Dutch artist Celine Cairo has released the title track from her upcoming third album, Panacea. We asked her the BIG questions . . .
In her teens, Celine won a competition to perform at New York's Carnegie Hall and Amsterdam’s Royal Concertgebouw and earned a place at Amsterdam’s Conservatory and slots on Dutch TV.
Her new single was written after a month-long, solo trip to Asia last year and partly recorded on Wurlitzer piano at Celine’s home in Amsterdam with her partner and co-producer, the multi-instrumentalist Benjamin Rheinlander. India Bourne, a member of Ben Howard’s band, plays cello.
"I wrote Panacea about coming home to myself, after an exceptionally rough time," says Celine. "The song is about landing in the present moment and dissolving the notion that there is a cure for our human condition.
"So many people are searching for healing, trying to better themselves. Letting go of that quest altogether made me the freest I’ve ever felt."
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I am a singer/songwriter, I was born and raised in the heart of Amsterdam and I have the cutest dog in the world – his name is Kapitein.
How would you describe your music?
I'd say it's quite ethereal and cinematic, but with honest, sometimes more direct songwriting. It's been described as a mix of Eva Cassidy and London Grammar and I kind of like that. I love both - and I do mix organic, acoustic songs with more electronic production and trip hoppy drums.
Who are your musical inspirations?
I grew up listening to very different genres - I especially love Tracy Chapman, Christina Branco, Annie Lennox, Lauryn Hill and Bonnie Raitt. Recently I've been listening a lot to Ryan Beatty, Maro, CMAT, Max Richter and Ben Howard.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Tower of Power in Paradiso, Amsterdam with my dad, who plays the drums and loves funk!
What was the first record you ever bought?
Probably . . . Baby One More Time by Britney Spears. I saw the music video on tv and became enchanted.
What’s your favourite song right now?
I am obsessed with My Full Name by Madison Cunningham.
Favourite lyric of all time?
It's nearly impossible so I'll choose a song that made me cry recently, which is Aurora's Through the Eyes Of A Child.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Spring from Vivaldi's The Four Seasons, composed by Max Richter.
Where can people find your music/more information?
My music is out on all streaming services, I hang out on Instagram mostly and you can find things like recent videos and links to everything at my website.
Alan Corr
