We had the good fortune of connecting with CERANDA and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi CERANDA, why did you pursue a creative career?
From a young age I was exposed to music through my father, who was also a performing musician. He noticed my interest in singing, dancing, and performing and helped encourage me to chase my dreams. Coming from a small town, I could not imagine doing this without the support of my family. I also grew up watching Hannah Montana which exposed me to the dream-like fantasy of a young pop-star’s life, making me feel like I could have it too. I played my first show when I was 13 years old and that feeling still carries me through what I do today.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Please tell us more about your art. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about.
My individual style shines when I am on a stage. Performing since I was 13 years old has taught me a lot about how to entertain a crowd and have fun doing so. There is an electric energy when we are all in sync. Another quality that sets me apart is my drive to innovate, not just within the genre but in my own artistry. Making each song unique from the last and experimenting to remain fresh. I am excited to continue to grow and develop as an artist, performer, songwriter, and pop diva.
How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way.
I grew up in a small town called Kingsville, Texas just north of the Texas/Mexico border (pop. 30,000). I never realized how remote it was until living in LA. I knew my entire life what I wanted to do and be and I thought of as many ways as I could to try and make it happen. As I mentioned before, my dad was the one who introduced me to music. I spent my early years performing with him doing country covers (Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert). I never felt drawn to write while singing country but now I know it is because it wasn’t who I truly was. I moved to San Antonio for college where I studied music business, classical voice, classical piano, and general music. This was exciting because I was a self-taught musician. My school barely had a band so there weren’t many music education opportunities.
After college I got a corporate music job and moved to Austin, Texas when the pandemic hit. Spending so much time alone in a city with a love for music made me rethink my path. I fell in love with pop music more than I ever had before and knew I needed to pursue what I was feeling inside. In Austin, it was difficult to find creatives to work with who understood my style and sound. So I did what felt natural and saved up to move to LA with my best friend Taylor. My life changed the very first night I was in Los Angeles when I met the two people who I would write and create my first three pop singles with, Drew Louis and Jayelle Gerber. The most direct and interesting coincidences keep happening and it’s a big reason why I keep going.
I am proud of the journey and what I have accomplished the last two years. I have learned patience and how to enjoy the moment.
What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I want people to know that no matter how crazy their dreams are to never give up and always pursue their passions. Doing what fuels your soul is a path to happiness and fulfillment. I want to be an example of someone who didn’t give up. A symbol of hope for others with big dreams who come from a similar place. Inspiring people through music, feminine-empowerment, visual experiences, fashion, and love.
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.
If I was showing someone around LA I would first take them to Topanga Beach. The drive there would be so beautiful and a journey through West LA and the coast. Hiking Runyon, seeing Griffith Park and the Observatory, driving down Hollywood Blvd, Rodeo and Sunset blvd, and getting a picture of a west coast sunset would be all the tourist staples. Nights out would consist of Desert 5 spot, Level 8 Downtown, Harriet’s Rooftop, Barney’s Beanery, and the West Hollywood strip. Food would consist of Beachwood Cafe for breakfast/brunch, THC (Tennessee Hot Chicken) for lunch, and Crossroads for dinner. I really do love LA.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are many individuals who have contributed to where I am at currently. The first being, my family. Without their support, I could not imagine being where I am today.
Next, I want to mention Drew Louis (artist/songwriter/producer) and Jayelle Gerber (artist/songwriter) for believing in me as someone brand new to LA with nothing but a dream and a love for pop music. They dedicated their talents to me and together we created my first three singles to date.
I first met my choreographer Devin Hicks whilst looking for backup dancers for my first show in LA. He was kind and helped me create a live performance experience that complimented my pop sound. After our first show together it was clear that we had a special bond. We have become close friends and have continued to work together on 3 music video projects and several live performances.
Devin led me to my stylist and friend Chelsea Bazilian. Chelsea has been with me since my first music video project for my debut single “Come and Get It”. Together we have spent countless hours searching the internet, ordering and returning, cutting, glueing, and pasting outfits to help bring our visions in fashion to life. I owe it to her for always making me look and feel like a star.
Next is Robbie Joseph. Pop music video director extraordinaire. Robbie reached out to me at the perfect time because I was in the market for someone with his talents to pull off my second music video for “HANDS TiED”. It was an amazing experience and the start of a friendship that led us into my third music video for “Sugar Rush” which we both agree is some of our best work. We continue to collaborate on ideas and I am grateful for his creative insights.
Last but not least, I would like to mention my best friend Taylor Bartley, who was crazy enough to move to LA with me in the middle of a pandemic so I could carry out my dream of being a Pop Star and she could pursue her dream of working in the music industry. Her support, network, and guidance as a music industry professional has helped me make leaps and bounds in my career thus far.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ceranda_xo/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ceranda_xo
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cerandaxo
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CERANDAXO
Image Credits
@RobbieJoesph @edmsham