How All About Love by Bell Hooks Shaped Cecily’s Latest Album
If you watched the Grammys this year, you probably lost count of how many times they mentioned the 13,000 members of the Recording Academy. Well, guess what? Our guest on this minisode, Cecily (@CecilyAlexa), is one of them! 🎤✨
Cecily is a singer, songwriter, and storyteller whose music blends jazz, R&B, and soul in a way that feels both timeless and deeply personal. In this episode, she takes us through her creative process, the power of affirmations, and how Bell Hooks' All About Love influenced her latest project.
Plus, she spilled some Grammy tea, shared insights on songwriting, and answered listener-submitted questions from our Instagram stories (shoutout to our Well Read Baddies for coming through with great ones)!
One of the 13,000 (Yes, Those 13,000)
As one of the 13,000 Recording Academy members (a number that became a joke during this year’s Grammys because it was mentioned so many times), Cecily gave us a behind-the-scenes look at how Grammy voting actually works:
"We don’t get a sneak peek of the winners—we find out live, just like everyone else. If we did know, that would be a lot of NDAs to sign!"
She also talked about how the Recording Academy has been actively working to diversify its membership:
“There’s been a push to include more women and people of color, and I think you’re seeing the results of that. The winners this year reflected that shift in a way that felt really intentional.”
From All About Love to I Am Love
When we asked Cecily about what inspired her latest project, she revealed that All About Love by Bell Hooks was a major influence.
"As I was reading the book, I found myself highlighting almost every other line. I knew I wanted my next album to explore these themes, so I started pulling passages that stood out and using them as songwriting inspiration."
Her song “I Am Love” is one of the most powerful affirmations on the project, reminding listeners (and herself) to fully embody self-love.
“I used to end every journal entry with ‘I am love, I am love, I am love.’ It was something I needed to believe about myself—and eventually, it became a song.”
And if you’re wondering whether Cecily believes in the magic of affirmations, she definitely does:
"Songs are like spells—you’re using energy and words to create reality. That’s why I always say, be intentional about what you listen to."
Which means, yes, if you’ve been screaming I’m That Girl by Beyoncé every morning, you’re basically casting a spell on your life. 🪄✨
Dream Venues & Essential Songs
Before every interview, we post question boxes on our Instagram stories and Threads, so y’all have a chance to get your questions answered directly by our guests. And this time, our well-read baddies had some great ones for Cecily!
1. Where is your dream place to perform?
“One of my dream venues is the Jazz Cafe in London—and I’m actually performing there in April! But my real dream is to do a full headlining show there.”
She also mentioned The Blue Note in NYC as another bucket-list venue, plus a love for outdoor festivals like Jazz Fest. She’s all about the magic of live music, and honestly, we can’t wait to see her name on those marquees.
2. What song would you say defines your music?
“I’d have to say my song ‘Pisces.’ I wrote the lyrics over 12 years ago, but it still perfectly reflects my artistry—dreamy, introspective, and all about finding yourself.”
Huge shoutout to our followers for submitting these amazing questions! Make sure you’re following us on Instagram (@shewellread) and Threads so you don’t miss the next chance to ask our future guests something you’re dying to know. 💬✨
What’s Next for Cecily?
Cecily is currently working on a new EP titled Indigo, which explores themes of spirituality and our connection to source.
She’s also applying for grants to help bring this project to life (manifesting all the funding and abundance her way!), and she’s got upcoming performances in Durham, DC, and London.
To stay updated on Cecily’s music and shows, be sure to follow her on Instagram @CecilyAlexa
Final Thoughts
This episode had everything—music as manifestation, All About Love as an artistic blueprint, and Grammy tea from one of the 13,000. Cecily’s wisdom on creativity and affirmations left us feeling so inspired, and we could have talked to her for hours.
🎧 Listen to the full minisode now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!
And as always, let us know what you think—DM us, leave a comment, or send a voice note. We love hearing from y’all! 💛
XOXO,
Lana and Sam
