Rapid Fire Spotlight: Interview with Musician Ciel Gloss

Exclusive BONUS DDAD19 Interview!!!!  By Kirk Harrington

From www.cielgloss.com...

“Ciel Gloss is an American singer, songwriter and guitarist based in Manhattan, New York. Her debut album Unnatural World is scheduled to be released November 28, 2018. The album features 10 tracks which range in genre from alternative to rap, new wave, gothic and punk.”

I discovered Ciel in my perusing of DD fans and my interest was sparked when she  mentioned that one of the main influences for her music was Duran Duran.  I caught up with Ciel between shows and her busy schedule in New York.  She was gracious and fun and clearly enjoyed talking about Duran Duran.  You will see that as we speak together…

Kirk:  Hi Ciel.  Thank you for interviewing with Duran Duran Worldwide.  Our effort is a fan created effort which is about spotlighting Duran Duran and how they have influenced music and popular culture, and particularly professionals who are inspired by them.  Which is why we are interviewing you.

Your first question is...I saw that you had your debut album released back in November.  Please tell us about the album and how the release went?

Ciel:  Thanks for having me! Yes, I released my first album digitally on most major outlets November 28th, 2018. It has been a very exciting process creating the songs with my producer Raphael Sepulveda! The album was inspired by so many things like my desire to return to music after a long spell, the amazing sounds of the 80s, the digital future and well, Duran Duran! Raphael and I aimed to give the album a modern 80s sound. I think we accomplished that somewhat.

Kirk:  Please describe your sound and how Duran Duran has influenced you.

Ciel:  I would describe our sound as modern 80s or what 80s music might have sounded like with the current technology. Personally I tend to like disco beats mixed with distorted guitars so most of the tracks sound like rock music you can dance to. I would say Duran Duran were a huge influence on me in that way. They have all these fun songs you can totally let loose and dance to yet there is a sophistication to them. There is so much exciting energy in their music and the melodies are out of this world- science fiction like! Sure there were prior bands that combined dance and rock but Duran Duran are natural masters at it. 

They have also been an inspiration to me with their colorful hair and stylish clothes. The combination of fashion and dancing together in sync with music are something a lot of bands don’t get or project, but Duran Duran always knew the importance of that package deal.

Kirk:  Great answer!  I've actually listened to several of your songs and seen your album art and I can definitely see the DD influence...maybe even some Gwen Stefani.  Really like that Call Me/Debbie Harris cover.  Your songs are really fun!  And I can sense you have fun with them.  How do you stay upbeat and fun as a performing artist?  Where does the inner drive come from for you?

Ciel:  In general I stay upbeat by letting myself do whatever I want regardless of how fantastical it may seem. Many people carry this belief that they should aim within realistic reach but I don’t restrict myself that way. A good example would be that I wanted to record an album, so I did!

I stay fun and upbeat as a performing artist by emulating positive energy during shows and remembering that people come out because deep down they want to have a good time, and they should! It’s a tremendous rush for me to be able to help give them that! Perhaps the inner drive of my artist comes from being able to vent my feelings through music and singing. For example, in my song “Stop That Boy” I vent about how fed up I am with men who check out other women when they have a girlfriend. It’s an issue that annoys me but I have so much fun performing it because I’m letting it all out and in the end I’m just laughing about it! Music is a great outlet for venting whether you’re the artist or listener. Either way it’s going to be a fun night out at any Ciel Gloss show!

Kirk:  Who is your favorite Duran Duran member and why?

Ciel:  Well I could lie but then you would find John Taylor posts all over my social media! Haha. Why? He’s talented, English and insanely gorgeous. He’s been a driven and dedicated musician since day one and I have a lot of respect for that. It’s truly inspiring.

I am a guitarist but I wish I could have Nick Rhodes job. I want to create amazing sounds and melodies like he comes up with on synth! But that’s another musical fantasy.

To be fair though I like all the members. Initially I felt slightly intimidated by Duran Duran’s sophisticated dance music and even more so with these make-up wearing fashion creatures who actually knew how to play their instruments so well! They are just all fantastic!!

Kirk:  Please tell us what you are working on now and what you have up and coming!  🙂

Ciel:  I am currently working on my second album which is more like electronic disco rock with a touch of darkness. I am very excited about going deeper in that direction. My dark side is a bit Marilyn Manson influenced. It really stands out in my gothic cover version of Blondie's "Call Me." There will also be a couple of 70s disco cover songs on my next album! I covered songs by Donna Summer and also "If I Can't Have You" by Yvonne Elliman.

I'm also working on editing my first music video to Lightning Strikes. We recorded the video ourselves and I've been messing around with editing it on my iPhone using apps. Stuff like that can be very fun but also  time consuming and I'm already time indebted! It should be out soon though. You can also expect my cover of 80s Hit "Self Control" any week. I have a couple show dates coming up. anyone in the NYC area can see me perform October 5th at The Bitter End. I'm looking forward to performing "Heart of Glass" and "Rapture by Blondie. Good stuff coming!

Duran Duran Worldwide is a fan created effort and is in no way directly related to Duran Duran.