Mama Cleo is music artist originally from New York City and a proud LA person now. She went to the Fame! high school (LaGuardia) in NYC where I studied opera and musical theater.
Growing up in New York, Mama Cleo became fascinated by theater, art, culture, physicality, and mental health, which all play a huge role in inspiring her music. She loves to observe and write songs about the idiosyncrasies of life.
Most of her music is electro-pop, funk, and jazz-inspired, and she is documenting her journey as an artist on her Instagram (@iammamacleo) and YouTube vlog. Mama Cleo thinks it’s important for artists to share their process, the crazy ups and downs of growth, and their normal lives. Some of her videos have featured me being interviewed on the radio for the first time, getting scammed by someone claiming to be Jay Z’s friend, and writing and producing a song and music video. Her French bulldog Meatball plays a huge role in her social presence.
She chose to become “Mama Cleo” because “Mama” – short for mother – embodies her well. She is a motherly person and believes society needs strong caring figures – plus, who is stronger than a mother who gives life? “Cleo” is short for Cleopatra, the empress of Egypt. She was a total badass.
Mama Cleo is on a mission to make the world dance, question and change culture, and encourage her “babies” to become the weirdest and best versions of themselves.
We are sharing our recent interview with her.
Pro Media Mag : First of all please introduce yourself to our readers.
Mama Cleo :
Hey everyone! My name is Mama Cleo, and I am a music artist in Los Angeles, California.
Pro Media Mag : Who or what inspired you to get into music industry?
Mama Cleo :
I have been singing since I knew how to walk… seriously, so I think part of it has just been a natural part of my identity my entire life. Besides that, I have so many inspirations! My grandma, Amy Winehouse, Lady Gaga, Madonna – people who have really changed culture and have helped me work through the challenges of life.
Pro Media Mag : Tell us about your recent release “responsible”?
Mama Cleo :
“Responsible” is a song I wrote about how guarded I / people can be about their feelings and independence. I hate when someone tries to Pro Media Mag my liberty over myself and what I choose to do, and Responsible is about how I can choose to ignore my feelings and “drink and smoke that fire” if I so feel like it… Haha 🙂
Pro Media Mag : What kind of response you have received from the release?
Mama Cleo :
It’s been a great response! It’s a good song to just jam to, and I think a lot of people can relate to the feelings I had while I wrote the song. Next week, July 19, 2019, the music video will be premiering! I’m really excited – it features an amazing dancer named Kanie Freeman that I had the pleasure of working with.
Pro Media Mag : What’s your favorite music genre?
Mama Cleo :
How could I choose?! I love jazz and hiphop/rap because of how raw they are, I love pop and dance because who doesn’t… I love Latin music because I grew up with it, and opera is where it all started… I don’t believe in favoring genres. Everything is so blended now anyway!
Pro Media Mag : What’s the best part of being a music artist?
Mama Cleo :
THE BEST PART is definitely when you hear from listeners that your song meant something special to them, helped them get through a hard time, or inspired them. That is ultimately what we all want to do – be heard and felt on a large scale – but it’s amazing to touch even just one life.
Pro Media Mag : Have you set some goals to achieve?
Mama Cleo :
Yes! I live a few blocks away from the Staples Center in Los Angeles… it’s a daily reminder that I want to get to the Grammy’s in the next few years. Also, I have places around the world I imagine myself performing at, people I want to meet, and most importantly — I want to change as many lives as possible.
Pro Media Mag : Are you working on any new project?
Mama Cleo :
Yes, I have my next music video for “Responsible” coming out next Friday, July 19, 2019, and I am currently working on new music! I release new music very often… Follow me at @iammamacleo on Instagram for daily updates!
