Mama Cleo – Never Let Up

By starrymag | December 22, 2020

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) My sound is a blend of classic jazz and influences of modern hip-hop and pop. I love Ella Fitzgerald, Lauryn Hill, Amy Winehouse and Madonna and I feel like I sit somewhere in their crossroads!

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) So many… All that I listed above, but I also adore Queen, Nicki Minaj, Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, St. Vincent, Brandi Carlile, Beethoven… the list goes on!

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Never Let Up.”

A) “Never Let Up” is a song about being frustrated with a man who has the potential to be so much better than he acts. It’s a call to action to get your sh*t together and be a real man!

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

I think people love the blend of retro and modern sounds in the instrumental and the sassy vibes. Who doesn’t want to feel like a retro diva and groove?

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

A) The video (coming soon) is all about the funny power dynamics between men and women just like the song and blends retro performance styles like the Dick Van Dyck Show or a Supremes concert with the capabilities of Smart TVs. You’ll have to watch it to understand!

Q) What is your songwriting process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

A) I often create songs from the vocal or lyrics and then write the music – usually when I try to play chords or listen to an instrumental, I have no inspiration! However, my producer on this song, John Secolo, made the basic beat to this song and I immediately loved it and started singing “Never Let Up.” Divine inspiration!

Q) How much of hand do you have in the production of your music?

A) I am very involved from start to finish! I love it…Usually, I work hand-in-hand with a producer from start to finish to make my vision come true.

Q) Will there be a full album or EP coming in the near future?

A) Yes. [wink] Watch out 2021!

Q) How do you shake off a long day in the studio?

A) I love a long day in the studio!! It gives me energy and relaxes me. I usually shake off a long day with some studio time.

Q) With concerts currently on hold, what do you miss most about being on stage?

A) I always miss connecting with people in the audience, but, thankfully, we can still do that nowadays to some extent with social media. I just recorded a concert that I’ll be putting online for my babies soon!

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

A) Anywhere I am with my babies!! But probably New York City because it is my hometown, Austin, because it is now my home and Spain because it had such a huge influence on me as the first place I traveled solo at about nineteen years old.

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

A) Mama Cleo + The Weeknd would be fire.

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

A) I have been listening to a lot of country music since moving to Austin, TX this year. I love Johnny Cash and Sheryl Crow most at the moment.

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

A) I can connect with babies around the world and share my day-to-day life with them. It’s wonderful! My supporters know when I am having a bad day, when I am excited about an upcoming song and just about everything in between. They care for me and I try my best to take care of them!

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) Babies, you are so special and loved! Thank you for being here with me since day 1, and I can’t wait to keep growing together!