Celia Tewey: Creating without the pressure of perfection
"To me, 'accelerating action' is about taking swift, tangible steps to create change or be empowered rather than waiting for progress to happen gradually."
In celebration of International Women's Day and Women's History Month, we spoke with musical force Celia Tewey — an NYC-based multi-instrumentalist, composer, and visual artist who thrives on improvisation and self-sufficiency. With a foundation in classical piano and jazz, she layers synth, guitar, bass, and even banjo to craft her unique sound.
In our latest interview, Celia opens up about breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry and her thoughts on the power of creative independence. Read on to see how she embraces music technology, how instruments like the Seaboard help fuel her dynamic performances and why self-taught skills are game-changers for emerging women artists.
Who is Celia Tewey? Can you tell us a little about your journey in music?
I am a multi-instrumentalist based in New York City. I’m a pianist first and foremost, having played now for over 20 years. I started classical training at age 5 and moved into jazz in high school. Since then, I’ve found a passion for creating my own music through improvisation. Much of my style revolves around on-the-spot creation using layered loops on piano, synth, guitar, bass, and even banjo! Currently, I write and mix all of my own music from my tiny shoebox apartment in Manhattan.
What inspired you to pursue a musical career, and how has your artistic style evolved?
I’ve always known music was going to be a constant in my life for the long term. I studied film and journalism in college, but my passion for music has only grown since.
My artistic style has evolved through exploration and improvisation. Aside from my classical training in piano, I’ve taught myself how to use Logic, how to mix and master, and how to play each of the other instruments in my ever-growing collection. Because of this, my sound feels like my own. Now, I enjoy creating pieces with dynamic layered rhythms and unique chord colors. I like arranging my own covers of songs that I love and experimenting with adding my own layers and melody lines as I go. I’d call it a mix of jazz, fusion, classical, and funk.
The theme for International Women’s Day this year is “Accelerate Action” — What does this mean to you, and how do you embody this theme in your work and career?
There’s nothing more empowering than being able to hear a musical idea and then execute it all by yourself. Before I dove into learning DAW programs myself, I was constantly frustrated with the need for outside help and the inability to create what I heard in my head accurately and clearly. Especially in such a male-driven field, it’s sometimes hard to be taken seriously and it’s hard to stand firm and say “My ideas matter exactly the way they are.” To me, "Accelerating Action" is about taking swift, tangible steps to create change or be empowered rather than waiting for progress to happen gradually. It means turning my ideas and aspirations into something real that I can do, solely with my skills alone.
As a multi-instrumentalist and visual artist with work in photography and film in your ever-expanding catalog of experience, how do you integrate your diverse artistic skills to innovate in your musical projects?
I love using my photography, film, animation, and graphic design skills alongside my music! I film and edit all of my own videos, design all my own album artwork, create animations to go with my songs, and even take many of my own self-portraits (on a self-timer)! It’s empowering to be able to be that all-in-one creator for myself as an artist! In addition to this, I think creating videos at home has helped me practice my performance style as well. I have seen myself grow as a presenter and a teacher along the way.
Your work includes performances with instruments like the Seaboard and other technology that can be seen as accelerating the evolution of modern music. How do you approach learning new technologies, and how can embracing such tools accelerate creative possibilities for other artists? What advice would you give to those who might be worried about embracing newer music technology?
Apart from piano, I‘ve always taught myself things in the music world by diving in headfirst. Every tool, whether it’s the Seaboard or another innovative instrument, is a fresh canvas for exploration. For me, there's no better educator in music, composition, and theory than simply keeping at it, exploring, and trying new things. For other artists feeling hesitant about embracing new music technology, my advice is to create without worrying about the pressure of perfection. Don’t try to write a masterpiece every time. Form an idea, record your work, mix it a little, learn how and why to adjust certain settings, learn what you like, and then delete it. Each time, you’ll learn maybe just one thing or one setting, but nonetheless, you’ll be learning and evolving. Breakthroughs often happen through mistakes and confusion and creativity flows best when you have no guidelines.
What is your usual production setup like, and what are your favorite or essential pieces of gear needed for live performances or in the studio? How do these instruments impact your creativity?
Apart from my piano (Yamaha Arius YDP 145) and my Seaboard 2, my most used tool is my looper pedal. I use the Boss MK2 505. For me, it’s been an essential tool for songwriting, harmony building, rhythm practice, and developing my layered style. Using my looper in my apartment all alone, I can be my own band, practicing multiple instruments at once and honing in on my rhythmic skills. I love using it in tandem with piano and Seaboard, creating a unique mix of classic sound and new-age sound. It’s excellent for live performances, too. I love using it to spice up an otherwise basic jazz piano show.
Reflecting on your journey as a woman artist in multiple fields, what actions do you believe are crucial to help create gender equality and representation in the arts?
I think it’s essential for female creators to help other female creators! It feels good to lift each other up, share tips and tricks, and make each other feel welcome no matter what level we are at. It’s so important to be able to have buddies in this industry who you can share experiences with, ask questions, and be each other’s tech support!
What advice would you give women aspiring to be musicians, producers, and creatives to help them as they build their careers?
My main pieces of advice are:
Learn as many skills as you can! Whether it’s photography, graphic design, or video editing, having the ability to be the main creator on your own projects is really helpful as an emerging artist. It’s also really empowering and it reinforces passion for the projects. Especially when savings and time may be tight, learning other skills helps you be able to direct your time and money solely toward your art! Whether it’s an album with your own artwork, a music video with your own editing, or something else, your pieces will feel more complete and personal to you and your voice.
Create without the need for perfection! It took me a really long time to get out of the trap of needing every project to be perfect. But nowadays, I’ll try to capture moments of inspiration and use it as a practice rather than holding myself to the pressure of perfection.
What’s next for you? Are there any projects you’re currently working on that we can look forward to later this year or in the near future?
Right now, I’m having fun exploring the world of analog synth sounds! I’ve always loved the sound of old Rhodes and Wurlitzer pianos. I also have quite a guilty pleasure for disco and funk fusion music. Now, I’m working on a piano/seaboard/synth album project to be released later this year that sounds like it comes straight out of the 80s!
Keep up with Celia's musical pursuits on TikTok, Instagram, Spotify and Apple Music
