Celeda

You can’t seem to say enough about Celeda. The talented singer / songwriter (and Chicago-native) has an undeniable presence and charm. Inspired by dynamic vocalists like Donna Summer, Loleatta Halloway, Jocelyn Brown and Sylvester, Celeda began to embark on her musical journey setting her sights on dance music. Her soaring vocals are rich, unique and powerful; her songs inescapably heartfelt. She possesses a magic spark that’s ignited the international dance community with affirming messages of love, self-confidence, empowerment and acceptance.

From the sinister murky rumblings of 1997’s sublime “Messin’ With My Mind” to 1998’s glorious summer anthem “Music Is The Answer” (produced by Danny Tenaglia and featured on his Twisted Records’ sophomore release Tourism, as well as, included on Celeda’s soul-stirring Twisted debut This Is It), the husky-voiced siren made it clear that she had arrived - seizing the dance music spotlight and never looking back!

However, it would be 1999’s chunky chart-topping mantra “Be Yourself” that would become her definitive statement. Where “Music Is The Answer” might have opened the door for Celeda, “Be Yourself” catapulted her to international diva status. The stark and relentless inspirational song (penned by Celeda and Tenaglia) was an impassioned (and autobiographical) call to arms dedicated to the underground “children” that reverberated throughout clubs across the globe rife with uncompromising messages of hope and unity. Still, these were only hints of greater things to come.

Collaborating with a host of house music’s most innovative and prolific producers including Tenaglia, Grammy Award Winning remixer Peter Rauhofer, Cevin Fisher and Chicago-house veteran Maurice Joshua, Celeda’s debut This Is It was an auspicious tour-de-force overloaded with 14 powerful songs combining elements of soul, gospel, disco and cutting-edge house music.

Soon she was touring across the world, on a mission to share her positivity with audiences in clubs from Chicago to New York, Miami, London, Paris, Ibiza, and even, Estonia!

“This Is It reflected my entire life up until that time,” Celeda confides. “All of my influences and experiences were all rolled into that album. Naturally, you’ll hear a lot of gospel and soul elements because I was raised in the church, singing in the choir and carrying on. However, dance music, especially disco was my salvation. It was expressive, free and uplifting. It crossed racial and sexual boundaries. I wanted my music and album to represent that feeling.”

“I was very happy with how the album came together, especially working with all of those talented producers who were excited to work with me. It gave me a platform to share my voice and my experiences with people all over the world. Especially my struggle with my sexuality and my decision to live as a transvestite – that takes a lot of courage, honey. Thank God I had a supportive family that loved me no matter what and pushed me to be myself. They let me know that I was not alone. So, if I can help someone feel special and loved and proud of themselves then I’ve done my job.”

When Twisted folded in late 1999, Celeda was left without a home. However, the defiant diva was unscathed and kept on working. With an arsenal of songs in her head, she began writing new material including “Celebrate Your Life” - for close friends / fellow Chicago-natives Donna Blakely and Ralphie Rosario.

She was later contacted by former-collaborator / producer Peter Rauhofer to record new material for his flourishing Star 69 Records imprint (which is distributed exclusively by ADA in North America). The reunion resulted in the much-anticipated and fiery double A-side single “The Underground” / “Reach Up.”

“The Underground” became an immediate hit, peaking at the coveted #1 position on the Billboard Club Play Chart. It is also featured on the upcoming, Rauhofer beatmixed compilation This Is Star Sixty Nine. While the pensive and inviting gospel-fuelled “Reach Up” has been championed by the European DJ cognoscenti, including UK tastemakers Danny Rampling and Pete Tong (who recently added the cut to his renowned, London-based Radio One Essential Selection program). It’s apparent that Celeda’s “star” has no intention of dimming anytime soon.

“Honey, I know my purpose,” Celeda laughs assuredly. “I’m here to give the children something different. Something old, something new and something borrowed!”
“Right now I’m just ready to go to the next level,” the singer asserts.

Expect to hear more from Celeda in 2002 starting with her new smash summer anthem "Free Your Mind."