Cee - APHRODISIAC: Track Spotlight
I first came across Cee’s music through Phantom Sound, and Sam. There was a show way back in 2022, that I remember vividly, where you, Remi Xia, and Auto performed. Y'all had 150 square feet feeling like Madison Square Garden itself. It was also my first peek into an unfolding soundscape that was beginning to form in the city.
It was being spearheaded by acts like Paris. (formerly, ParisPlayedYou) with tracks like “City Girls.” As well as others like Reign Cruz’s, too smooth “Seasons,” and Nala’s effervescent “Zaza.” It was a year of covid era blues barely kept at bay by lowkey events, and mood music used to manifest a moment. I described the moment back in the day as a burgeoning renaissance in our sloped streets. It felt like there was more music than anyone one person could keep up with. And as I took my first real forays into the scene alongside the rise of Palm Street Studios, Cee, formerly Cee Celestial was one of the first faces to don Palm Streets, and Phantom Sounds’ earliest showcases.
Thinking back on the event, it was the first of an insane amount of faces, and talent that would stream through the space. Yet, as Cee doubles down on a vision half-a-decade deep, and as the CAAPI community continues to boom across the west coast, she graciously allowed me to sit down with her for a first conversation.
Your lyrics often paint vivid pictures and evoke strong emotions. What inspires your songwriting process, and how do you approach crafting lyrics that resonate with listeners?
My songwriting process is deeply influenced by the emotions I experience daily as a modern woman – love, lust, heartbreak, entrepreneurship, and life all play a significant role in shaping my lyrical expressions. But there's more to it than just what's happening in the physical realm. When I meditate, I tap into other dimensions, where melodies and sounds take on a whole new meaning. It's like living in an ethereal realm within, where creativity flows boundlessly.
When I step into the studio, I need to feel the beat, immerse myself in the music, and let the energy of the moment guide my words. I can't just take a beat home and write; for me, the synergy between the music and the environment is crucial. Even the energy of my engineers becomes a part of the process, shaping the vibe and direction of the song.
Everything needs to align perfectly in the studio for my creativity to flourish. And it's not just about the music; I need time to experience life, gather new inspirations, and let those emotions simmer before I can dive back into the writing process.
"Aphrodisiac" features a simple yet driving beat that perfectly complements your smooth vocals, creating an entrancing atmosphere. Can you walk us through your creative collaboration with the producer on this track, and how you achieved this captivating soundscape?
It was a great experience stepping into HeadSpace Studios for my first session with ELI. I always admired his sound, so getting the chance to collaborate was a dream come true. Alongside us, Nairduh brought his magic to the table, expertly weaving synths to create a dreamy, atmospheric backdrop.
What made the session even more special was the existing bond Nairduh and I shared. We'd previously worked together on an ambient, meditative EP titled "Cho Ku Rei," so there was already a synchronicity in our creative process.
The energy in the studio was electric as ideas flowed effortlessly. Within just an hour, Nairduh & ELI crafted the beat, infusing it with their signature styles. Then, in another hour, I laid down the entire song, riding the wave of inspiration that filled the room.
The session was organic, each moment feeling like a natural progression of our combined creativity. It was proof that when talented minds come together, magic truly happens.
Your recent announcement on your upcoming EP "U IN MY HEAD..." hints at a specific headspace. Can you elaborate on the emotional landscape and experiences you're aiming to explore throughout the EP's lyrics and soundscapes?
With "U IN MY HEAD...," I'm delving into a new emotional landscape, one that reflects my personal journey and growth. After a hiatus, dropping this single feels like a reemergence into the music scene, but with a fresh perspective.
The title itself, "U IN MY HEAD...," speaks volumes. It captures that feeling of someone occupying your thoughts, consuming your mindspace. Interestingly, the song came to life on a random weekday, almost spontaneously. It was one of those moments where inspiration struck, and I knew I had to channel it into the studio.
The beat, sourced from YouTube, provided the perfect backdrop for the emotions I wanted to convey. Working with my engineer, we brought the song to life in just one session, capturing that raw, unfiltered essence of infatuation and desire.
Recently, I've been exploring my divine feminine energy, which has influenced the direction of my music. I want this EP to be something fun and empowering for all the girls out there, something they can vibe to while getting ready or just enjoying life. It's a departure from my previous work, which often focused on the hustle and grind of entrepreneurship. This time, it's about embracing vulnerability and the intoxicating feeling of being infatuated by someone.
Overall, "U IN MY HEAD..." represents a new chapter in my musical journey—one filled with passion, authenticity, and a renewed sense of self-expression.
Metro Vancouver's music scene fosters a unique creative energy. Did the city's atmosphere influence the themes or sounds explored in "Aphrodisiac" in any way?
Absolutely, Metro Vancouver's vibrant atmosphere undeniably influenced the themes and sounds explored in "Aphrodisiac." The city's eclectic energy, characterized by its blend of urban landscapes and natural beauty, provided a rich backdrop for the creation of the song.
Vancouver's cool, wavy vibes, particularly during late-night cruises through the city, served as a source of inspiration.
With the EP dropping on April 7th, what are your artistic aspirations beyond this project? Are there any upcoming projects or musical directions you're excited to explore?
Beyond the release of the EP on April 7th, I have a myriad of artistic aspirations that I'm eager to explore. One direction I'm particularly excited about is delving into the realm of EDM and deep house. I've got a few tracks tucked away in the vault that exude the perfect vibe for summer, and I can't wait to share them with the world.
It's important to me not to confine myself to any one genre like R&B or Trap Soul. While those are certainly elements of my sound, I believe my depth and experiences can resonate across a variety of genres and styles. By letting go of the pressure to conform to certain metrics and instead focusing on creating music that truly moves me, I've found that everything falls into place organically.
Looking ahead, I'm excited about the prospect of collaborating with other female artists on a tape dedicated solely to showcasing our collective talents. Additionally, I'm drawn to exploring more binaural ambient music, as well as continuing to push the boundaries within the realms of R&B, trap, and beyond.
For me, music is a boundless canvas—an expression of energy and emotion that knows no bounds. And with each new project, I'm eager to paint vibrant sonic landscapes that captivate and inspire listeners.