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LA based musician, songwriter, and supernatural psychic Cillie Barnes, is known for creating enchanting, whimsical vibes through music. Her self described gyp-hop sound perfectly embodies her eclectic aura. GroundSounds recently caught up with Cillie for an exclusive interview check it out below.
Can you tell us about bringing your album Happy Valley to fruition?
Sure. I wrote a whole bunch of songs with my friend Joe Keefe that we demoed out in my house and then took into Wax Ltd. to gloss up a bit.
What was it like on set for the “Happy Valley” music video? What did you enjoy most about filming this video?
When I got there the kids had already built the sets. They dressed me, impressed me with their dance skills, gave me a talking to about how I should have said lyrically, “tofu up on the griller” opposed to “fish” because it’s more vegetarian friendly. I guess I went in there thinking I’d “teach” them something. Ridiculous, I know. And I walked away having been completely schooled by them.
Can you tell us about the creative process and inspiration behind your track “Solstice”?
Yep. This is my favorite song on the EP. I thought I’d make a sort of satirical track about Los Angeles Counter Culture. And me being a part of it. Clinging to the latest greatest crystal, hot yoga, meditation, kale, world music, oregano oil, colloidal silver, palo santo, jung, dreamwork, conspiracy theories… and so on and so on. And on the flip-side – finding solace in reality television, fast food, Excedrin and pop music. I’m extremely guilty of all of this. The chorus is a nod to the Egyptian Book of The Dead.. and my acknowledgment that I’m not alright. And I want to get better.
RAC recently remixed your track “Veranda”, what did you think upon hearing it?
I think it’s really cool. To have a track flipped on it’s head like that… It’s more than a remix because he actually stripped away everything, keeping only my vocals. It’s current and very breezy.
What do you enjoy most about performing live?
All of it. As a solo artist, it’s easy to get lonely. To feel isolated and disconnected.. you kind of forget there’s this whole other ruckus, energy infused side to it. Less technical, more chances for things to go haywire. It’s also great to hear the songs take shape live.. and how the audience breathes new life into – and becomes a part of them.
What are you currently listening to?
My Morning Jacket, Pr0files, Lovage, Joni Mitchell, Marko Casso, Aaron Embry, Willy Mason, Tinariwen
Do you have an words of wisdom that your could share with us?
“You knew I was a snake when you picked me up.”
What people, places, and books have inspired you greatly?
Salome, Mata Hari, Winchester Mystery House, House of Leaves, Beast with Two Backs, Weird Al Yankovic, Edgar Allan Poe
What are your next moves? What are you currently working on?
Can’t show all my cards just yet.
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