Soundwave: Cecilian Dang is Bringing Us Melodies for Days
Image Credit: Zoë Mills
When a song comes from the heart, it moves you effortlessly and strikes with deep emotions. Cecilian Dang’s debut single “Days” does just that. The 22-year-old singer-songwriter shared her songwriting process with us, which starts from the heart and how she’s feeling, and lets that guide the words to fall out. She gifted us with her debut single “Days” on Boxing Day. She posted a few snippets on TikTok before the official track was released and quickly gained love from many. Tiktokers often compare her sound to Jhene Aiko. Her voice gives a sultry vibe, exuding allure and warmth.
A Nashville native and New York University alumna, Dang blends the best of both worlds in her music career. Nashville shaped her appreciation for dimensional sounds and live performances. She produces alternative R&B jams, and while she didn’t know many places playing live R&B music in Nashville, that didn’t change her love for the genre. Living in New York and attending NYU granted her an incredible team and community. While studying music business, she met her now friend Nica, who is responsible for the killer guitar solo at the end of “Days,” and artist Safa, who Cecilian recommended to give a listen to.
Beyond its sound, the “Days” music video is visually striking, carrying a bold message fitting for Women’s History Month. In the final scene, the women dishevel one male character. Dang clarified that it wasn’t done to make him the star but quite the opposite. “It’s not just about the boy. I have more fun with my girlfriends than I do with a guy and it’s that simple.” She did not want “Days” to just be a love song, but an anthem of empowerment. As she puts it, the scene serves as a reminder that “some men are just as temporary and replaceable as some men try to paint women to be. You [women] have just as much of a say of how long a man stays in your life as he does.”
Cover Image for “Days” | Image Credit: Ryan Scullin
Dang’s artistry is formed from her personal experiences with love, crushes, friendships and family. Her musical influences? A mix of Tyler the Creator’s diverse style, Doechii’s rise to fame, Clairo’s lyricism and Frank Ocean’s sound. She’s also “enamored by Jhene Aiko” and put us on to singer Norah’s World. But make no mistake—Dang is entirely unique.
Navigating the music industry as a woman can be tough. Dang advises aspiring female artists to “surround yourself with people that you are inspired by. The people that see you and hear you. Do not waste your time thinking about those who don’t. Think about those who do.” In the cases when you feel second-guessed in male-dominated spaces, remember to “put your time and energy into the people that believe in you.” While these words stem from her music journey, they apply to all aspects of life.
Beyond music, Dang is quite the fashionista. She is an avid OG Coach lover whose style is as dynamic as her sound, ranging from vintage to preppy to “tomboy” to sexy. Given the chance to collaborate with any brand, she’d choose Chanel “because she was a pioneer of her age, the start of Chanel is very inspiring.” As the cherry on top, Dang’s childhood nicknames were CeCi and CC. CC has a ring to it; you get it!
If you’re not already following Dang, now is the time. She recently lit up the stage at S.O.B.’s on Valentine’s Day with a confidence-packed performance. One thing we do know? Her highly anticipated EP is on the way! “Days” is just the beginning. Dang shares that this EP will take us for a whole new spin, and FOCUS Magazine even got to hear a snippet. Quite the treat! Follow her @ceciliandang on Instagram and TikTok so you don’t miss it!