Sunderland-based musician and songwriter Rachael Small is beginning the new phase of her musical journey by re-branding herself with the alias Celadore and bringing out new music. The new name is inspired by Lord of the Rings’ author and legendary wordsmith J.R.R. Tolkien, who stated: “Out of all the endless combinations of the English language, Cellar Door is the most beautiful.”
With already seven years of songwriting and vocal performances under her belt, Small is looking for her next musical adventure. After surrounding herself with a band that share her goals of bringing old piano ballads to life, the talented ensemble are ready to release their first single.
Titled ‘Dawning’, the track opens to a piano instrumental accompanied by a building of strings and gentle percussion, before Small’s vocals begin to shape the moodiness of the track. Soon the drums fully join in as the tuneful electric guitar completes the alternative-rock sound of the single. The cinematic sound is inspired by the likes of Fleetwood Mac, The Police and Evanescence.
The song delves into the struggles faced by many of us, making the lyrics instantly relatable as we search for the fixes to life’s problems. Celadore hopes that their music forges a deeper connection to those around them by exploring real-life experiences and how they shape the people that we become. Above all, Small hopes that the song brings people hope: “It’s about finding beauty in the world and all she creates…finding peace in difficult situations and knowing the world can offer beautiful things like nature, love, and friendship to keep us holding on.”
This runs parallel to the key conflict of the song, which notes how frustrating it can be when someone changes to please another and begins to neglect their true identity. By feeding someone else’s happiness, one can neglect their own and grow bitter, causing them to blame everything but themselves for their own actions. This is how you can lose yourself, and Celadore wants the message to be crystal clear: one should not live up to the expectations of another, especially if it makes you be unkind to yourself.
After a headline shot at their hometown show at The Ship Isis in Sunderland, Celadore have set their sights high and aim to continue climbing upwards; with a collection of new music on the horizon and the hope of more performances far and wide this year.
This is just the start for the emotive yet dark alt-rock band and their debut single sets the stage for an exciting journey ahead. The punchy debut track, ‘Dawning’, is a great first impression made by a gang of talented musicians and a vocalist who is passionate about her message. The pulse-quickening, moving collaboration between Small and her new bandmates seems like a match made in heaven, which will leave listeners eager to hear more.
Celadore’s debut single, ‘Dawning’, is available now on all major streaming platforms.
