From Beauty Queen to Soulful Songstress: The Cyrena Wages Story
In this episode of the Curious Goldfish podcast, host Jason English chats with Memphis singer-songwriter Cyrena Wages before her tour kickoff at Eddie's Attic in Atlanta.
Wages shares her journey from participating in beauty pageants to embarking on a solo music career, highlighting her deep connection to Memphis, Tennessee, and her struggle to navigate the stereotypes imposed on female artists.
The conversation covers the inspiration behind her upcoming album, 'The Vanity Project,' set for release in May 2024, and explores the themes of authenticity, curiosity, and the balance between light and darkness in her life and music. Wages' passion for her hometown's culture and her desire to break free from restrictive labels shine through, alongside a discussion about the mystical influence of rivers on her music and the importance of curiosity in life and art. The episode concludes with a performance of Wages' singles 'Carried Away' and 'Robin Hood' from the Eddie's Attic show, inviting listeners to delve into her soulful sound and the personal stories that fuel her craft.
00:00 Introduction and Childhood Memories
01:12 Welcome to Curious Goldfish
01:44 Introducing Cyrena Wages
02:22 Cyrena's Love for Memphis
03:40 The Start of the Tour
04:02 Cyrena's Solo Career Journey
05:26 Cyrena's Connection to Memphis
09:21 The Vanity Project
19:01 Cyrena's Family Background
23:33 The Freedom of Curiosity
39:31 Closing Remarks