“I love making music that makes you feel empowered and like a total bad bitch,” shares alt-pop artist Ceara Cavalieri on what drives her sound and storytelling. With her latest single, “Delusional,” she taps into the energy of the mid-2000s club scene, channeling a playful nostalgia that invites listeners to reclaim their confidence and set their own terms.
Originally from Southern California, Ceara’s background includes a degree in Psychology from UCLA, a choice encouraged by her family, though music remained her main pursuit. In “Delusional,” Ceara turns a familiar situation into a song about asserting boundaries and self-respect—a theme that resonated on her recent EU/UK tour with Leah Kate. This single, now the lead track from her upcoming debut EP, hints at what’s to come. In our conversation, Ceara talks about her influences, finding her voice in music, and navigating moments of self-discovery.
header photography by Mallory Turner
Your new single “Delusional” is inspired by the mid-2000s club sound. What drew you to the music of that era or that time in general?
I’ve always been obsessed with music from the mid-2000s. It’s the era I grew up listening to, and there’s just something so infectious about it that makes you want to dance. With “Delusional,” I wanted to capture that feeling and bring back some of that nostalgic sound.
With this song, you want to celebrate empowerment and confidence. What does it mean to be a truly confident person, and would you say that you are one?
I’d say I am a confident person, but like anyone, I have moments of self-doubt. I think that’s something everyone struggles with at times, which is why I love making music that makes you feel empowered and like a total bad bitch.
The song is about someone who misreads signals, leading the protagonist to reject unwanted advances. Essentially, it’s about setting boundaries, especially when others don’t recognize them. How good are you at setting boundaries and saying no?
Setting boundaries can be really hard, but I think I’ve gotten way better at it as I get older. When someone doesn’t respect your boundaries, it can really affect your mental health and peace of mind, so I really try not to let that energy into my life anymore. It’s so important to protect your own space and well-being.
“There’s just something so infectious about mid-2000s music that makes you want to dance.”
“Delusional” is the lead single from your upcoming debut EP in February. You co-wrote it with CXLOE and DYLN, and it was produced by Frequency. How did this collaboration come about? Was the creative process smooth, or were there moments of differing opinions on the song?
The process was extremely smooth; we wrote the song so quickly. I came into the session with a page full of lyric ideas and started venting about a situation I had experienced out with my friends a couple nights prior regarding this person who was acting totally delusional and wouldn’t take no for an answer. We started writing it immediately, and we were just laughing and vibing the whole session. I work with DYLN and Frequency a lot and have been a fan of CXLOE, so it felt like the perfect collaboration. It was probably one of my favorite sessions I’ve had.
Can you share anything about your debut EP?
Yes, definitely! My debut EP is heavily influenced by music from the early 2000s and has a lot of dance pop elements, but some tracks still have that edgy pop-rock vibe from my earlier songs. These songs are definitely the most fun and sexy songs I’ve ever written, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear them!
In May, you accompanied Leah Kate on her Europe and UK tour as the opening act for her shows. What are some of your highlight memories from that tour? Which city particularly captivated you?
The tour was absolutely amazing; I had the best time ever! Waking up in a new city every day felt surreal, and I fell in love with each place we performed. London and Amsterdam were definitely two of my favorites. Meeting fans after each show was so special, and connecting face-to-face with the people who support my music was such an unforgettable experience.
“It’s so important to protect your own space and well-being.”
You studied psychology and graduated. Why did you choose to pursue music full-time, and could you see yourself working in the field of psychology at some point?
I always knew that I was going to pursue music, but my parents encouraged me to have a backup plan and get my degree regardless. I love psychology and everything related to the field, but honestly, I can’t see myself doing anything else except music. I had such an amazing time at UCLA and even took a couple of music business and songwriting classes, which helped me prepare for where I am now.
Which bands or musicians inspire you, and what do you enjoy listening to in your personal time?
There are so many different artists that inspire me in so many different ways, but some of my favorites recently have been Britney Spears, Taylor Swift, Tate McRae, Kim Petras, Kehlani, and RAYE. It totally depends on my mood, though; if I’m in a more chill vibe, then I’ll put on some Lana Del Rey.
What have been your biggest lessons this year so far?
I think my biggest lesson this year has been to trust my instincts and stand firm in my decisions. It’s easy to get caught up in others’ expectations, and there were moments where I felt torn between external pressures and my own vision. Choosing to follow my gut and focus on what feels best for me creatively has been really empowering.
Follow Ceara Cavalieri for more:
www.instagram.com/cearacavalieri
www.tiktok.com/@cearacavalieri
twitter.com/cearacavalieri
