Artist description Combining pop, R&B, and Latin influences, Ciria stands ready to become the trendsetting pop artist of a new generation. This 23-year-old Hispanic sings in a powerful and emotive style that combines a strong female point of view with passionate, sensuous lyrics.

Music Style Pop Latin

Musical Influences Linda Ronstadt, Lulu, Olivia Newton-John, Amy Grant, Gloria Estefan, and Whitney Houston

Similar Artists Christina Aguilera, Celine Dion, Mariah Carey

Artist History Growing up in the Arellano family, it was almost a sure thing that Ciria would choose a musical career. Ciria’s mom performed in choirs and musicals throughout her school years and started her daughter singing at age three. Ciria’s father played bass and guitar and sang lead vocal in a popular Denver band of the 1980s. Her younger brother performs his own original music in clubs and coffeehouses near the University of Colorado. “I can’t remember a time when music wasn’t in our house. Dad was always writing and recording a new song on his reel-to-reel recorder in the basement. Mom sang along to her favorite new records and taught me the newest dance steps. My brother and I would make up dances and lip sync to our favorite songs as a show for the family. I loved Linda Ronstadt, Lulu, Olivia Newton-John, Amy Grant, Gloria Estefan, and Whitney Houston. I would spend hours memorizing their vocals and singing them over and over.” Ciria’s first public performance took place in church when she was twelve. “I sang at the church where I attended school. The song was ‘Here I Am, Lord,’ and I was so nervous that I sang the whole song with my eyes closed.” Ciria quickly overcame her stage fright and was soon singing at Hispanic and community functions. At fourteen, she began performing as a background singer in her hometown of Denver with Latin artist Manuel Molina. “It was working with Manuel that I first learned about the passion of Latin music. I’ve tried to bring that passion into my own style. Over the years, I’ve kept in touch with Manuel and still perform with him sometimes.” Singing in English and Spanish, Ciria was the featured vocalist on Molina’s 1996 tour of Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Egypt, and Israel.It was in 1992 that Ciria began her professional relationship with producer Cy Frost and songwriting partner Doug Olson. While still in high school, Ciria became a featured player in Comedy Rock, a music and sketch-comedy review produced by Frost and Olson. Working as a team, the three found for Ciria a tight musical focus and began shaping the bold, passionate style found on Meant to Be, her debut CD. Ciria’s music spans the pop mainstream, from dramatic ballads to danceable grooves to gently paced love songs. “I feel so strongly about the music we’ve made. Each song on this album means something special to me. ‘Spend Some Time’ was the first song we wrote together. I was 19 and wanted a song that spoke for young women and what we really want from the new guy in our lives.” The thirteen songs on Meant to Be were written by Frost and Olson for Ciria, and she co-wrote two. “Writing ‘When You Love A Man’ allowed me to express the kind of passion and devotion I try to give the man I love while keeping a strong sense of myself.” The CD presents a new flavor of pop music, a unique combination of influences. “Finding the balance was a challenge. We worked really hard to get it just right. I’m so happy to have found my voice on my first CD. This record speaks for me.”People of all ages love Ciria’s personal and engaging style. With her universal appeal and the release of Meant to Be, Ciria serves notice that she’s the pop singer to watch in 1999 and beyond. Ciria’s dynamic performances and cross-cultural influences suggest that she’s destined to become a major international star.

Group Members Ciria

Albums Meant to Be

Location Denver, Colorado - USA

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