CELIA: Press

Celia Shacklett keeps busy as the leader of Celia's Big Rock Band and as a member of Mark Pagano's Firedog. (Both bands are part of the multimedia collective Love-O-Rama.) But on Transformateurs, which she's releasing under her own name, Celia proves a confident songwriter with an assured, rarely faltering voice. On the disc, her songs are poppy but not lightweight, and the sprightly guitar strokes (compliments of Celia and Melinda Winifred Jane Tentrees) are both effervescent and rooted in dreamy, jazz-chord structures. Celia's songs are a bit carefree and happy-go-lucky, and sometimes the album ("Time Traveler" in particular) feels suited to the lucrative world of children's entertainment. In an amazing snag, Canadian folk hero Bruce Cockburn drops in for two tracks; his smoky backing vocals and lithe, bluesy guitar playing give "Things You'll Miss" an earthy gravitas. Luckily, Celia doesn't need the starpower to make waves — Transformateurs stands on its own with the twin strengths of clever songwriting and sweet, sunny guitar pop.

“For all who participated in our Oct. 15th Love-O-Rama Collaboration Celebration, Thank You!!

"In addition to an awe inspiring and unique documentary the Love O Rama concert and multi-media show kept our crowd buzzing and positively energized on the dance floor all night long. Celia was the best MC we had all year at our Bohemian Nights monthly Artists IN Action event series."

"Empowerment Works was honored to partner with this synergistic creative team- raising awareness of critical issues facing humanity, while giving people a local outlet to support local business and enjoy life- so vital to fostering social change!”


Melanie St.James, MPA
Executive Director

“Celebrating Our Planet and its Peoples to Resolve Poverty!”

Empowerment Works!
1801 Lincoln Blvd. #138
Venice, CA. 90291 USA

Tel. +1(310) 392-6909
Fax. +1(866) 286-5404

It's kinda scary, the relentless charm of Celia. Though still a relative newcomer, the perky singer/songwriter has captivated hordes of St. Louisans with her winsome, wide-eyed folk/pop. Her general adorableness knows no bounds: Last year, the transplanted Kansan was nominated in both the Kansas City Klammies and the St. Louis Slammies -- an unprecedented feat, as far as we know. Whether she's singing about armadillos or a lover's ringlets, whether she's emceeing a Women in Rock show or busking on the streets of Soulard, whether she's goofing around on KDHX-FM or holding court at Metropolis' The Lot, Celia melts hearts wherever she goes. Imagine a cross between Raffi and Melanie. If the thought of such a hybrid turns your stomach, well, maybe you're one of the unhappy few immune to Celia's allure. Unless you're an unmitigated crab-ass, you'll probably find yourself grinning like a moron in no time.

Klammie-nominated singer/songwriter Celia recently relocated to St. Louis and promptly earned a nod for a Slammie, making her quite possibly the first artist to become eligible for both awards in the same calendar year. Her loyal Lawrence-based fans might still be scrambling to fill the void left by the absence of her regular gigs at the Brown Bear Brewery, but her debut full-length Love O Rama, should ease their pain. Recorded at Z’gwon,th Studio, Love O Rama showcases Celia’s confident vocals, her skilled acoustic playing and particularly her clever wordplay. On the opening “Flirting,” she directs a series of coy queries at a “gymnast of joking” who’s giving her best lines, asking Are you just having fun/Could I be anyone? Musically, the album’s finest song “Forgot February,” offers melancholy melody that emphasizes the regret at which its lyrics hint. When she sings It felt good to be reckless, the chilly guitar hook in the background suggests that consequences followed this carefree time. Celia wraps up the disc with a drastically rearranged version of The Beatles’ “Help” – one that, by toning down the tune’s catchiness, enhances the urgency of its message.

I don't care if you are into rock or rap, country or classical, techno or disco, you will be mesmerized by Celia. She's filled with a positive energy that radiates through any room she plays. Local music critic/Rock Star himself, Roy Kasten once referred to her as "Sonic Zoloft." You can find Celia performing at rock clubs, coffeehouses, comedy clubs, restaurants, public parks, and deserted shopping malls. She can emcee one of those jam band festivals in the Ozarks that i never go to, host an open-mic night at Novak's that I sometimes go to, and provide entertainment for you child's birthday party. In a jaded world filled with cynical bastards like me, couldn't we all use a little more Celia in our lives?