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Check our interview with Singer/songwriter Cierra Cinti who combines pop, electric, and alternative into an edgy, yet polished, sound. Growing up Tyler, Texas, she has been singing, playing piano, and writing music since she was 4 years old. More recently, she has entered the world of producing, and has co-produced all of her releases.
After creating a demo for her debut single, “Fine This Way,” producer Will Hunt picked up the song and recorded Cinti’s vocals. They later worked together on her second release, “Angel In The Dark,” which is moodier, but features the catchy pop chorus that defines her music.
Her newest release, “Hold Me,” most accurately depicts her personal sound.
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Hi Cierra, please tell us a little about you?
I’m 20 years old, and I was raised in a small city in Texas called Tyler. I grew up doing competitive gymnastics, which was hard on my body, mind, and social life. When I finally quit at 14, it took awhile for me to create an identity outside of the sport, but that’s where music came in. I am now actively pursuing a music career, and I’m about to move to Nashville to attend Belmont University to study commercial music. Aside from that, I enjoy hanging out with friends, watching TV shows and movies, and working out.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Empathetic, smart, passionate.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Unique, emotional, pop!
Do you play any instruments?
I started playing piano when I was four and I still play every day. A few years ago, I taught myself basic guitar chords, but I never liked guitar as much.
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
My mom used to play the best CD’s in her car: Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Andrea Bocelli… to name a few. So even though my mom isn’t the most musically inclined, she was the first to inspire me with some good music. When I was probably 7 or 8, I became obsessed with girls in pop, like Avril Lavigne, Britney Spears, P!nk, Hilary Duff, and of course, the Cheetah Girls. I fell in love with not only the music, but the whole facade of a pop star- the outfits, the performances, the lifestyle. I would dress up like them and put on concerts in my room. Obviously now my style has evolved, but I guess I just never fell out of love with music.
We’re sure you have been asked this a million times but how did you get in the industry?
A few years ago I started messing around on different DAWs on my laptop. It wasn’t until my freshman year of college that I really sat down and created a demo for an original song. I was in Fort Worth, Texas, at the time, so I googled recording studios in the area and sent emails with my demo to all of them. Only one responded, but it turned out to be the perfect match. Will Hunt at Spaceway Productions immediately understood my vision and did what he could to bring it to life. He gave me my first insight of the industry and showed me how to release music. I’ll always be thankful for his help.
Do you ever get nervous?
All the time. I always want everything I do to be a good and accurate representation of who I am.
What is your next goal as a musician?
I want to keep growing my audience, specifically by performing live. I will have an abundance of opportunity in Nashville, and I’m so excited.
How challenging is to be in the music business but as an Independent Artist?
I do literally everything myself. Apart from the given, like running my social media pages, I design my single covers, reach out to press, and promote my music all on my own. I wanted a website, so I designed one. Having complete artistic freedom is great, but it’s just so expensive. I don’t have a team looking for opportunities for me and pushing my name. I would love to sign to a major record label one day, but only if I’m completely comfortable and confident that they will let me create what I want.
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Now tell us about your newest release “Hold Me?”
“Hold Me” is my favorite song I’ve released so far. I wrote the lyrics in the notes app one night and it grew from there. It actually started off as a cute little piano song in a major key, but I reworked it because I liked the lyrics but wasn’t feeling the vibe. Now I think it’s the most accurate representation of my sound.
What are the five things you can’t live without?
My pets, my keyboard, makeup, coffee, my planner
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Cher!!! Or Dolly Parton. They are unapologetic and simply iconic.
Name one your strengths?
I’m a perfectionist, which motivates me to put maximum effort into my work. It’s also my biggest weakness, because it’s hard to know when to be done with a project. What’s perfect to one person could sound bad or unfinished to someone else. It’s all perspective so you have to trust your gut.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
Never getting dressed and watching movies, baking, or playing piano for hours.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Fruit, especially kiwi.
And your favorite cheat food?
Mac and cheese. Actually, anything with cheese.
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
I want to be writing songs for myself and for other singers, while also continuing to pursue my career as a pop artist. Maybe an album will be in the works.
How would you describe your fashion style?
Right now I love that the 2000’s is coming back. Chunky shoes, small sunglasses and purses, crop tops and flare jeans, hair clips… I was like 6 when these trends were originally in style, so now I get to actually participate.
What do you think of Social Media?
It’s been an amazing tool in my career thus far- it’s the sole way that I promote my music. It makes it much easier for us smaller artists to get heard. But, I don’t like how it takes the elusiveness away from artists these days. There used to be a time where people were dying to know more about their favorite celebrities, but now, you can’t help but know everything about everyone. And personally, social media gets exhausting- I find myself planning what to post, and getting nervous about how people will perceive me. And it’s too easy to compare yourself to others.
Where we can follow you?
Spotify / Instagram / Twitter / Facebook / YouTube
Quote: “I’m Cher, Bitch!”
Song: Glad He’s Gone – Tove Lo
TV Show: Euphoria! 🙂
Food: Bruschetta
Drink: Champagne
Travel Destination: Places I’ve never been, like Europe, or Los Angeles.
Sports Team: I’m not into football or basketball, but every four years I root for the USA Gymnastics Team
Photo Credit: Callynth Photography
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