And this musical message of positivity comes straight from the heart!
Everybody needs Cecy Santana’s ‘Smile’. It’s always good to share one, too.
For a musician, does the journey begin with a single note, or that first step? For Cecy Santana, it’s a question that she’ll probably get around to answering someday.
Right now, she’s too busy.
But the question is an important one, because Santana’s pathway to success is very much a family tradition. Her dad Carlos Santana played First Trumpet for symphony orchestras in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. He also performed with Brazilian pop icons like Gal Costa and Roberto Carlos.
Born in Sao Paulo and happy to call Chicago home, Cecy Santana’s musical devotion to her native land began several years ago with ‘Sem Voce’ (featuring Sam Trump).
‘Um Amor Assim’ (with Tantric’s Hugo Ferriea) came next. 2022’s ‘Sao Paulo’ combined Cecy’s songwriting, singing and producing talents to win Best Latin America Music Video by the International Music Video Award Academy.
And Cecy Santana retraced her family’s roots with ‘Italia’ in 2023. The single became her second award winner as Music Video of The Year from Nashville’s esteemed Josie Music Awards.
Busy! She also pursues a full-time pop career where she combines fashion and music into creative expression.
So is it ‘a single note’ or a ‘first step’? Perhaps the answer is Cecy Santana’s characteristic positivity.
We all need Cecy Santana’s ‘Smile’! Perfect for sharing, both the song and video make their official debut at Connect Brazil on April 25th.
Personal Positivity Creates Cecy Santana’s ‘Smile’
“I always write from a place of sincerity,” she said during our 10 Questions with Cecy Santana. “I put my heart into it and the inspiration just comes to me. My advice? Keep your positive perspective, and always make the best of it. I always try to be better and to do better. I’m blessed that God sends me little angels on this earth to guide me along this path I chose to follow. Very blessed and thankful!”
And that’s what brings us to her latest song, ‘Smile’. It arrived with a quick note: “I’m sending you my new song. It’s an uplifting song that I’m really proud of!”
So Cecy and I talked about ‘Smile’ and here’s how it went.
Everybody Needs Cecy Santana’s ‘Smile’
How did you become inspired to record ‘Smile’?
I was inspired by the current times and events of the world. And I’ve always loved Bobby McFarren’s ‘Don’t Worry, Be Happy’. For the longest time, I wanted to do a song that is totally me, A cappela, with a truly positive vibe. I wanted to lift people’s spirits with the words and beats that this song was created around.
Is everything we hear on ‘Smile’ you and only you? How about a guided tour to how you did it?
No instruments were used in this song. I always wanted to do an A cappella song. So yes it is all my vocals and sounds, no instruments at all. I actually started the rough draft on my cell phone playing around harmonies. Then I sent it to my father for his opinion and it was the first time I felt a true excitement from him which inspired me to finish the song. I had my mother co-write the second verse as I simply love her writing in Portuguese.
Have you thought about an English version? Do you see it staying close the original Portuguese lyrics?
I would like to write an English version and I would like to convey the same message. Stay tuned!
Cecy Santana’s ‘Smile’ – Official Release
What can we expect with the official video for ‘Smile’?
Expect a big surprise as this has been in the works for quite some time! I can hint that it’s a family affair that really reflects the spirit of the song. Both the video and the song will make their streaming debut on April 25th. Easy to find… and when you do, be sure to share it!
Life – as with music – should be filled with fun. How long did creating this song take?
I had so much fun as my father’s motivation kept me going. It took me a week as it came from the heart and from my soul.
Cecy Santana – ‘Smile’
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Everybody Needs Cecy Santana’s ‘Smile’
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