretch my fingers to play the guitar and my guitar teacher laughed.” she reminisces, while discussing the beginning of her relationship with music. Her journey through various musical genres, from emo to metal, eventually led her to a unique indie-emotional sound that felt like journaling.
Her shyness initially kept her music private, shared only with a few close friends. However, meeting others in the lesbian music scene was transformative. “They helped me to start sharing my music, and we played shows together.” she shares. These experiences, coupled with periods of balancing music with jobs and college, shaped her career. Today, she balances her current job with her musical pursuits, regularly posting content and preparing for exciting collaborations. Recently, she won Best Song of the Month for her track “Don’t Dull Your Light” on the JustGayStuff podcast, a testament to the slow, but growing acceptance in the music industry. “I’m glad people in music are being more accepting lately!” she exclaims.
Navigating the music industry as an openly lesbian performer has been challenging. “In school, I felt treated differently about being gay, so I distanced myself from the music scene.” she recalls. It wasn’t until she met others in the lesbian music scene that she gained the confidence to share her music. “I’ve always stayed true to myself with my writing.” she asserts, writing love songs that are unapologetically gay. Her recent win for Best Song of the Month on Music Or Lose It with an openly gay song marks a significant step forward. “I feel now, things are starting to get better,” she observes, reflecting on the lack of lesbian role models during her youth and the importance of her music in providing representation.
Engaging with her audience is a priority for Cece, primarily through online interactions. “I think it’s important to support my supporters too.” she emphasises, appreciating their consistent encouragement and making an effort to respond to every comment and request. This engagement creates a reciprocal relationship with her fans, fostering a sense of community and mutual appreciation.
Looking ahead, Cece’s aspirations centre on helping others through her music. “My biggest goal when it comes to my music/self-expression is to be able to help others in some way.” she states. Whether through healing, connection, or understanding, she hopes her music makes listeners feel less alone and more understood. As she continues to share her journey and her songs, Cece’s commitment to authenticity and emotional connection remains the heart of her artistic vision.
Restless Violets 
Leave a comment