Ciara Vizzard
Singer/songwriter Ciara Vizzard unveiled her new single “Hurricane” on May 24th.
Produced by Nosa Apollo (Ella Mai, Mabel, Tiana Major 9), the pop single is about feeling abandoned in a time where you needed help the most.
“That song was written after a very challenging time for me when I was feeling very isolated and alone. It forced me to pull something out of myself that I'd never experienced before,” explains Vizzard.
Born and raised in America to Irish and American parents, growing up in Paris, and then moving to Belfast before settling near London, Vizzard unveiled her debut EP Fearless in 2017. By offering heartfelt records and dazzling vocals, the singer/songwriter is creating her unique journey in the music industry.
“Hurricane” is now available on major streaming platforms.
Photo credit: Laura Rhodes
Introduce yourself - where are you from?
There's a long answer and a short answer. The short answer is that I was born in the States. I spent my formative years in Paris and came to the UK for uni. I've been here ever since.
What's your story?
I'm a cultural mutt and wholly embrace it.
You grew up in Paris. What do you remember from these moments? Any favourite memories?
I have quite few favorite memories but some that stand out are just getting to explore the city with my best friends from school. One summer when we were 14 we rode every metro line there was just to do something. We also had our school prom on the Champs Elysee which is kind of cool.
Could you describe us your childhood a little bit?
Well I have always had very loving parents and older brother, so I'm blessed in that respect. However my childhood did have some interesting moments, like being diagnosed and treated for a very rare cancer at the age of 8/9 years old. That definitely influenced me a lot.
How would you describe yourself today?
I have quite an adventurous spirit and a huge desire to connect with others, particularly with my music. I have also grown to really embrace who I am.
Do you remember your early musical memories?
Well my grandfather used to always sing, known as 'The Voice of Ireland' back in his day for his speaking voice. My mother used to always sing to me when I was scared or upset, and my father used to always play jazz/blues on his record player.
When did you start singing?
I started singing when I was a teenager at charity concerts st my school, but it took until I was 21 to have confidence in my ability.
Could you tell us about your first experience in the music industry? What have you learnt since then?
I actually feel like a lot of my experience in the industry is yet to come even though I've been pursuing this professionally for 4.5 years now. Over that time, I definitely think I've learned to trust that what I create is good even if it doesn't speak to everyone, to be confident in what I have to offer artistically.
How did your sound and voice evolve since your first EP?
My sound and voice has evolved by collaborating with different people, particularly Nosa Apollo. Working with him has stretched me artistically and I've been able to expand my range of songwriting and vocal styles in ways I wouldn't have anticipated.
"Hurricane" is your new single. What's the story behind this song?
That song was written after a very challenging time for me when I was feeling very isolated and alone. It forced me to pull something out of myself that I'd never experienced before.
Nosa Apollo produced the song. How was it like to work together? How did you meet?
We met in a random way through someone who knew someone. It feels like we were meant to work together. He understands my sound so well now and we feed off each other artistically. He's also just a very blessed and gifted man and what he does. I enjoy every time I get to work with him.
Could you describe the songwriting process for this particular song? When did you start working on it?
I began writing it earlier this year. I had written other lyrics for the song initially. I brought the guitar chord progression and lyrics to Nosa, but as he began to produce over the guitar, new lyrics emerged. And then the song just came to life.
What did you feel when writing this song?
I really wanted to express the feeling of being abandoned and alone when you needed help the most. I felt an urgency in it, to share the feelings I'd been having.
What can you tell us about the artwork? How did it come about?
Originally I had planned to release a different song, which i had already had the artwork for. Then when it was decided to release “Hurricane” first I was trying to figure out very quickly what would best represent the song. A couple days later, I walked outside my house and the sky was black and grey, with the look of a looming storm. So I grabbed my poloroid camera and took the picture.
What message do you want to convey through your music?
You know it's not so much the message, but rather I want to create a space for the listener to feel something that's meaningful for them.
What does music make you feel?
Music makes me feel happy, sad, energised, anything really. It just depends what I'm looking for at the time. My favorite moments though are when music moves in a way I wasnt expecting.
What would be your definition of music?
It's channels and gives voice to that part of us that communicates without words.
What does it mean for you to be an artist?
It means everything. To be able to express this side of myself feels like I am embracing who I am and growing in confidence in what that means both on a personal level, as well as an artistic level.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
I would love to see people be more loving and giving towards others, especially when there is not necessarily anything to gain directly in return. I also think we need to focus on what unites us, rather than what divides us, and celebrate our differences for the enriching qualities that they are.
What biggest life lessons have you learned so far?
I've been learning a lot lately how to let go, and trust that what is for me will not pass me by.
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