Well here we are back in July we started a contest to find the best local artists in the IE and had four weeks of contests and found four awesome winners. Well our first winner is a local powerhouse of a young lady named Bernice Celeste. Read below and get to know this awesome local artist.
What role does FAMILY play in your music?
Family plays a HUGE role in my music. They give me so much motivation, support and love. They always pushing me to never settle for anything less than I deserve. I don’t know what I’d do without them.
Which instruments do you play?
I play guitar and piano. Hoping to learn some new instruments soon!
What other producers, songwriters and/or artists do you see as your primary inspirations?
Well, I have so many! Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday, Amy Winehouse, Etta James, Lana Del Rey, John Mayer, Taylor Swift, Alanis Morisette
What was your favorite performance so far? What made it so special?
It would have to be The Roxy in 2013! It was my first time performing there and I remember going upstairs and looking at all the amazing signatures from almost every artist you can name (I also signed my name on the wall haha) My name was on a marquee for the first time. All my amazing friends, family and supporters were there. It was the first time I got to perform with my drummer, Jose De Leon. It’s a day I’ll never forget and something I got to cross off my bucket list!
If someone told you right now to pick one venue and artist to sing/play with what would that be?
Forget a venue! I’d pick my backyard with John Mayer or Frank Sinatra.
What is your favorite place in the Inland Empire (Riverside & San Bernardino Counties)?
It would have to be the Mission Inn in Riverside. It’s so beautiful and cute there and the scenery is gorgeous!
What is the first song ever sung? Do you have secret craving? fave food?
First song I ever sung was Selena’s Bidi Bidi Bom Bom. My dad even has it recorded on a cassette tape somewhere. Craving would have to be Hot Cheetos with a mango Snapple…always. Favorite food is Chipotle or anything Italian!
Do you have any pets? Dog person or cat?
I love all animals but I’m more of a dog person. My grandma has a dog, that I like to call mine as well haha. His name’s Yogi and he’s a North American husky. Hoping to get one of my own soon!
What was your first job?
My first job was volunteering at a non-profit organization that service, support and advocacy for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
Do you have any loves, other then music?
I have a love for traveling. I want to be able to travel to different parts of the world, try different things and take risks! I also love photography and make up.
What do you like to do for fun outside of working on music?
I love spending quality time with family and friends. Almost every weekend this summer we were in Laguna Beach and I fell in love with it! So road trips to Laguna, cruising along Southern California, concert/shows. I just love adventure
How do you describe your music to people?
It’s so hard to put your music into a category. But if I had to, it would have to be “pop” with my own twist of course. I love writing about personal experiences and other people’s stories. Things that people can relate to and lyrics remind you of a certain time in your life whether it be past or present. I’m always open for new ideas and experimenting with music.
How often and for how long do you practice?
I practice everyday. You’ll always catch me playing guitar or thinking of new ideas for a song.
Do you have an charities or causes that are close to your heart?
Causes/Foundations that are close to my heart the first one is The Mental Health Foundation because my grandfather was battling depression & in 2009 he took his life. I miss him so much but I hold our memories close to my heart! The second would be Relay For Life Cancer Society because my godmother is battling reoccurring uterine cancer stage 4 & we have high hopes that we will get through it
Whats coming up for you where can our fans see you?
Right now, I’m working on my first EP! Independently. So finally…NEW MUSIC SOON!
I’ll be releasing my single sometime in October, so look out for that! You can check me out at:
YouTube.com/BerniceCeleste
Facebook.com/bernicecelestemusic
Soundcloud.com/berniceceleste…my website in currently under construction!
