Rising Talent in Dance Music: The Journey of CICELY
CICELY, known widely within dance music circles for her incredible photography, has expanded her influence beyond the lens to take center stage as a DJ and producer. The transition became apparent during the pandemic, a time when many artists found pathways to reinvent themselves creatively. “It was a very organic transition,” CICELY reflects, adding, “music has always been at the centre of everything I do.” This newfound dedication to music is both bittersweet and invigorating; she acknowledges, “I wish I’d done it years ago, but I’m grateful in a way… I feel like my journey in music is only just starting.”
Northern Roots and Early Influences
Hailing from Newcastle, CICELY immersed herself in the underground rave scene from an early age. Her formative years were spent at local makina nights and reveling in parties across the North and London. It was during these outings that she fell in love with pioneering bass-oriented labels such as Night Slugs, Hessle Audio, and Swamp 81. The sounds imbued in her formative experiences have shaped her eclectic musical style, which remains deeply connected to her roots.
Evolving Soundscape
CICELY describes her current sound as a vibrant mix rooted in nostalgia, fierce energy, and an emphasis on high tempo. “My sets are always hard and fast. Always high energy,” she asserts, highlighting a musical palette that includes hard dance, techno, and makina. After moving to London, she holds a strong commitment to championing artists from her Northern background, often lamenting the media’s focus on London-centric nominees. “I’m sick of going on Instagram and seeing ‘the 10 best sets of the month’ and they’re all artists based inside the M25,” she confesses, advocating for recognition of the rich cultural landscape from which many beloved genres, such as bassline and donk, originated.
NRG CRU: Community in Action
What initially began as small gatherings among friends has blossomed into the thriving NRG CRU collective. The collective is a melting pot of talent, featuring DJs and MCs like Xosé, Liz-zie, Highlander, and MC Deadman. “Plainly, it’s just about doing cool music stuff with my friends,” CICELY explains. Each resident in the collective contributes unique styles—ranging from bassline to jungle—culminating in a rich tapestry of sounds. Over the past year, they have fostered a familial bond and turned into a true community.
In a city like London, where the hustle can often feel isolating, CICELY emphasizes the importance of having a supportive group sharing a common vision: “Knowing you have a team of people in your corner with the same vision is an amazing feeling.”
Prioritizing Safety and Inclusivity
One of the most commendable aspects of the NRG CRU initiative is their commitment to safety and inclusivity. CICELY proudly states their team is “safe-space trained,” ensuring that every individual attending their events feels supported and prioritized. Apart from club nights, the crew has ventured into educational territory with vinyl DJ and vocal workshops aimed at FLINTA artists, hosted comprehensive panel talks, and kicked off their own label.
Expanding Horizons
CICELY’s ambition extends beyond just local gigs; NRG CRU is set to take over venues in Sheffield and Newcastle, and they have several summer festival appearances lined up. The collective is also working on a compilation featuring tracks from their members, offering remixes that showcase their diverse artistry. Looking ahead, CICELY has set high expectations for herself in 2026. With a commitment to improving her production skills following her breakbeat-infused tracks like ‘PURELY BELTA’ and ‘SHOPLIFTA’, her ambitions include playing at events across the UK and beyond. “Whether it’s behind the decks, or the camera, I plan to just keep going,” she asserts.
For the Fans
For those captivated by CICELY’s eclectic sound and vibrant performances, her work aligns seamlessly with other emerging talents like NAINA, Hannah Laing, and genres represented at energetic gatherings like Bang Face. The music landscape is evolving, and CICELY stands at the forefront of this thrilling journey, armed with a camera, a set of decks, and an unwavering passion for her craft.
