From a young age, music has offered Cece a means of self-expression and inspiration which has been an integral part of her life. She has devoted countless hours immersing herself in various instruments and styles.
Growing up with records played throughout her house. Her parents loved vinyl records. Their warm, rich sounds wove themselves and shaped her musical taste, creating a deep appreciation for the classics. She hopes to share this comfort with her family and friends through her own vinyl printing.
While still studying at Palmerston North Girls High School, she was named the 2021 solo act in Smokefree Rockquest. The following year Cece was selected as one of three singer/songwriters in New Zealand to have her original song “Wild Card” composed, orchestrated and recorded with the NZSO (New Zealand Symphony Orchestra).
With two great successes under her belt, and an unrelenting passion for music she enrolled in the
New Zealand Certificate in Creative Music Level 4 at UCOL Te Pūkenga. Since starting at the beginning of the year she has developed an understanding of the music industry, music composition, studio recording, theory and performance. With the help of her lecturers, she has honed her skills and has gained the confidence to bring her recordings to a high quality.
She says the best way to get the most out of the course is to spend as much time as possible in the music studio at
UCOL Palmerston North. “I have never been in such a creative mindset before like when I’m sitting in that chair. The studio and its huge sound library on that computer open so many possibilities for music composition. I feel like a kid in a candy shop.”
Every Friday Cece spends hours in the studio, after class and in her free time exploring and creating new ideas she wouldn’t have even imagined she could have last year.
Cece takes her listeners on a journey within her songs. Her musical projects seek to capture the sublime beauty of the natural world through soothing harmonies and enchanting melodies. She invites her audience to connect deeply with the wonders of nature.
If you would like to listen to her music or learn more about her, please visit her website
cecemcmillan.com or follow her musical journey on her social media pages. You can watch this premiere on her website.