Tag Archives: #InspirationalSounds

#industrial, Cutting Edge Culture Updates, Interviews, New Music Release

Embrace the Sonic Odyssey: Lucia Cifarelli Unveils Musical Alchemy; KMFDM Drops ‘LET GO’ Album Today (01.13.24)!

My name is Lucia Cifarelli. I’m a solo recording artist and the female vocalist/songwriter in the band KMFDM. My most recent solo album “I Am Eye” was released in 2021. KMFDM’s most recent album HYËNA was released in 2022. KMFDM is made up of like-minded artists/musicians promoting ideas surrounding freedom of thought and expression. My solo work allows me to explore deeply personal subject matter related to my life and stories I want to tell.

Watching MTV in its early days had a major impact on me. Being a rockstar looked like the most awesome job on the planet. Almost everything I heard on the radio or watched on MTV was pulling on me in some way, even if I didn’t like the song or style. I wanted to learn how to write songs, sing, and command a stage. Listening to music has always been an escape for me, helping me slip out of the world I was living in.

Regarding the name for my solo project, I started with just my first name, but as more Lucia’s arrived on the scene, I switched to using my full name. It suggests that the music is more personal, with the emphasis on my voice and the stories I’m telling.

I’m inspired by various musical genres, as well as life, film, literature, poetry, and art. It all influences the voicing and textures of music I’m looking to hear and feel. I hope it’s my songwriting and vocal style that set me apart.

My creative process involves what I call ‘the door,’ representing the place I pass through to get to where the magic happens. I see colors, letters, floating puzzle pieces, pictures, movies, and hear notes and melodies. The songs get written here. The door is always there, following me wherever I go.

A significant turning point for me was watching Diamanda Galas perform ‘Plague Mass’ in NYC in the ’90s. The raw feral intensity of her performance shook me to the core. It inspired me to write more from the heart and less about what I thought people wanted to hear.

Collaboration for me involves working with musicians focused more on the music side, highlighting our mutual strengths. Navigating creative differences comes down to clear communication and open-mindedness.

I view my day as a pie, with each piece representing the energy needed for specific tasks. I focus on one project per day to avoid mental saturation. Taking on too many projects creates counterproductive stress.

One of the most challenging hurdles has been making albums with major record labels that were never released. It’s heartbreaking, but if you love what you do, you don’t really have a choice. Resilience is crucial in this business.

Music has the power to bring about change on both a personal and collective level. With KMFDM, we’ve been a catalyst for many people to register to vote. Music is transformative and can move mountains.

My voice is my primary instrument. I played violin when I was younger, but the voice, coming directly from the body, is the most powerful instrument. It contributes to my overall musical expression and style.

It’s not a particular sound but the attitude of certain musicians/artists that has influenced me. Ideas about what it means to be a rockstar, how it looks, and a bigger-than-life presence shape how I do things on stage and in the studio.

There are no intentional hidden messages, but I use a lot of metaphors. I like to use words like an artist uses paint, mixing things up, and playing on words. It’s about looking at something from a different perspective.

The most rewarding aspect is the connection the music forges with people worldwide, who reach out and share what it means to them. Challenges and sacrifices are inevitable, but pursuing a career in music, especially now, offers more access than ever before.

I’ve written a song to raise money for The Conscious Kid and Color Of Change after George Floyd’s murder. I plan to get more involved with charities supporting women and their human right to autonomy over their bodies.

My long-term goal is to keep creating music with KMFDM and on my own, touring internationally, and playing more festivals. Authenticity is more important than trends.

My collaboration with Julian Beeston for his “Featured” project will be released in July. I’m also writing for the new KMFDM album and working on songs for a possible solo album. For updates, you can follow me on Instagram and visit the KMFDM website.

Cutting Edge Culture Updates, Interviews, Lifestyle

Claudia Blackstar: Unmasking the Musician Behind the Mystique

In the world of music, there are artists, and then there are visionaries who take their craft to a whole new level. Claudia Blackstar, a singer and music producer hailing from Birmingham, UK, undoubtedly falls into the latter category. Born into a world steeped in musical influences, Claudia’s journey has been one of transformation, self-discovery, and the relentless pursuit of artistic excellence.

