We adore when artists continue to push the genre boundaries instilled into music from the dawn of time.
How can you get someone to fit in a box when they're much more than a mold to conform to? Vancouver artist Cenzina defies these genres, and her hybrid approach to the style and influence she embodies makes her stand out.
From alternative and classic rock to hip-hop and R&B, the sound she emanates is a force to be reckoned with as she graciously shares her music acoustically and with her band, members of The Project Vancity.
Here's to the live performances that will leave you feeling intimately connected to an artist and emotionally fueled, precisely what we know a Cenzina performance to manifest.
Her most recent single, "Airplane Mode," is a diamond that shines brightly on releases that indie artists are popping out. Pure passion and divine energy have this record wrapped in warmth and poignancy - and she does it all effortlessly.
Cenzina masters her craft in a way that keeps us on our toes as she is ever-evolving through this journey of life and on her music career. The honeyed croons that she divulges have her pairing a bright yet smokey vocal to emphasize the poetic storytelling she pulls from the depths of her soul.
It's not just her velvety vocals that remain a staple in "Airplane Mode;" it's how the composition jives. The raw essence of it sweeps you off your feet and draws you into her gravitational pull.
You can find Cenzina casting powerful key progressions, all while she projects the delicate and picturesque lyrical motifs she's crafted ever so carefully. Accompanied by her band - this live-off-the-floor rendition is breathtaking and comforting.
Recorded during an intimate performance at Vancouver's iconic Hipposonic Studios, you could say Cenzina is a one-take wonder the way "Airplane Mode" came out after this innermost session of melodic charm and fluttering melodies.
Listen to "Airplane Mode" now on your favorite streaming platform.
Welcome to BuzzMusic, Cenzina! We love your latest single, “Airplane Mode,” and the emotion it strikes while listening to it. Could you share a specific moment or real-life experience that directly influenced the song?
Thank you so much for taking the time to listen and for your kind words. I’m glad you enjoyed this piece of music! This song was influenced when I felt bombarded by daily “have to’s” and “to do’s.” On and off public transit, I think constantly plugged into my phone and my work and tuned out of things that nourish my soul. It was inspired by a genuine need to turn my phone on airplane mode, disconnect and get away from the every day, and take some time to reconnect with nature and myself.
With a song so personal and performed with the utmost passion, what do you hope your listeners will take away from experiencing this song?
I hope listeners feel that when life feels overwhelming, it’s probably because it is. Our generation has A LOT going on; rates of anxiety are at an all-time high, and it’s no mystery that the frenetic pace of life is a contributing factor to that. I hope listeners walk away feeling less alone and are reminded that taking a break is self-care! It’s not selfish. Also, it’s okay if you don’t want to be the life of the party or if showing up to everything drains your social battery. Sometimes, the JOMO (joy of missing out) is real and can do wonders for your nervous system, especially if you spend some time in nature. I hope the song may also provide a slight reprieve when listeners need one.
Let’s talk about how your band recorded this in one take. What was the energy like on set during and after this performance?
This is a great question! As this single was part of an ongoing live set, we went straight into another song after it. As this one is one of the most complex compositions, the band and I mainly felt joy and relief that we made it through with grace and flow. It felt like a great exhale.
Were there any unique challenges or breakthrough moments you encountered while creating this song?
This song was challenging to learn to perform, with its many changing chord progressions compiled with the vocal melody. It took lots of practice to get my hands to know where to go on autopilot so my voice could be the center of my focus. The band always has great fun and will take on any challenge, and they did a great job accompanying me on this one.
What does “Airplane Mode” make you feel?
“Airplane Mode” makes me feel like I just took a deep breath and am on an airplane headed somewhere dreamy. It makes me feel like I’m soaking in the luxury of rest and restoration.