Meet Celeste Felsheim | Songwriter, Guitarist and Singer in King Sheim

We had the good fortune of connecting with Celeste Felsheim and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Celeste, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
I struggled a lot with my work-life-college balance while I was in school, I was working two jobs, taking 18 credit hours and still trying to work on my band and make an album. I thought that busy energy was sustaining me to work harder, when in reality it was draining my creative well. Now that I have graduated, I have slowed down my life substantially, while also changing over my work from service jobs to teaching music full time which I find much more sustaining. The next step coming up for me is to find ways to fill up my personal well and get used to refilling my social battery by spending time alone and creating music just for me and not for others.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have been an enjoyer of music my entire life, from when I was dancing in grocery store isles with my mom as a child, to now, as I teach music full time and play in my punk band. I come from a family of some of the most well-versed music appreciators I’ve ever met, so my love and care for music runs deep, and finds it’s way out in everything I do. I spent a lot of time playing classical music growing up in orchestra, and then going to 3 hour rock and roll rehearsals after school, and then going home and listening to musical theatre soundtracks, and I believe that little elements seep into my compositions and songs and set me apart from others as I take tasty bits from all sorts of music that draw me in. A lot of my creative life is easy because it is so surrounded by love. I run my band with my mom and my friends, and pretty much everything I make is an act of adoration towards my family and my closest friends. I want the world to know that King Sheim would never and could never exist without the kind souls that have showed me care along the way, and held my songs with such gentleness. From my first ever bandmates Luke and Eli, to my first ever producer Lilian Blair, to every venue owner that’s decided to let us hop on stage. I am so lucky to be a part of the Seattle music scene with some super cool and talented people who care about community and support.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Seattle is a such an art-filled and rich musical city, where we could eat some of the best east Asian food and see some of the best music in any genre you could think of. I would take someone to tasty places like Thai Tom and Pho Bac, and see a couple of musical shows at smaller places like The Skylark in West Seattle, or maybe underneath the 1st Ave Bridge if they’re feeling especially punk rock.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
YES! I did a lot of my growing up (both as a child and now as an adult) through the Rain City Rock Camp program here in Seattle. They offer summer camps and year-round programs for women and gender marginalized folks of all ages, to join a band and write a song. There’s versions of this camp all over the country, so I highly recommend looking for a Rock Camp near you.

Website: https://www.kingsheim.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/king.sheim/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCmwZBKUDgGLcJaZUdebXaQ

Image Credits
show photos by Carrie Phillips (@Carries_Photos) and Jimmy Humphreys (@poundingthenail)
SIngle cover art by Anne Viggiano (@anne_vigg)