Celestine Manno

Brooklyn, NYC-based singer-songwriter Celestine Manno makes her 2023 debut with a brilliant effort titled "Cycles". The singer who was initially based in Colorado, spent some time developing her art, soaking in influences from different genres such as folk/pop/R&B and electronic music with a contemporary vibe. Now she is ready to show the world her true self and how her life experiences help frame her art. Produced by Chris Funk, "Cycles" is a mellow indie-pop-infused track composed of rich sonics that takes listeners into a comforting zone. From the warm strings, reflective textures, soothing pads and soft drum grooves to Manno's soft melodic runs, the record is hinged on nostalgia, self-belief and the power of determination. Lyrics like "Keep on falling into the same cycles/Drifting down the same old spiral/Keep on falling into the same cycles/I just want for my thoughts to settle," are a full frontal display of self-awareness.

"Cycles" was recorded and produced at Floki Studios in Iceland and is the first release from the full-album debut from Floki Studios, Once You've Seen It All. - Earmilk - Tayo Odutola

Celestine Manno has undertaken a transformative journey in her musical pursuit, transitioning from the serene landscapes of Colorado to the bustling energy of Brooklyn, New York. Having spent years honing her artistry in the mountainous terrains, the dichotomy of city life and mountain tranquillity has woven its way into her music. Manno’s sonic palette is an amalgamation of influences, spanning across genres and creating a distinctive sound characterized by organic electronic production, live instrumentation, and poignant lyricism. Her creative process, led by vulnerability, seeks to resonate with audiences as her songwriting meanders through nostalgic recollections and familiar landscapes, finding beauty in the moments in between.

The latest single taken from her debut album, “Crash”, further serves as a melodic gateway into the 9-song collection titled “Once You’ve Seen It All“. “Crash” exhibits rich vocal layers and infectious hooks, marking the album’s midpoint and reinforcing its status as a “no skips” experience. With each song possessing a life of its own, Celestine Manno’s debut album is a testament to her burgeoning songwriting and promising career, with plans for more live performances and network expansion on the horizon. - Where the Music Meets

This one is for the lover of lyrics.

Celestine Manno's "Holding On" inspires admiration on several fronts, but none more fervently than its lyrical prowess. Her words form the skeleton of the song; they're tossed like bones that land within the listener, eclipsing any fortune foretold.

While I touched upon the human condition of desire in my previous review,"Holding On" seems to capture the more raw and real experience of it. One can pontificate until one is blue in the face, but the discombobulating discomfort of desire is captured in all its nuance as Manno writes "Don’t know what I want / Something lace or something gritty."

The mind's capacity for fantasy is wonderfully alluring but at the same time, can wreak havoc upon the inner and outer world, akin to an explosive concealed within a bed of roses. This sentiment echoes in the lyrics:

"Looking at you
Just looking at me,
Will I want you in the morning?"

This song has blown me away, and with it, any further thoughts. After all, in the presence of a wordsmith, one's own words will be humbled into silence. Thus, I offer you the following for reflection:

"The sky is on fire
With all my desires
And I try to trace them
In the constellations


Read a bullshit horoscope
Anything for a little hope
I’ve got no direction,
No luck with satisfaction." - Indie Shuffle