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MUSIC FOR YOUR SOUL: AN INTERVIEW WITH CLEO SOL

MUSIC FOR YOUR SOUL: AN INTERVIEW WITH CLEO SOL

NBGA-CleoSol

Here at NBGA, we’re crazy about young, inspiring, badass women. So we were so pleased to have the opportunity to interview Cleo Sol, R&B and Soul artist, based out of London. We talked about her inspiration, her upbringing, self-care and more. You’ll be wanting to add her to your playlists, yesterday.

Can you tell us about your latest work? Is there something on the horizon you’re especially excited for?

I’m just super grateful to be putting out music that people have resonated with in one way or another. Releasing new music and performing, I really enjoy performing.

 

I read that you went on a bit of hiatus from 2011 to 2017. Were you already working on music at that time, was it a writing period?

It was sort of a break from music, to be honest with you, but through that break, I found myself writing and healing through that, it was uncomfortable, but it was necessary I guess.

Since you began writing and producing, do you feel like your style has changed in any way?

I don’t know if I would even attach myself to a particular style as I’m pretty much influenced by anything that resonates with my heart, so I kind of grow and evolve with that.

 

How did growing up in a musical family affect your relationship to music?

I guess I was always digesting music, sounds, tones, instruments and vibrations throughout my life, music that I love really feels like home to me.

 

How old were you when you started making music, when did you see it as a career?

I was pretty young when I made my first song, on my karaoke machine, and I would stuff toilet roll in the tapes to record over the previous recording. I used to practice harmonies on that karaoke machine, my harmonies got pretty tight on that thing. I’m a dreamer so anything was always possible for me.

 

I’ve been listening to your latest singles, correct me if I’m wrong, but a major topic seems to be your personal growth and journey. Do you consider your latest work to have an encompassing theme?

Yes, definitely. I can only write from my personal experience.

 

You’ve been making music from a young age. How do you manage a good work/life balance?

I haven’t worked it out yet, will I ever? I’m not sure.

Do you ever struggle with the line between work and play: Is there a layer of stress added to your passion of making music when it comes to the nitty-gritty of it being your career especially owning your own record label?

Well yes as it’s kind of all of your eggs in one basket vibe, but it’s such an amazing feeling at the same time. Learning on the job and being okay with making some mistakes and having such an amazing team is what makes this whole journey worth it.

 

Do you have any favorite self-care practices?

I love burning Incense, Nag Champa, the red one. I also have a diffuser and I like to put essential oils in there and set a lovely mood in my home. Coming off social media also helps me a lot to focus and be present in everyday tasks.

 

How do you feel about social media: As an artist is it helpful or hurtful?

For me, it’s a balance, but it’s amazing for all creatives to connect and network, so when it’s utilized correctly it can be super productive.

 

Do you feel a sense of community with your fans on your social media platforms?

Definitely, I also have never felt comfortable saying fans as I feel like we’re all in this together, they actually support me, give me so much good energy and generally give me the confidence to be as free as I feel as a creative, my supporters are king.

 

Do you have any advice for young women trying to break into the music scene?

Listen to your heart, be authentic and the right opportunity will feel right.

 

Can you tell us what you’ve been listening to on repeat?

Beres Hammond – falling in love all over again
Paradise – Sade
Golden lady – Jose feliciano

 

The year just started, do you have any personal goals for 2019?

Stay alive, hydrated, sane and pray more.

 

What would you tell your younger self now?

Stay G!

by Candice Chantalou
Cover Photo by Cleo Sol
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