Welcome to Feature Friday!
Today I'm featuring a fellow friend of mine--the very talented and beautiful musician, CEEJ!
I met CEEJ a few years ago through social media when I discovered her on Youtube. Back then I was part of a singing duo on Youtube, so when I reached out to CEEJ and told her how much I liked her music, she said she was a fan of us as well! Over the years, we stayed in touch--exchanging stories, leaving motivational comments, and just updating each other on life. I consider her my cyber sister because she is just so gosh darn sweet!
I was so excited when CEEJ agreed to be featured on my blog. She is one of those talents that deserves to be recognized and needs to be shared with the world. At only 18, her voice is a force to be reckoned with--a few seconds of listening and you'll be hooked. Seriously guys, she has one of those voices that you only wish you could have. Not only does she cover songs, but she is a songwriter herself! She's recently released an original, Across My Heart, and even had her song Perfect Two featured in the movie Hoodwinked Too! I often catch myself throughout the day singing her songs because they are just so catchy! I have no doubt that CEEJ will be an artist to look out for in the upcoming music scene.
I had the chance to ask CEEJ a few questions so you folks could get to know her better:
1. Tell me a little about yourself!
CEEJ: Hi! My name's CEEJ. (pronounced CJ) I'm a singer-songwriter, dreamer, wanderluster, libra, and self-titled gypsy. I love music, fashion, making youtube videos, makeup, pennyboarding, kittens, and sushi!
2. Which artists do you pull inspiration from?
C: For my live shows, and even some Youtube videos, I've incorporated this gadget called a loop station, where I'm able to record harmonies and beats and layer them live over what I'm playing [see an example of this in her Slow Dancing in a Burning Room video below]. I was inspired to do that, because of artists like KT Tunstall or Kimbra and especially Ed Sheeran. I'm also really inspired by amazing singer-songwriters with sensitive lyrics like Sara Bareilles or Christina Perri, but I'm also loving Taylor Swift's newer pop sound.
3. What are your five fall favorites?
C: (Even though real fall weather is hard to come by in Los Angeles!) Starbucks fall flavors, beanies, boots, a good acoustic playlist, and a cozy night in with friends and a romantic comedy!
4. Who is your favorite Disney Princess and why?
C: I've been told I look like Jasmine from Aladdin if she were a real human being, but I think my favorite Disney princess would have to be Ariel from The Little Mermaid. I used to be obsessed with mermaids when I was younger, and always used to sing the songs from the movie!
5. What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?
C: Some advice for aspiring musicians... I would say, take risks, be vulnerable and be yourself. I think life should be exciting and terrifying, and no other way or else it would be boring! So if you're scared to make a choice, because it isn't what everyone else is doing, you have to drop that fear, because sometimes the best rewards come from the riskiest choices. And I say be vulnerable, because I think subconsciously, we are all attracted to people who are raw and honest with themselves and others and so when we see artists who share that vulnerability with us, we relate so much and feel connected as human beings on an emotional level -- and I think that's a huge part of what music should be, a way to connect us all and make us realize we're all the same underneath it all. We have the same fears, desires, and essentially feel the same emotions and don't want to be alone. Be yourself, is pretty self explanatory. I've kind of gone on a preach-y tangent, but I think it's important to do what makes you happy in life and be the person that you're proud to be. If someone thinks you shouldn't go into a certain profession, because it's risky, but it's what you love, you need to follow your heart. Because at the end of the day, your job is going to take up a huge chunk of your life, and you deserve to be happy. You're going to be doing that for the next twenty or so years, not the person telling you you should be doing that. So follow your heart and be yourself and do what makes you happy. Do you!
If you're not convinced by now how awesome this girl is, give a listen to a few of her videos! I dare you not to be blown away.
CEEJ dropping some mad beats with her loop station:
CEEJ doing one of her classic mashup covers:
CEEJ's original song:
You can find CEEJ here:
Youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/user/ceejofficial
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/CeejOfficial
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/ceejofficial
Instagram:
http://instagram.com/ceejofficial
Tumblr:
http://ceejofficial.tumblr.com/
Also, here are a few of her upcoming shows. If you're in the LA area, you should check it out!
*On August 29, she is opening for Cassie Steele (from Degrassi)!!!
Hope you enjoyed today's Feature Friday!
[ You can download CEEJ's latest single
Across My Heart HERE on iTunes! ]
Don't forget to check out CEEJ on Youtube!
ps. My Internet is back online at home! Hurray!
Stay Classy.
*photos courtesy of CEEJ
