We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Cedrina a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Cedrina, appreciate you joining us today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

I’m definitely most happiest when in a creative environment. I live for the buildup of ideas turned into acts, the long nights of research and planning, and of course the studio and performance aspect which is merely icing on the cake. This also requires a bit of business development which is equally important as the creative side, so it’s another job in itself. Pursuing music is not a choice to be considered with ease as it comes with major sacrifices. My reality is that I’m still a student to the industry and learning as I go, so I haven’t made that transition quite yet where my music has replaced my regular “9 to 5” job. I have worked in property management real estate for the same amount of time that I’ve actively been pursuing music, and I’ve considered quitting my job everyday because I lacked passion for what I do to survive. However, I’ve learned that there are no handouts and we as artist have a responsibility to budget and properly expense our dreams in order to be successful. During the pandemic, I experienced a mental shift and started to really focus on my execution and how I wanted my artistry to develop. I took a 2-year hiatus from music and consequently lost my momentum because I put my living needs first.

It wasn’t until this year after a series of unfortunate events (including getting stuck on an island, returning home to vehicular damage, followed by a car accident), that I realized I’m going to have to become uncomfortable and take calculated risks in order to achieve the results I desire. I have since left my corporate job, and actively pursuing music full-time and there has been an abundance of peace and happiness since doing so. Most importantly, I’m free to create without consequence.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers?

I am singer-songwriter based here in Atlanta, GA, originally from a small town outside of Chicago, Illinois. Growing up, I was introduced to so many genres of music from blues, jazz, R&B, funk, rap, pop, hip-hop, etc. I was raised in a Baptist church as a child, and was heavily involved in chorus along with theater arts from grade school onto my college years. After graduating, I moved to Atlanta to initially pursue law school and after a trial semester, I quickly realized I wasn’t passionate about my studies, leading me to then actively pursue music. I started recording cover demos and performing as a background vocalist for other local artist. In 2017, I released my debut single, ‘Pieces” which was a great success earning my first ever playlist placements. I have been fortunate over the years to perform at local staples in the ATL community, travel and tour nationally with music, earn major magazine publications such as People, and build a catalog to call my own with the intention to create a legacy.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the impact I’ve made amongst the indie artist community here. I’m still en route to learning and being the best version of myself, but it’s rewarding to be recognized, but most importantly “respected” by my peers. This city has taught me the art of persistence and I take pride in representing myself and my brand in the best way possible. I’m not perfect, but I’m mindful of artist integrity and all that comes with it.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

For me, this journey is not one to acquire fame or the glorification of being an artist. Though I know these are things that come with the role, I’m merely driven by the relatability and the effect my music has on others. I used to say, “if only 10 people ever heard my music, and they loved it..that I would be happy in life.” That still stands, however now, my goal is to reach hundreds of thousands, if not millions of fans to listen and love my music in the ways I do. To love the life you live is my only goal with music, and to earn a living from doing so would satisfy me whole. Music moves people, and it makes you feel,… I love that. There’s no greater feeling than performing and connecting with audiences that know the lyrics to my songs, or the endless showering of support simply because the music resonates with them.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being an artist is the room for growth and change. Very few are lucky to get instant results on the first try, but for me – there’s power in knowing I can reinvent or make additions to the creative journey that will help me in the long run. As artists, it’s so easy to become overly wrapped in our own thoughts, but once the craft is executed with precision, there’s fulfillment that consumes me. I listen to older songs I’ve released compared to the music I’ve created more recently and there’s so much growth vocally, in production, visually, etc. As I prepare for new releases this fall, “FWU & Favorite” are examples of the changes I’m experiencing in real-time as I develop not only as an artist, but also a woman which is reflected in the music I’m creating. Being able to be vulnerable with my lyrics, but aware the arrangement is instrumental for me. Every time I release new music to my listeners, I’d like to think they are literally watching me grow in my career and it’s going to be noteworthy as time progresses.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.itscedrina.com
• Instagram: _itscedrina
• Facebook: itscedrina
• Twitter: itscedrina
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/cedrina

Image Credits
Photographers are listed in no specific order: @leximoon @chuckrare @gurlieevents @soofficialshowout_ @ceekbeautyphotography