Today we’d like to introduce you to Cedricka.
Hi Cedricka, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Growing up, I was always obsessed with the idea of performing. However, my passion led me down a winding path through various creative outlets, including acting, fashion design, and music. My journey to becoming a music artist may have seemed unorthodox, but it was uniquely mine.
I initially dipped my toes into the world of performing through musical theater in high school. As I entered college, I pursued a major in theater but soon found myself drawn to the world of costume design. My path then took an unexpected turn when I changed my major to fashion.
While I was working towards my B.A. in Fashion Design and Merchandising, a spark of passion for music began to kindle within me. I started producing music and collaborating with fellow artists in my community. Admittedly, I hesitated to fully embrace the path of a music artist. I questioned whether it was truly where I was meant to be, unsure of whether it aligned with my spiritual calling.
It wasn’t until I experienced a deep sense of inner conviction that I knew I had to follow my heart and pursue music wholeheartedly. This realization marked a significant turning point in my journey, affirming that music was indeed my true calling, guiding me along a path that felt uniquely mine.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Honestly, I have to admit that my journey hasn’t been all smooth sailing. In my view, one of the most significant challenges artists face is the ongoing battle with mental health. After leaving college, the weight of adulthood and the pursuit of my dream hit me like a ton of bricks. To keep it brief, stepping into adulthood brought my pre-existing weaknesses into sharp focus.
I grappled intensely with severe ADHD and anxiety. My mind felt constantly foggy; I’d forget things constantly, and I often felt completely disoriented. I couldn’t quite pinpoint what was wrong, which only fueled my anxiety even more. It wasn’t until I took the step to seek help from a doctor and began receiving treatment that my life started to regain its balance.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m an Alternative Pop/R&B Music Artist, producer, and songwriter, drawing inspiration from artists like Prince, Jack White, and Lizzo, as well as producers like Timbaland and bands like Led Zeppelin. Alongside my musical pursuits, I also co-own a record label called Free 5 Records with none other than my Music Manager, who happens to be my mom.
What sets me apart is my hands-on approach to every aspect of my creative work. I write and produce my music, curate my wardrobe, conceptualize my music videos, and more. While my team is expanding, I doubt I’ll ever step away from the creative directing process. I’ve honed these unique skills through my background in theater and fashion design, and I’m excited to showcase more as I continue this incredible journey.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
I’m the oldest of three girls on my mom’s side. When I was just ten years old, I, the little diva and performer that I am, came up with the idea to transform our own version of American Idol into a game called “YOU IN or YOU OUT.” In this game, one of us would play the judge, while the other two would audition to see if they made it “IN” or not. The twist was that there were only two of us, so we had to pretend to be different characters after getting kicked out. We’d return as a completely different character, singing with a different voice in a playful homage to the bad auditions seen on American Idol. We absolutely loved it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/cedricka
Image Credits
The Black and Silver photos are by “Moise Nicolas” The Hard Rock Cafe photos with red pants are by “Gary S. Whitlow”
