- Words Josephine Amstad
We caught up with rising West London singer CICERO to discuss her creative growth, what inspires her outside of music and what's next.
Welcome to Fresh Face, a quick-fire interview series spotlighting the best rising talents in today’s youthful music scene. From biggest pet peeves to party tricks and death row meals, we’re stripping things back from the formal Q&A format. Think of it like speed dating, but with some of the freshest music makers worth discovering.
Since the release of her debut EP ‘ULTRAVIOLET’ last year, genre-blending singer CICERO has more than proven her mettle amongst the fast-growing pool of West London talent she finds herself in. Eager to breathe new life into the UK dance scene, CICERO built on her well-deserved hype with the release of “What Do I Do” earlier in May.
Teaming up with pioneer beatmaker and producer Roska, the pair are a match made in sonic heaven. Roska’s addictive percussion and funky-house bassline meld seamlessly with CICERO’s sultry honeyed tones, lending her sound a fresh dance-minded edge that fuses all the best elements of UK Funky, Dancehall and alt-R&B.
A storyteller at heart, CICERO is on a continuous mission to expand and grow, involving herself in all stages of the creative process. Imbuing her signature vibrancy into all projects she works on, CICERO has lent her song-writing talents elsewhere, penning tracks for Funky DL as well as P-rallel on ‘Creeping’. On top of this, the West London artist has been producing visuals, not only for herself, but other UK artists spanning different genres.
With plenty of music coming across the next few months, expect CICERO to soundtrack the Summer and beyond. Notion catches up with the rising star for a quickfire Q&A, covering everything from pet peeves to party tricks to future goals.
Biggest pet peeve?
Ugh, that would have to be people chewing with their mouths open. Like yeah the food is nice, but that doesn’t mean we all have to see it. Gross.
What’s your party trick?
Accents, I mean when most people say that in actuality they’re not very good at them. But this is one of those things that I’ve been doing since I could speak. Always amazes people.
How can an artist stay original nowadays?
Originality really comes from authenticity. I’d say remaining true to self definitely helps with keeping original, that’s always going to set you apart from the rest. There is only one you after all, the same way that there’s one me. It’s difficult for so many of us because there is an urge to compare yourself to everyone else nowadays, and the necessity to “fit in.”
Finish the sentence: I feel happiest when…
I feel happiest when I’m in the sunshine somewhere in the tropics with sand on my ass, the one thing that can use no words but bring me so much joy, oh and good company is an absolute plus. No, but seriously travelling is something that makes me so happy.
What are three things that inspire you outside of music?
Family, memories of my mum and I’d say a good old fashioned art piece.
Wildest thing that’s happened to you recently?
I think the wildest thing would be filming a drifter, that was absolutely sick! I’m not going to lie, you’re probably going to see me incorporate more cars/bikes in visuals at some point because I found a little love for it during that shoot.
Who’s your style icon?
A really close tie between Aaliyah and Fran Fine.
How have you developed creatively over the past year?
I’ve grown in terms of writing, I don’t feel afraid to enter new genres and spaces creatively. I’d say growing in terms of my range (ya girl finally can hit a G#5) and that’s something I continuously work on. I’ve also become further involved in the creative process, producing visuals not only for myself but other artists outside of the sounds I’ve made, so drill for example. I think it’s important for everyone to have the opportunity to tell their stories, and I love that I’ve been able to create art driven visuals for these artists.
Never have I ever…
– been on a private jet. Which is something I want to change soon.
If you could only have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
West Indian/African Christmas dinner. I could eat that all day, every day.
Biggest goal for 2022?
It would have to be travelling because/with my art, to meet new people and work to bring a new sound into music. I love travelling so the idea of getting to experience new places because of my work would be so amazing, and it’s something I cannot wait to achieve.