Cecily

SOUL, JAZZ, R&B VOCALIST

Washington, DC

 

DC-based vocalist and songwriter Cecily, (pronounced ses-suh-lee), is known for her agile soprano and  honest lyrics. Her sound, as soothing as it is rich, is rooted in a deep appreciation for mid-century soul  and jazz, 90’s R&B, and re-imagined folk music. 

Her debut album Songs of Love and Freedom garnered her a 2019 Wammie Award for Best Soul Album and was named "Best New Soul on Bandcamp" by the Bandcamp editorial team, who described the  project as "stirringly timeless and modern.”  

“Her celestial vocal register and authentic lyrics place her in a lane that few can occupy.”
— Soulbounce

Cecily’s 2019 release exploring unconditional love, Awakening Pt. 1. landed her first SoulTracks Readers' Choice Awards nomination for Female Vocalist of the Year, a 2020 Indie Soul Music Award for Best Female Artist of the Year and a 2020 Wammie Award for Best Soul Song for her single, "Clumsy," which BET.com praised for its “gorgeously sultry vocals." The project was also named “Best New Soul on Bandcamp” by Chaka Grier of  the Bandcamp editorial team, who praised her ability to blend “top-notch songwriting and thoughtful  self-reflection with a gentle jazz-influenced sound.” 

“I Am Love,” released in October 2023, is the first single from Awakening Pt.II, Cecily’s eagerly anticipated continuation of the critically acclaimed Awakening Pt. 1.  The album interweaves Cecily's life experiences with inspiration from the book All About Love by Black feminist writer bell hooks. The single specifically focuses on the importance of affirmations, as discussed in the text, with the heart – and title – from the track rooted in the power of reminding yourself:
“I Am Love.” 

Over her career, Cecily has remained committed to creating work that celebrates vulnerability as a strength, unconditional love as a grounding principle, and joy as an innate human right. 

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

VENUE & FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

Rosslyn Jazz Fest - Arlington, VA 
Pearl Street Warehouse - Washington, DC
Zey Zey  - Miami, FL
Juneteenth Event - New Orleans, LA
Blues Alley - Washington, DC
Pie Shop DC- Washington, DC
Chestertown Jazz Festival - Chestertown, MD
Strathmore Live from the Lawn - Rockville, MD
Hook Hall - Washington, DC
Juneteenth in Rockefeller Park - New York, NY
Atlanta Jazz Festival - Atlanta, GA
Chayz Lounge - Columbia, SC

PRESS & AWARDS

Creativity Grant Maryland State Arts Council 2022
Project Grant Montgomery County Arts Council 2022
Artist-in-Residence Washington Project for the Arts 2022
Best Soul Song Washington Music Awards (WAMMIE) 2021
Best Soul Song WAMMIE 2020
Independent Artist Award Maryland State Arts Council 2020
Best Female Vocalist Indie Soul Music Awards 2020

 SAMPLE RECORDINGS