Transcendental: adj. Relating to a spiritual realm, beyond ordinary or common experience.
As the youngest child in her family, Celeste was immersed in a diverse musical landscape from an early age. The mix of her family’s music taste instilled in her an innate desire to create music that defied convention, forging an entirely new sonic territory. In her live performances, Celeste aims to evoke vivid imagery in the minds of her audience. More importantly, she weaves tales drawn from her personal experiences and literary inspirations. For Celeste, the creation of transcendental music is secondary to her primary goal: taking her audience on a journey through innovative storytelling.
Culture Custodian had a chat with Celeste to discuss her unique musical perspectives and her forthcoming EP.
Tell me a little bit about your childhood and growing up, how did you develop your love for music?
So growing up, I listened to a lot of genres. My eldest sister is about 11 or 12 years older than I am. I have like other siblings, so I’m the last born. They listened to a lot of different sounds which grew on me. My brother was in love with Sade Adu. He listened to a lot of soul music, jazz music, and rock music. I was introduced to Avril Lavigne, Cranberries, and different metal bands, or rock bands like that.
I also experienced Tales by Moonlight growing up. Because we were few in the neighborhood we had a lot of instances where our neighbors would come around, everyone would sit under the moonlight and they would just tell tales. I also started getting very close to Yoruba literature and literature in general.
How did you begin professionally?
I think it was close to the time that I was in 300 or 400 level. I had gone for a performance in an event called Rocktoberfest, around 2017. I just moved directly into music so I started playing at a lot of events, I eventually played at Ake Festival.
At the time that I performed at the Ake Festival, I had already released music. So I released my first single in 2018 officially. That was titled Black. The song initially was supposed to be written for a series that a coursemate of mine at the time was trying to work on.
What was the first production like?
It was difficult. First of all, I had a lot of issues getting producers who could produce my sound. And to be honest, that also affected the timelines of the songs that I eventually would release because there was always a hassle trying to get the right producer. I spent almost a year looking for producers who would be interested in producing my type of sound.
You play the guitar, yet, you mix traditional African sounds in your music, what do you hope to achieve from this?
I would say that because of my experience when I read stuff or when I’m engrossed in something, It’s like I’m being taken from one particular dimension into somewhere else. I’m being put in a box. Every memorable experience that I’ve had was where I could leave the world I was in and be engrossed in the world this person was painting. So that is exactly what I want to do with my sounds, bring a new sound. A mix of both because at the end of the day, I have been influenced both by my African descent and colonialism.
I listened to Alu Join Join and Oluronbi. Can you tell me about your songwriting process? Where do you find inspiration for your lyrics?
Those songs are part of an EP called Alo that is going to be coming out in October.
I think for this particular project, what influenced it was my interest in Yoruba literature. Mostly because of my experience in life in general, reading literature, and at some point, I was very interested in just creating a form of calmness or spirituality in a sense. In a sense. I started writing lyrics based on the books I read.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how have they impacted your work?
I wouldn’t say that I have musical influences. I would say genres are what have influenced me. So if I listen to a type of genre and it sounds interesting, I’m already interested or I’m very happy about it. I’m very drawn to soul, pop music, soul music, jazz, you know, indie folk.
You’ve performed in many live shows, what’s your favorite thing about them, and do you have any pre-show rituals that help you prepare for a performance?
Before I get on stage, I’m always very nervous. But when I get on stage and I start to talk, all of that is gone and it’s a case of we go into the music. I think for me, it’s just the fact that I’m able to share my vision. So I always enjoy the concept of mental images. I’m able to share my vision through my voice, through the melodies that I’m playing, with my band guys. I’m able to share that experience with other people.
In terms of rituals, what I usually do with my band guys is usually practice a lot. I also cheer everyone up and tell them we’re going to do really great work and have a very nice time.
Tell me about your upcoming EP. What can fans expect to hear? Is there a particular track that you’re most excited about sharing?
My EP is titled Alo and it’s called Tales by Moonlight. So, people should expect stories. If you’re waking up in the morning and you want calmness, listen to Celeste, a calm evening, listen to Celeste’s stories. I have a feature with Dwin, we have a song called This Side of Love that would also be on the EP. And then Awa Nlo which is like the final song that ends the storytelling. As usual, they should expect to be on a different plane, just enjoying the music and being filled within themselves while they’re listening to the music.
As an indie artist in Nigeria, how have you maneuvered making music that isn’t the popular taste?
I try to blend it in such a way that people know it’s different. And then I have plans to release an acoustic live version of my EP. The studio versions will also exist. My music is something I can’t control. It’s something that I feel like I have to do, I just don’t have a choice. I like it so there’s definitely a bunch of other people that would like my music. And what really matters is actually finding these people, being with them and experiencing the music together, pushing the music as well until nobody can resist. I don’t know how to give up.
Would you like to collaborate with any mainstream artist in the future?
Aurora because we have the same type of sound so we can intertwine. I’ve also wanted to play with Coldplay. Locally, I would say Tems and Asake for now.
What’s next for Celeste?
I’m just interested in trying out more sounds. After my EP, the other projects that will be coming out will have a blend of high life, timeless love songs, and palm wine music—the sort of beachy sound Juls makes.
