Biography

Jocelyn Celaya is a Radical Classical Guitarist and Vocalist from San Diego California and Rosarito, Mexico. Having affection for eclectic musical styles, she sings and composes her own music by blending genres, a long with utilizing many other techniques from all over the world, she has been placed in a category all of her own. It is a unique fusion of methods and styles that have a classical foundation on the classical guitar and vocals. It is radical classical.

Jocelyn began playing the guitar at 14 years of age. It was during financially lean times for her family that she picked up her father's old guitar and began playing publicly to contribute what she could to assist with their situation. Jocelyn began performing in local coffee shops in Oklahoma at the age of 15 and recorded her first solo album at age 17 (2001) entitled "Mosaic Jungle". Jocelyn released her second Cd "String Theory" through Radical Classical Recordings and since the release of these albums she has made the jump from local artist to performing across the nation and International and headlining venues and festivals. Jocelyn recently signed with Big Noise Production with Al Gomez.

Jocelyn has become one of the most requested artists on PBS (O.E.T.A) and has had her music and concerts aired on other PBS programs, Telemundo and Clear Channel. In 2002, she was given an award from the Nashville Songwriters Association International and later in 2006 became the youngest guitarist to receive the award as a Lifetime Honoree Member/Performer for the Association of Finger Style Guitarists. On October 23rd, 2006 The National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences Committee placed Jocelyn on the Preliminary Official Ballot for the 2007 Grammy Awards in the following categories: Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, Best Pop Instrumental Album and Best New Artist.

Her unique style is bringing life back into sales of classical guitars, and companies have solicited her assistance in sharing the gift of their sweet sound to ever-growing audiences. In fact, Jocelyn has been involved in several productions of new Radical Classical guitars to "rock out" and revolutionize the instrument and genre. She has been given a signature guitar by Creation Guitars and a custom made guitar as a gift from Ovation Guitars. She is also now sponsored by Kyser Guitar Accessories, Walker Lab battery powered sound systems, Strum-n-Comfort crossover picks, Frutaiga nutritional.

Jocelyn has had the honor of performing for and/or worked with distinguished and diverse listeners that include the world famous Romero's Family, the Queen of England's royal entourage, P.O.D., Switch Foot, Preston Reed, Ruben Romero, Pearl Jam and many others.

Interview with Jocelyn Celaya: Part 1
By: Dennis M. Kelly

What is Radical Classical?
Radical Classical is fusion of flamenco, metal, and tapping/percussion techniques with a classical foundation.

What do you consider one of your greatest accomplishments in your young career?
One of my greatest accomplishments was being placed on the preliminary “Official Grammy Ballot of 2007” for three major categories. The categories were for Best New Artist, Best Female Pop Vocal Performance and for Best Pop Instrumental Album for my “String Theory” CD.

What became your drive to play the guitar?
I was determined to play my guitar and start getting gigs when my family was in a bad financial situation.

How many CD’s have you recorded?
I have recorded two CD’s and I am now working on a third .My first recording is called “Mosaic Jungle”, the second is “String Theory” and my third CD will be called “Radical Classical”.

What do I like about the Chicago Music Scene?
I LOVE the Chicago music scene because the music lovers are dedicated fanaticos. They will show up at concerts on any day week and in any weather condition. It is amazing to see the venues where I have performed at packed in the midst of a blizzard. I also like the fact that after a concert, I am often invited to eat Chicago Style Pizza and Hot Dogs with the wonderful local people and get to soak up the unique and entertaining atmosphere of Chicago.

Do you have any hobbies?
I love to surf in my spare time whenever I stay at my place in Rosarito, Mexico or in San Diego, CA.

For more information on Jocelyn, please visit her official website at: http://jocelyncelaya.com/