CICERO

Name, where are you from?
My name’s CICERO, and I am a singer, songwriter and visual producer from West London.

Describe your style in three words?
Crazy, sexy, cool. Very much TLC album inspired haha.

What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
Mary J. Blige with my mum when I was a kid. Mary would be playing in my house daily at this point, so seeing her perform live was very surreal to me. She controlled the audience through her vocals and interaction. Her unique style, and her being unafraid to be completely herself on such a large stage. I felt like I wanted to be on that stage.

If you could be on the line up with any two artists in history?
Amy Winehouse is one of my biggest influences in music and was one of the reasons I began writing songs initially. I wish I had had the opportunity to perform alongside her. Earth, Wind & Fire is one of my favourite bands and I would be so honoured to share the same stage as them.

Which subcultures have influenced you?
I’d say Black British rave culture in terms of how I present myself. High quality, well put together garments with a lot of focus on the trainers. We’re big on clean looking creps in the West. I feel like my love for high-end fashion or well put together outfits comes from growing up with parents who were a part of the acid house/jungle era. The sounds from that time have definitely influenced me, and I think that my last project was an ode to that. Next to that, I’d definitely say that queer club culture has influenced me highly because that’s where I found my confidence to move in spaces and be myself wherever I go. These things especially with little funding can’t always happen, so when they do/did it was like a big affair. You make the effort to find the outfit. Everything is on point! Makeup, hair, all of that is always done!

If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
Someone I’d have to spend an hour with would be Michael Jackson. I think we all pretty much grew up on his music, as did our parents etc. The man never missed in terms of hits. Take 'Thriller' for example, I could name five songs off of that album that most people know word-for-word. His work ethic, his talent, his approach to his craft and just manoeuvring in the public eye for such a long time are all admirable. I’d like to learn how to get to my very best, writing and performing. His level of talent and excellence is untouchable.

Of all the venues you’ve been to or played, which is your favourite?
I’d have to say Birthday’s, which was a nightclub in Stoke Newington that’s since turned into some sort of beer venue. But I loved the space because it was where me and the gang partied, where we saw some of the most incredible artists who came from the streets and turned into superstars in front of our eyes. I met so many cool people in that time period. The tiny stage felt like a concert hall when you closed your eyes, then it’d be off the stage and into the party. I think that’s why I loved it so much, because it was so authentic.

Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Phyllis Hyman, honestly I feel like she was one of the greatest voices in soul and disco. But she is so rarely spoken of! And once you hear her range, you’re blown away. I feel like she should be more talked about and celebrated.

CICERO recently released her new single 'Miss Me' in June 2022. Listen, purchase or stream it via linktr.ee/whoiscicero.