Unrequited love: is it merely a character-building experience, or does it serve a greater purpose? For many artists, the intense pain, grief, and loneliness associated with one-sided relationships serves as fuel that ignites the creation of music’s most influential tracks. While writing about lost love is nothing new, the musical genre of heartbreak offers a unique opportunity for introspection, exposing vulnerabilities instead of concealing the pain. CIL, (Cecelia), is a rising Pop/R&B singer-songwriter from Fort Collins, Colorado who exemplifies this by examining her own wounds, intricately tending to them until they bleed into beautiful melodies.

*Image courtesy of* *Music Vault Magazine*

In April 2021, at the age of 18, CIL moved to Los Angeles completely on her own to pursue a music career. Fearlessly living life on her terms, even when it leads to hurt and heartbreak, she unapologetically translates her raw and vulnerable experiences into a sound that seamlessly blends pop and soul music. In an interview with Music Connection, she states, “It was my safe space. [...] It was the thing that never let me down. Around eighth grade, when I was probably 13, I wrote my first song ever. I was just addicted after that. I wanted to do it more and more, so I kept writing and I was reading a lot. Around 16, I had been going through a lot of hectic family life stuff, and I was lashing out. I dropped out of high school, I moved to California, and it was one of those things where it found me and it told me to start my career, rather than me just making that conscious choice to start.”

After dedicating the last year and a half to refining her purpose and defining her sound, CIL is poised for a breakthrough, with the release of her EP, Tears Dry On Their Own. Her debut single, “One More Shot,” continues to make waves on TikTok. Describing her music as a blend of inspiration and relatability, CIL draws inspiration from the legacy of pop stars from the last decade. She truly shines in her veteran-like live performances. Her stage presence is what landed her a spot opening for Stevie Nicks on her U.S. arena tour.

“One More Shot” transcends the typical cliché love song, with a composition that builds tension, matching the lyrics and showcasing CIL’s versatile voice that can be smug, gentle, tempered, innocent and alluring — all in just over 2 minutes. When she sings, CIL exhibits dynamic energy and showcases her impeccable vocal control and range. As the EP continues, CIL’s trademark fusion of emotion, storytelling and musicality comes to life in songs like “Bloodsucker,” a track that weaves in a sample of Portishead’s “Glory Box,” creating a moody, dark-feminine tone that explores themes of betrayal and manipulation. “Devil in Your Eyes,” serves as an anthem of freedom, navigating the trials and tribulations of grief and emphasizing a newfound freedom from the chains of control and abuse. Despite adversity in her family and past relationships, her songwriting has made her stronger, positioning the artist as a positive role model for women in music. As a woman in the music industry, CIL refuses to conform to stereotypes or allow external forces to dictate her narrative and her unapologetic approach to songwriting makes her a beacon of inspiration for aspiring female artists.

On her reasons for making music, she explained to BandsinTown, “I’ve always found that music has such a healing component to it. During some of the lowest moments in my life, music was an escape for me - but it also helped me feel like I wasn’t alone, because these artists I listened to had been through similar experiences, and that comforted me. I hope I can make the kind of music that heals people… I want to be that support system for those who need it.”

Reflecting on her musical journey, CIL considers herself a soulful rockstar, inspired by legends like Amy Winehouse and Etta James. Unapologetically writing her life’s most raw and vulnerable experiences into her songs, CIL’s material and influence has led her to creating an authentic sound that lives somewhere between pop and soul. Speaking on her artistry, she tells Spotify, “I grew up listening to artists like Stevie Nicks, Etta James, and Aretha Franklin as a child before later being inspired by more contemporary artists like Amy Winehouse, Adele, and Lana Del Rey. I just loved how their voices sounded and the emotion they carried in their performances – so when I started making music myself, I knew I wanted to tell stories the way they did.”

Her first EP, Tears Dry on their Own, which was originally going to be titled The Feminine Diagnosis, evolves from a focus on gender-specific themes into a reflection on the human condition as a whole. In an interview with Music Connection, CIL explains, “I found so much power in this idea that I am a woman, and I’m owning being a woman,” she said. “It’s about the state of being, what it means to feel, and in this place where feeling is possible you find that life is a little bit sweeter. You find that tears dry on their own because eventually you will be ok, you will get back up again.” The EP embodies the essence of feeling and finding sweetness in life despite its challenges.

CIL’s deep relationship with music is evident in her candid lyricism. To her, music has a healing effect, having been her safe space throughout her lowest moments in life. Her debut single not only showcases her potential but establishes her as one of pop’s most exciting new voices. She tells BandsinTown, “I’ve always found that music has such a healing component to it. During some of the lowest moments in my life, music was an escape for me – but it also helped me feel like I wasn’t alone, because these artists I listened to had been through similar experiences, and that comforted me. I hope I can make the kind of music that heals people… I want to be that support system for those who need it.”

The music industry is saturated with predictability and CIL’s stance against it indicates that more artists are reclaiming their creative independence from record labels. CIL’s journey from heartbreak to harmony signifies not only her resilience, but her fierce commitment to authenticity. Amidst the quick album turnarounds and remix collaborations dominating the charts, CIL’s deliberate and thoughtful approach to her music sets her apart. All of her songs are carefully crafted pieces of art, drawn from personal experiences, and touch on universal themes of womanhood, love and loss.

CIL’s rise from a small town in Colorado to signing with Warner Records showcases the importance of talent and determination. In today’s world, in which saturation overshadows individuality, CIL’s artistry shines bright, reminding us that sometimes, the most compelling stories are born from unrequited love, vulnerability and the courage to remain true to yourself and values. As she continues to forge her own path, CIL stands as a testament to the enduring power of music to heal, inspire, and connect.

Give CIL “One Shot” To Be Your Next Favorite Artist

LISTEN TO NINA’S CURATED CIL PLAYLIST BELOW