Claudia’s enigmatic Stage Persona “Claudia Blackstar” draws inspiration from the world of scene arts, where performers take on distinct roles masked in mystery. Influenced by bands like Slipknot and Ghost, Claudia weaves a visual tapestry that transcends the conventional boundaries of music. It’s a unique blend of music and theater, a testament to her artistic depth. Claudia’s music isn’t just about the visuals; it carries a profound message. Her lyrics delve into the realms of wiccan beliefs, nature, and personal reflections, inviting listeners to embark on a journey of self-discovery. Each song is a poetic exploration, leaving room for interpretation and connection.

The journey to becoming Claudia Blackstar wasn’t a straight path. Claudia’s initial foray into music was through songwriting and demos. Still, her true understanding of music expanded when she ventured into the world of music production. It was a pivotal moment that allowed her to transform her ideas into tangible musical expressions.The name “Blackstar” itself holds a captivating allure. It’s a nod to Claudia’s fascination with the dark and mysterious, drawing from influences like Lucifer Morningstar. It’s a name that’s both evocative and concise, a perfect fit for her solo work.Claudia’s musical influences are a testament to her eclectic taste. Her playlist spans from goth legends like Bauhaus and The Sisters Of Mercy to contemporary artists like Evanescence and Linkin Park. It’s a rich tapestry of sounds that she effortlessly weaves into her music, creating a unique and authentic sonic experience.

When it comes to creativity, Claudia’s process is all about letting ideas flow. She thrives in a quiet environment, fully focused on the task at hand. It’s a moment of connection with her inner self, where inspiration takes shape. Joining electro-goth project Drop Beat Empire and alternative metal outfit After Dark was a turning point in Claudia’s career. These collaborations widened her artistic horizons, allowing her to explore different musical dimensions while staying rooted in her influences.

Collaboration in the music industry can be tricky, but Claudia approaches it with professionalism and alignment of tastes. She believes in maintaining a consistent line of work while embracing diversity in styles. Balancing creativity across various projects requires clear roles and boundaries. Claudia ensures that her solo work encompasses her full creative spectrum, while collaborations allow her to focus on specific aspects, depending on the project’s needs. Yet, the path of a musician isn’t without its challenges. Burnout, a common hurdle, is something Claudia grapples with. Her valuable lesson is the importance of giving time to oneself, a reminder that self-care is paramount.

Music, for Claudia, is a powerful tool for change. It has the ability to impact lives, but its effect depends on the willingness of the audience to embrace the message. While smaller artists like Claudia may have a more localized impact, they still inspire change within their communities. Instruments like the keyboard and guitar play a significant role in Claudia’s music. They serve as tools to translate her ideas into melodies and arrangements, enhancing the emotional depth of her compositions.

Influence is a two-way street. Claudia’s singing approach, inspired by artists like Amy Lee, is characterized by a passionate delivery. It’s a passion that resonates throughout her music, an embodiment of her artistic individuality. Claudia’s lyrics, often poetic and rooted in her dark insights, carry stories waiting to be discovered. While there may not be hidden meanings, there are tales to be told, some abstract, others direct, all wrapped in her unique perspective.

The most rewarding aspect of being a musician, according to Claudia, is knowing that her work connects with someone out there. It’s the joy of making that emotional bond, even if it’s with just one person. However, the challenges of dealing with burnout are real, as time becomes the most precious resource. Claudia doesn’t just create music; she fosters a community of fellow artists. Her platform encourages and inspires others to pursue their creative endeavors, fostering a sense of togetherness.

Looking to the future, Claudia remains rooted in the present. She can’t predict what lies ahead, but as long as inspiration flows and people believe in her work, she’ll continue to evolve as an artist and as a person. As for upcoming releases, Claudia keeps her projects close to her chest, but she has announced her debut album, “Visions Of The Moon,” which promises to be a mesmerizing journey into her artistic world.

To stay updated and connected with Claudia Blackstar’s latest work,
visit
The Claudia Blackstar Official Instagram.
or
The Claudia Blackstar Official LinkTree
You’ll find links to her YouTube, Bandcamp, and Spotify, among others. Join her on this enigmatic musical voyage, and discover the depths of Claudia Blackstar’s artistry.