After showcasing her worth on a flurry of enticing singles these last few months, London-based artist Celine Love has now returned with her shimmering new effort 'Like You Like That'.
Produced by TR33, 'Like You Like That' makes for a wonderfully warm and transportive listen from start to finish. With her rich and silky voice layered over a bed of smooth and seductive RnB production, she already feels like a name we will be hearing a lot more from in the near future.
So with her latest offering doing the rounds, we sat down with her to find out more about her background and what has inspired her most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Trick question, I had to force myself to learn guitar at 12 so I could perform my songs. It took me years to actually enjoy it. Reluctantly, I fell in love.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I was obsessed with the Lion King Soundtrack and Avril Lavigne. Eventually I grew to love what my mom played around the house including Stevie Wonder, Lauryn Hill or India Arie.
What was the first album you remember owning?
‘Let Go’ by Avril Lavigne was the first I bought. (I also owned a lot of bootleg Destiny's Child)
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
‘Lover You Should’ve Come Over’ by Jeff Buckley.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I often stop my friends mid conversation to write down something cool they said. It’s often ‘sorry your boyfriend cheated on you but I need to write this down quickly’.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
A lot of R&B leaning ladies. I am loving Chloe x Halle, Jojo, Doja Cat ,Kehlani , H.E.R and recently discovered Kareen Lomax.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Alicia Keys would be a dream. I’ve never seen her live but I feel like the audience would be equally amazing and respectful. A crowd of music lovers.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Getting to release music for the first time has been amazing but nothing replaces the high of a live show. I have been gigging regularly since I was a teen and could still do it twice a day. When people come up to me after a show and tell me what lyrics they related to the most I remember how badly it is my favourite and most rewarding part.
And what is the most frustrating part?
It is definitely the current state of the industry. Everything is content based and although it's great to get to showcase personality it feels exhausting and like you’re playing a character everyday when you’re told that’s what you HAVE TO do. Putting out creative content can be fun as well but having to trust constantly changing algorithms, never knowing what’s going to stick, putting in countless hours into edits no one sees… it gets to you. I try not to compare myself but it’s still all I end up doing.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
That the right people find you when the time is right. I am still independent, have no management and I am not looking actively. That’s because whenever I try to sell myself to someone in the industry they are only listening with one ear. Now that I’ve just decided to do my thing to the best of my ability I have gotten a lot more attention. Also, listen to your peers. It's so important to let go of your pride sometimes and hear out well intentioned industry friends.
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Celine Love's new single 'Like You Like That' is available to stream now. Check out the new video for it in the player below.