Nashville-born singer/songwriter Cecilia Castleman captivates audiences with her debut self-titled LP, a coming-of-age record that radiates timeless warmth, depth, and intimacy.
‘Cecilia Castleman’ – Cecilia Castleman
Have you ever encountered someone you believed was meant to shine brightly? Approximately eight years ago, during a summer camp in Los Angeles, I experienced that sensation for the first time. One afternoon, a small circle of young musicians gathered to showcase our songs to one another. In the center stood Cecilia Castleman, a blonde, bright-eyed girl strumming her acoustic guitar. When she began to sing, time seemed to freeze. Her soulful tone felt mature beyond her years, commanding the attention of everyone present. I remember thinking, “Wow, music can sound like that?” That summer, I gained not just a friend but a significant musical inspiration that would influence me for years to come.
Cecilia Castleman released her self-titled debut album on January 24th through Glassnote Records. She achieved her first significant breakthrough in 2022 with the release of her single “Lonely Nights,” co-written with Daniel Tashian, who collaborated on Kacey Musgraves’ Grammy-winning album, Golden Hour. Set against a lush, vintage country backdrop and featuring lyrics reminiscent of the Eagles, “Lonely Nights” resonated with audiences of all ages.
In her first interview with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe, Castleman shared, “This song [Lonely Nights] marked the beginning of everything. It emerged during the pandemic and arrived in a mysterious way... The process of creating this album was so intuitive. What was meant to happen, happened.” Atwood Magazine highlighted the song as an Editor’s Pick, praising Castleman’s emotionally rich vocals: “Castleman’s radiantly expressive and emotionally potent vocal chords seal the deal as she spills her heart out in song.” She was subsequently recognized as one of the top artist discoveries of 2022 and an artist to watch for 2023 and 2024.
Despite the isolating effects of the pandemic in 2021, it was a rewarding time for Cecilia Castleman. That year, she signed with the prestigious indie label Glassnote Records and began recording her debut album with legendary producer Don Was of The Doors. “Don and I worked at Henson Studios in LA, and one memorable moment was while recording ‘I Don’t Need to Love You,’” Castleman recounted. “On the third day of band tracking, we were all jamming on what later became the song's ending. There was an unmistakable energy in the room, and we all sensed we were creating something special.”
Following a highly successful few years, playing at festivals like Bonnaroo and SXSW and opening for idols like Sheryl Crow, Hozier, and Marcus King, Cecilia Castleman now takes center stage with her album released into the world. Her self-titled debut, Cecilia Castleman, is a richly layered coming-of-age album that feels both personal and universal, confident yet yearning, straightforward yet intricate.
Listening to Castleman’s debut reveals an old soul embedded within a twenty-something's body, a realization she embraces fully. In the album’s standout track, “Cadillac,” she showcases the depth beneath her exterior, demonstrating that she has something significant to express and is here to stay.
“Everyone loves a pretty girl
Like there’s nothing more in her world
It takes a while for them to see you grow
Let ‘em wait.”
– “Cadillac,” Cecilia Castleman
Reconnecting with Cecilia Castleman at this stage of our lives feels like a full-circle moment. Sitting in her Nashville bedroom with her dog beside her, Castleman embodies a composed, humble, and gentle presence, reminiscent of our earlier interactions. Though a lot has transpired, it feels as if no time has passed at all. In our conversation, we delve into the stories behind her album, highlights of her career thus far, and the influence of her mother on her journey as a multifaceted artist.
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**A CONVERSATION WITH CECILIA CASTLEMAN**
Atwood Magazine: It’s quite bold to self-title a debut album! What motivated you to name it after yourself?
Cecilia Castleman: This record feels like the truest representation of me I’ve ever created. It’s my first real imprint on an album, so it felt appropriate to use my name. I’ve always admired self-titled albums; some of my favorites are self-titled.
How would you describe the album to someone unfamiliar with it?
Cecilia Castleman: To me, this album represents eight years of a young girl striving to grow up and navigate her life—a true coming-of-age record reflecting a young girl’s heart.
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Nashville-born singer/songwriter Cecilia Castleman makes a significant impact with her debut self-titled LP, which is rich in timeless warmth, depth, and intimacy.