Meet Bernice Celeste

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bernice Celeste.

Hi Bernice, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today. 
I come from a big musical Mexican family. I grew up watching my Aunt Lorena singing Spanish music at family parties and was in awe of her talent. With every note she sang, stardust poured out of her. While watching her, I knew I wanted to be just like her. 

I moved around a lot growing up. Originally from Southern California, but moved to states like New Mexico, Texas, and South Carolina. I got to see and experience different lifestyles. Every place I lived in felt like a whole new world with a million different stories, so I decided to turn my stories into songs. 

I started writing and playing guitar at 13. I loved being able to express myself and paint pictures with words. My family and I were living in South Carolina at the time, but due to the loss of my grandfather, we relocated back to California. I expressed my grief with music, and while healing from loss, I decided to pursue my dream. I gigged nonstop around LA as a teenager and played anywhere I could. I was signed to an independent label, I met so many people who tried to take advantage of me as a young artist and by the time I was 21, I was burned out. I didn’t know what to do next. 

Lost and not knowing what my next move was, I watched a video of Maggie Rogers when she was at NYU showing her music to Pharrell, and it lit a fire in me again. I decided to google music schools in LA and found The Los Angeles College of Music. I applied and was accepted. There, I found myself. I wrote so many songs, got invited to Capitol Records, won the 2019 Grammy U Showcase and was about to be signed by a publishing company. I felt on top of the world… then pandemic happened. 

I lost myself again and fell into the deepest depression of my life. While in the midst of darkness, the only thing that kept me going, other than my family, was writing. I had to light that fire in me again. So, I started writing with my former songwriting professor, Debra Davis, and we decided to start a writing team called ‘Brown Eyed Girls’. She helped me heal through music, and I eventually found my light again. 

Now I’m here. 30, with so much hope, wisdom, and excitement for the future. Back on my feet, I’m writing my best songs and hoping to break barriers as a Latina singer/songwriter. 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely has not been a smooth road at all. Lots of “no’s”, self-doubt and mental health issues. But all of it builds strength and wisdom. I wouldn’t be who I am without the struggles. I’ve learned to make magic out of all the madness, 

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a singer/songwriter. I not only write for myself but for other artists as well. I like to say I specialize in helping people heal and feel less alone through lyrics. 

I think what sets me apart from others is that I’m not trying to be like anyone else. I write raw and honest lyrics from the perspective of a Latina. I mean, I’m a Mexican/American woman writing folk/pop/country songs. That’s not common in my culture. I want to tell my story and break barriers. I want people to be moved by my lyrics and storytelling. 

What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love the community of creatives, the diversity of people and how you can find inspiration literally everywhere. How can you not love Los Angeles?! 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bernice.celeste
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bernicecelestemusic
• Twitter: twitter.com/berniceceleste
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWW4tNSEmK_yboP77Ka7H3g

Image Credits
Jose De Leon