Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Celeste. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Celeste, thanks for joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
I’m currently releasing singles from my forthcoming album, “The New Room.” Making this project was super meaningful to me because it’s my first project where I was the sole producer. I co-produced my previous albums, but felt called to be the sole producer of this one. This brought up insecurities – a voice popping up in my head – doubting I had enough musical training to do it “right” or “best.”
But, “The New Room” era in my life is about following my gut. Going where I’ve never been before. So, I made a little manifesto committed to discovery and learning, trusting myself, having faith I’d make something I love. Thank goodness I stayed the course – I’ve loved the process and am loving the music.
I did the “5 Whys” exercise with my coach to get at “why” I was making “The New Room”. This was my home-base/Northstar for producing the music:
I want to make something soulful, imaginative, reflective, and groovy.
That’s it. That’s why I did the thang.
Celeste, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I write songs as life practice. My art and life are tangled together and I find making original music an rich source of fun, processing, and therapy. Producing music is a group sport and I’ve met and collaborated with many talented people along the way which have lead to some of my dearest friendships. Getting into music was a self-discovery when I sat down at my mom’s piano in Alabama in my 20s – and without intending – wrote a song. I knew some chords and the song just sort of fell out of me. It opened a portal and I’ve been making albums ever since. “The New Room” – my forthcoming album – is my 6th album! Family has been an inspiration and theme in my music and my previous album “My Blue House” is metaphorically set at my grandmother’s house in Tuscaloosa and “The New Room” is the name of an addition to the house. I founded an indie label, Frances Lakshmi Records, and have released my catalog under that name, consulted other independent artists, and am releasing an afro-beats children’s album called “I Believe in Myself” by FUSHA Kids. I’m proud of the choices I make in choosing the people I work with. I work with people who are not only talented and creative but are kind and communicative. Part of my strength as a producer is considering group dynamics and the interpersonal nuances that impact the “hang” during recording sessions and rehearsals.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
To engage life and make art and beauty along in its wake… to continue to show up to my “canvas” and the practice of songwriting and making records.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
Basic resources like affordable housing and health care so people have the foundation they need to stay creative.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.franceslakshmirecords.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celeste_krishna/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/celestekrishna/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/fromceleste
- Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4fHswCzZBwNyv68zJk0yDC
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/celeste-krishna/4056718
Image Credits
Studio Photos: Jennifer O’Malia
Coney Island Photos: Karen Zusman
“The New Room” Band Photo: (Left to right) Felipe Wurst, Adele Fournet, Celeste Krishna, Michael Kan, Ran Livney