Q&A With AV Queer Hits Featured Artist: Ceréna
Ambient Vibes had the opportunity to ask Ceréna some questions. I hope you enjoy it!
For the single "See" you stated online "this song is for the ones who struggle to see the beauty inside. if u could only see what I see..." tell us a little more about this statement.
I wrote this song, originally titled “resilience” as a mantra I needed to tell myself. I was struggling with heavy depression but felt inclined to write something. The opening lines “you have had too many falls, feels like nothing goes your way, I can see it in your eyes, life has made it hard for you” just came out of me… as if I was on the outside viewing myself, this “broken” person with so much promise and beauty and it’s like my higher self was sending me a lifeline. Now every time i’m feeling sad, exhausted, frustrated or nihilistic, I tell myself resilience and patience is key.
How did the creation of "Club Quarantine" come to be?
Club Quarantine was born out of necessity. With everything shut down, our community couldn’t congregate and be together. Community is how we survive. Someone mentioned zoom, we all downloaded it, threw the first party, drunkenly made the instagram handle and the rest is history. Eternally grateful for the journey CQ continues to take me on… she has a mind of her own lol.
What was the production process for the "resurrection" album? How long did it take?
I produced 80% of this album. I probably wouldn’t have if it wasn’t for the pandemic, but left to my own devices I had to get these songs out of me, so I finally decided to get over the anxiety of learning Logic Pro and I just started experimenting. The result is this mish-mash of sounds, styles and references, all a reflection of the different parts of myself. I processed a lot of trauma through the creation of this album and it gave me a new life. I want more.
Tell us how you and the Canadian government came to partner up!
I was lucky enough to be rewarded a FACTOR grant, which is supported by the Canadian government. That’s how I was able to create this project.
You’re a new addition to the crayon box. What color would you be and why?
This question stumped me lol… I love all the colours… but if I had to choose, a definite shade of blue like a baby or periwinkle. Blue to me is femininity, serenity, peace.
What has been the best advice another artist has given to you?
Nothing yet. I’ve had to learn a lot on my own and even having the opportunity to celebrity artists, I’ve been disillusioned. The current institution sucks on every level, so I’m out here starting a new one from the ground up. I would say that the best support I get is from my talented peers who see me for who I am. I love to celebrate my friends’ successes.
If you could be any animal in the world, what animal would you be and why?
Flamingo. They serve f a s h i o n.
What's one message you'd like to leave with your music?
To be whoever the fuck you wanna be. Be FREE. Don’t let anyone else dictate your existence, only you know who you really are.
What's next for you? Tell us everything.
I can’t share much, but 2022 is looking real cute. There’s so much I want to do, and I of course want to continue to create. More art coming your way!
Listen to “gender euphoria” by Ceréna on the Ambient Vibes: Queer Hits on Spotify now.