Today we’d like to introduce you to Ceci Taylor.
Hi Ceci, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My love for music started at a very young age, and has been very influenced by my mom, who is also my voice and piano teacher. I have been performing since I was three years old. I started taking voice and piano lessons when I was about six, and soon started performing in musicals. When I was 13, I began taking guitar lessons. Around the same time, my mom and I began performing at assisted living facilities and nursing homes, where I would sing, and she would accompany me on piano. When I was 14, I began performing solo, where I would sing and play the guitar, like I do now! I started out at the same nursing homes and assisted living facilities, then branched out to wineries, restaurants, coffee shops, festivals, venues, and more! I am currently 19, and over the last five years, I have performed all over Northeast OH, and even in Columbus, OH, singing and playing guitar solo. I currently study Music Technology and Production in college, and am working to enhance my skills on the production side of music. I have always loved writing my own music, and in April of 2023, I released my very first single and self-titled debut EP (which is available to stream everywhere) and had my first ever performance with my own band! Since then, I have continued to perform solo, do more shows with my band, and do duo performances with my guitarist (Jonah Smeltzer). In May of this year, I released my latest single “Lonely”, along with my first music video, featuring Sebastian Birch and Aika Birch. I plan to continue releasing music throughout this year and have a lot of exciting things coming up!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been quite a challenge to get where I am today, but every struggle has been worth it! I am an independent – self – managed artist. While I have been performing, scheduling gigs, and writing and releasing music, I also work multiple jobs, and am a full time student. Balancing all of that, along with making time for friends, family, and just being a teenager can be very difficult. Over the years I have learned how to balance everything in a healthy way, but it definitely took some time to figure out how to do that. I am very fortunate to have an amazing support system from my family and friends, and that has helped tremendously.
Social media is also something that has been a big struggle. Figuring out what kind of content to create, what people want to see and will engage with, and figuring out the algorithm are things I am still working hard to navigate.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a singer-songwriter, and play guitar and piano.
I am best known for my vocal performances and songwriting.
I pride myself in never giving up on my music career. It is super easy to get discouraged, but I have learned how to have a positive mindset while being realistic, and continuing to push myself to be the best musician and person I can be.
My strong musical theatre background and classical vocal training allows me to connect with the audience and convey the stories behind the songs in a way my audiences seem to really enjoy and relate to.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Although it is already a huge part of music, I can see social media having an even bigger impact on careers for musicians. I think social media is a great way for people to find new musicians they like, keep up with their music, and be able to share their songs. I could see there being new additions to social media to help artists get their music heard.
However, I am concerned about the negative impacts AI will have on artists in the near future..
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cecitaylor.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cecitaylormusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cecitaylormusic/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/cecitaylormusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTDiVdxuYgdTroRxPkx7Ksw
- Other: https://cecitaylor.bandcamp.com
