CEION: Orlando Florida's Hidden R&B Gem

Ceion isn’t just making music—he’s telling stories, breaking barriers, and redefining what it means to be an independent artist. From signing his first deal straight out of high school to navigating the highs and lows of the industry, his journey is one of passion, resilience, and self-discovery. With influences like D’Angelo and Frank Ocean, his sound is as soulful as it is unpredictable. In this interview, Ceion pulls back the curtain on his creative process, the lessons learned from industry setbacks, and what’s next for his evolving artistry. Get ready to dive into the mind of an artist who lets the music lead the way.

Origin Story

Can you share your journey as an independent recording artist? How did you get started in the music industry, and what inspired you to pursue a career as a musician?

I feel like I could write an entire book about my journey, haha. I got started in the industry when I was signed in 2016, the year I graduated high school. What inspired me was realizing that nothing made me feel the way music did—I knew I wanted to make it my reality. I had been singing since I was a child in church, but I didn’t truly recognize my love for music until I became more involved in it at school. The more I sang and learned, the more I felt like music was choosing me rather than the other way around. It all just fell into place.

Creative Process

Walk us through your creative process when producing new music. How do you come up with ideas for songs, and what tools or techniques do you find most helpful in your songwriting and recording?

I let the music guide me. Sometimes, I have something I want to say, and that naturally comes out, but I also love being the author of someone else’s story. When I wrote I Hope He Leaves, I had never been cheated on, yet people who hear it always assume I have—it’s funny to me.

I also love collaborating with other creatives. Having different minds in the room helps when you get stuck in a creative rut. That extra energy can push the song in a direction you never expected.

Artistic Influences

Who are your biggest artistic influences, and how have they shaped your musical style? Are there any specific artists or genres that have had a significant impact on your work?

One of my biggest influences is D’Angelo. He changed the way I listened to music—how I felt it. His music taught me what it truly means to experience sound. James Blake is another major influence; his songwriting and production are phenomenal. His artistry was groundbreaking for me and shaped how I internalized music. Frank Ocean, as a writer, has this incredible ability to pull you into his words, making you see what he’s saying. It’s amazing.

Challenges in Independence

Being an independent artist comes with its own set of challenges. Can you share some of the obstacles you've faced in the industry and how you've overcome them?

So many stories—jumping at opportunities out of desperation, balancing the duality of life and artistry, navigating fatherhood while pursuing music. Getting signed young, being taken advantage of, and ignoring my gut. But I’ve learned that progress requires patience. Every setback was a lesson preparing me for what’s ahead. The music business isn’t personal—it’s just a Fortune 500 company on a WAV file. You can’t take it personally.

DIY Approach

Independent artists often have a hands-on, do-it-yourself approach. What aspects of your music career do you handle independently, and how do you balance the creative and business sides of being an artist?

I handle everything except engineering and production. That includes paperwork for points, social media, playlisting, copyrighting—pretty much all the behind-the-scenes work. I take things as they come, learning and improving every day. It’s all about prioritization and staying adaptable.

Favorite Project

Of all the projects you've worked on, which one holds a special place in your heart, and why? Can you share any memorable experiences or challenges you encountered during its creation?

My first (and only) solo project holds a special place in my heart. It was during the pandemic, and I was fortunate enough to intern at a studio just outside Orlando. That’s where I met the people who would help bring my EP to life. It was my first time making music for myself after being released from a manager who had shelved me. The sense of community, the belief in my vision, and the support I received—from production to mixing, mastering, and even creating the album cover—was nothing short of beautiful.

Connection with Audience

How do you connect with your audience, both online and offline? Are there specific strategies or platforms you find most effective in building and maintaining a fan base?

Over the years, I’ve given supporters my personal number and stayed in touch with them on Instagram. I’ve had deep, genuine conversations with people who have told me my voice calmed them to the point of saving their life—it’s almost unbelievable. Instagram has been my main platform for connection, but my TikTok has grown a lot in the past few months. I’m also building my YouTube Shorts page and engaging more there.

Adaptation to Technology

The music industry is constantly evolving with technological advancements. How do you stay updated on industry trends, and how has technology influenced the way you create and share your music?

I stay updated by paying attention—whether it’s shifts in audio quality, evolving sounds, or industry politics. The advantage of being independent is the flexibility to go where you’re best supported. I’m always adapting and making sure I position myself where I can thrive.

Performance Highlights

What have been some of the most memorable moments in your live performances or virtual shows? Any particular show or event that stands out in your mind?

My most memorable performance would have to be singing for Disney+ Live at Disney! They hosted an event called Harmonious, featuring a medley of songs and cultural performances. They flew in singers and musicians from different countries, and we even learned to sing in Zulu with performers from South Africa. Idina Menzel hosted—it was an unforgettable experience. Winning the first round of Showtime at the Apollo was a close second, haha.

Collaborations

Have you collaborated with other artists or musicians? If so, how have these collaborations enriched your creative process? Is there anyone you dream of working with in the future?

I’ve worked with a few artists, but my favorite collaborator is my good friend Brandon Vee, an incredible rapper from NY. We met through the Orlando music scene and have worked on several records together. Seeing our creative synergy in the studio is amazing. We’ve traveled and performed together multiple times—he’s more than a collaborator; he’s family.

Message in Your Music

Many artists embed messages or themes in their music. What messages or themes do you try to convey through your songs, and why are they important to you?

It depends on the season of my life. I’ve done a lot of internal work to understand why I make music, and I want people to connect with my version of love, pain, happiness. I want them to know it’s okay to feel like you’re drowning sometimes, and it’s just as okay to puff up your chest and say, I’m the shit. I want my community to know me—to really know me. There’s so much I want to share with them, haha.

Future Plans

What can your fans expect from you in the coming months or years? Are there any exciting projects, collaborations, or goals you are working towards as an independent recording artist?

I’ve taken a step back from releasing music to ensure that when I do, it makes sense. This year, I’m focused on dropping singles and creating a lot of content to engage and rally more support.