For the past couple years, international pop-star Celeste Buckingham has taken the attention of Europe by storm, winning countless awards and releasing massive hits. Now, the ambitious vocal sensation has set her eyes on the United States, filled with opportunities and moments for this rising star to make herself a household name. Recently, we caught up with Celeste to talk music, cultural differences, and her journey as a musician.
Your bio describes you as a “conquering hero” because you are taking over the world (musically) one region at a time. How does that feel?
Oh, I am not sure if I would describe myself as a conquering hero. I started in a small country in Europe (Slovakia where I grew up) and moved to Czech Republic and then to some other European countries, the Middle East and North Africa. But it has all been a natural process. I continued to do what I was doing and basically most of the “spreading of the word” happened through the fans and the Internet. I am delighted of course overtime that I hear a new country is listing my songs in their chart. Recently I just happened to fin out that my single. Run Run Run was on the top charts in France. It was a lovely surprise.
How do you think it’s different putting out music here in the US vs Europe?
There are always differences. But I think the biggest difference is the last of the fans. My fans in Europe like different kinds of music and visuals, while the american fans expect something else. It’s complicated trying to balance it out. But overall breaking in the industry here and there is the same. Its an uphill battle, but music is a universal language, and if you share it, it eventually gets around.
What do you think the biggest challenges are in the US for a musician?
The US is a huge country and a huge market. The country I grew up in has a population half the size of New York. So things are a bit different there. To get national visibility one has to do reach out to a lot of people and stations. And if you are a new artist and do not have a label or a big supporting organization it is almost impossible to reach out. The distances make things hard too. The touring expenses are high because of the high traveling cost to move a band long distances. Thanks to the Internet,musicians can do a lot of “reaching out” to the fans and music professionals through online marketing.
What was your experience filming the video for “Unpredictable?”|
Having written the script for it with my friend Mike Cahill, it was an unusual experience. We filmed the video all over Los Angeles, where I played four characters, all going through the most unpredictable disastrous day. They make it in the end, but not without going through a rough patch. Playing four characters with a two day filming schedule was busy, but it was a great experience, and working with the whole team made it a great shoot. Bringing a story to life especially when its your own is the best part of any music video.
What do you want people to take away from your upcoming album?
I want them to enjoy it and be able to relate to it. Without giving it away, I should say that the theme the new album represent a process of transformation in the life of an individual. One can take from it, his or her version of their own life. I hope that everyone can take their own piece of it and make it their own.
Are there any plans for touring in the near future?
Absolutely. My next tour is in Europe but after I return, I am going to tour in the Midwest. The details of all my shows will be posted on my social media sites.
What’s been the biggest adjustment being stateside?
A lot. On the personal level as well as professionally. My sister and I thought that because we were Americans, we would feel right at home moving to the US. But we grew up in Europe, in a different culture and surrounding. We had a culture shock and had to adjust to the way things are done here, making new friends and even the way people speak English is different. On professional level too it was a big adjustment. I am well known over there and any time that I release a song, radios call to ask if they can play it, and here that is definitely not the case. I had to start all o
Where’s one place you’re dying to visit/perform? (U.S. or anywhere else)
I have always wanted to go to Japan. I have never been and I hope to go sometime soon. I would love to perform in Tokyo, visit Osaka and experience the traditional side of Japanese culture.
What are your dream collaborators?
Maroon 5, Bruno Mars, Eminem, Elliphant. There are just too many to list. I also have no specific genre that I listen to-if I like it, I listen to it. I’d like to be a part of that music, and work with the people who create it.
What do you want the world to know about you above all else?
That my music tells my story. A story that we all share, though different in details, but same in the struggles and successes that we all go through. Music defines and shares human emotion, and if my music evokes some emotion in the listener, then I’ve done what I wanted to do.
What would you say has been the most difficult part of your career for you all personally and collectively?
Staying comfortable with my flaws. Showbiz creates this illusion that there is a perfecto population of people walking the earth that are the only people entitled to be artists. But it took me a while to realize that I can be whatever I want and still create. Nothing can stop me from being true to who I am and comfortable with the fact, that I will never be perfect, but have every right to express myself.
How did you, or do you continue to, overcome these struggles?
I had a hard time building my self confidence and belief in myself. But after a while, I realized that you can’t please everyone, and you won’t always be happy with yourself, but I’ve learned to live and let live. You have to forgive yourself for your mistakes, and accept yourself, flaws and all.
What is the ‘highlight’ of your career so far?
It is probably the time that I wrote the song “Nobody Knows” for the foundation that served children with autism and their families. The song became a hit and played on radios and went on top charts without it being meant to be a single. But what was fantastic was the reaction of the families and children. They were singing it and I received such a loving and heart- warming response from those families and fans in general. I was delighted that I could participate in such a worthy Cause.
What is the one dream the moment at which point either personally or collectively you would be able to say yes I’ve achieved this, I’m living my dreams?
When I won my first award for my music in Europe (something equivalent to a Grammy). It was the first time I’d ever won anything, and after years of people telling me I’d never make it, it was a huge step for me. I stuttered my way through a thank you speech, and made it off stage with the award in my hand and only after did I stop and realize I was living my dream life.
