Interview: Ceci celebrates ‘Peace’ with 15-track album on Sommersville Records

Italian artist Ceci celebrates the release of his new album ‘Peace’, a 15-track project arriving on Amsterdam-based Sommersville Records, a label with which he has developed a longstanding relationship through multiple releases together.

‘Peace’ collects several years of music from Ceci, including a long list of collaborations featuring names such as Madelynn, Taylr Renee, and Elliot Vast.

We caught up with him to chat about how the album found shape, the process behind its many features, and his connection with Sommersville Records.

Where are you today and what have you been up to?

Right now I’m in my studio working on new music. Pretty much where I always am, honestly. It’s a busy period with the album out, but I’m trying to keep making new things at the same time. Staying in motion is what keeps me sane!

You’re celebrating the release of your new album ‘Peace’, tell us about how the project came together?

It wasn’t really planned from day one. ‘Peace’ collects tracks I made over the last five years, and the idea for the album only came together after most of the music already existed. I looked back at everything I’d made and realized there was a story in there I hadn’t noticed while making it. Listened in order, you can actually hear me change; the sound shifts and the choices get bolder toward the later tracks.

The title came from that same place, for me, “peace” isn’t about calm, it’s about the freedom to keep moving even through the harder moments, and the clarity that comes from knowing you can handle them.

It includes 15 tracks, with more than half of those including collaborative features, how did you decide who to work with across the different tracks?

Honestly, it was never a strategic decision. It came down to connection more than anything. Most of these collaborations actually came from opportunities the label opened up for me. Introductions to artists whose sound I already respected, and things grew naturally from there.

I tend to trust instinct on this. If I feel a real musical chemistry with someone, I follow it, even if we’ve never actually met in person. A lot of great music gets made that way these days, over a screen rather than in the same room.

The album is on Sommersville Records, a label you have released with quite a bit, you must have a great relationship with them at this point?

Definitely. Sommersville is one of the homes I owe a lot to. They’ve believed in my sound for years now, and that kind of long-term trust is rare. I’ve also built a really good relationship with Onno van Kemenade, the label’s CEO and A&R. It’s not just business between us, and that personal connection makes a real difference.

Having ‘Peace’ come out on a label I already have real history with just felt right, especially for a record that is this personal.

Are there any other record labels we might see you on in the near future?

There are a few conversations happening behind the scenes, but I’d rather not say too much just yet. I like letting the music speak first. What I can say is that I’m not planning on slowing down after ‘Peace’.

Any plans for remixes of tracks off the album?

Nothing planned right now, no. With 15 tracks on the album, there’s already plenty of material to work with, so who knows what could come out of it down the line. You never know what the future holds. If the right idea or the right artist comes along, I’m always open to it.

Your music has seen support from DJs like Martin Garrix and Tiesto, that must give you a massive boost?

It really does. I remember when my music first landed on Tiësto’s Club Life. A friend actually texted me about it before I even knew, and I had to go check the episode myself to believe it.

Getting picked up on Martin Garrix’s official Spotify playlist was another one of those moments that made me realize how far a track can travel once it leaves your studio. Those moments remind me I’m not just a guy producing alone in a room anymore, people I admire are actually listening.

Anything else to add?

Just a massive thank you to everyone who’s been following this journey. Honestly, this is probably the most personal thing I’ve released so far. I hope people take the time to listen to it as a whole, not just as separate tracks.

If there’s one thing I’d want people to take from all this, it’s to always keep believing in what you’re doing, no matter how long it takes. Alright, I think that’s it from me!

Ceci – Peace LP is out now on Sommersville Records.

40 Questions: Ramon Tapia