celia

It's kinda scary, the relentless charm of Celia. Though still a relative newcomer, the perky singer/songwriter has captivated hordes of St. Louisans with her winsome, wide-eyed folk/pop. Her general adorableness knows no bounds: Last year, the transplanted Kansan was nominated in both the Kansas City Klammies and the St. Louis Slammies -- an unprecedented feat, as far as we know. Whether she's singing about armadillos or a lover's ringlets, whether she's emceeing a Women in Rock show or busking on the streets of Soulard, whether she's goofing around on KDHX-FM or holding court at Metropolis' The Lot, Celia melts hearts wherever she goes. Imagine a cross between Raffi and Melanie. If the thought of such a hybrid turns your stomach, well, maybe you're one of the unhappy few immune to Celia's allure. Unless you're an unmitigated crab-ass, you'll probably find yourself grinning like a moron in no time. - http://www.riverfronttimes.com/

Klammie-nominated singer/songwriter Celia recently relocated to St. Louis and promptly earned a nod for a Slammie, making her quite possibly the first artist to become eligible for both awards in the same calendar year. Her loyal Lawrence-based fans might still be scrambling to fill the void left by the absence of her regular gigs at the Brown Bear Brewery, but her debut full-length Love O Rama, should ease their pain. Recorded at Z’gwon,th Studio, Love O Rama showcases Celia’s confident vocals, her skilled acoustic playing and particularly her clever wordplay. On the opening “Flirting,” she directs a series of coy queries at a “gymnast of joking” who’s giving her best lines, asking Are you just having fun/Could I be anyone? Musically, the album’s finest song “Forgot February,” offers melancholy melody that emphasizes the regret at which its lyrics hint. When she sings It felt good to be reckless, the chilly guitar hook in the background suggests that consequences followed this carefree time. Celia wraps up the disc with a drastically rearranged version of The Beatles’ “Help” – one that, by toning down the tune’s catchiness, enhances the urgency of its message. - Andrew Miller

I don't care if you are into rock or rap, country or classical, techno or disco, you will be mesmerized by Celia. She's filled with a positive energy that radiates through any room she plays. Local music critic/Rock Star himself, Roy Kasten once referred to her as "Sonic Zoloft." You can find Celia performing at rock clubs, coffeehouses, comedy clubs, restaurants, public parks, and deserted shopping malls. She can emcee one of those jam band festivals in the Ozarks that i never go to, host an open-mic night at Novak's that I sometimes go to, and provide entertainment for you child's birthday party. In a jaded world filled with cynical bastards like me, couldn't we all use a little more Celia in our lives? - www.myspace.com/dearjohndear

The reason to love Celia is that she can make a record that, on paper, incorporates few chafing indie-rock cliches and still makes it feel fresh, new and listenable. Live, she also has a pitch-perfect sense of humor led by an unrestrained improvisational sense that leads to interpretations that are provocative and unique. Expect Celia and her Big Rock Band to deliver a concise musical statement from an artist whose auspicious moment has finally arrived." - www.insideSTL.com