Cecily's musical project: Awakening Pt II

Hello, my name is Cecily, and I am fundraising for the completion and promotion of my musical project Awakening Pt. II.

I am a vocalist and songwriter from Washington, DC. I have been an independent, full-time musician for 7 years now. In that time, I've performed at large venues and festivals, including The Essence Festival, DC Jazz Festival, Capital Jazz Festival, The Kennedy Center, and The Apollo Theater. I have also won several awards, including 3 Wammies (Washington Area Music Awards) and an Indie Soul Music Award for Best Female Vocalist. My last album, Awakening Pt. I, was celebrated and featured by national media, including BET and NPR.

I am in the process of completing Awakening Pt. II, a soul music album based on the themes of the book All About Love by bell hooks. Awakening Pt. 1 dealt with self-love and romantic relationships. Part 2 broadens the conversation by delving into what bell hooks called a ‘love ethic,’ extending love beyond the romantic into the societal and political. On the upcoming album, my lyrics explore environmental justice, the rights of children, familial relationships, and community care.

This album is very close to my heart. Its release was delayed several times due to the pandemic, and I am so excited to finally share it with you. The passing of bell hooks earlier this year makes this project feel even more timely and needed. I feel it is my purpose to offer my listeners a radical reimagining of the transformational power of unconditional love, and this album aligns directly with that desire.

I have won two grants so far to assist in recording this album and have combined that with my own personal savings and gifts from family. Being an independent artist gives me the freedom to write, produce and record meaningful and powerful work; however, I know the promotion and marketing of my projects is a challenge due to limited funding. Without the resources of a large record label, my budget is limited.

With the encouragement of several Facebook friends, fans, and supporters, I am asking that if you love what I do, please help me share it with the world. The funds I raise here will be used to complete a music video for my upcoming single and to fund radio and playlist promotion.

I know these are challenging times for many people, so if you cannot donate but got this far reading, I ask that you share my music with a friend you think will love it.

With love & gratitude,

Cecily

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