The Connector reaches out to second-year advertising and branding student Donald Price on his music and upcoming projects.
Who is the artist Cello/Phn and what inspired you to use this pseudonym?
Cello/Phn (CelloPhane) is an iridescent, genre-bending, alternative music artist I’ve created to make strides for Black men in the music industry. The inspiration for the name both blooms from the artist FKA TWIGS, who created a song titled CelloPhane, and a quote from SIA: “Look at me, I’m such a basket case delivered to you wrapped in cellophane waiting on your doorstep every day. Delivery, a basket full of pain.” CelloPhane is a form of paper that the basket is wrapped in. It’s usually transparent, vulnerable, and can come in multiple colors. That is why I chose the name Cello/Phn. I want my music to represent transparency, vulnerability, and vibrancy just like Frank Ocean and Steve Lacy. It’s a strong representation of me and the legacy I want to leave.
What inspired you to make your stamp in the music industry?
I’ve always had an interest in music. I grew up performing in a choir most of my life and spent my time in high school being in the band. As I got older I started to grasp inspiration from Frank Ocean and Steve Lacey and began to write music from my phone. I spent time either singing my songs or recording them the best I could. Music wasn’t just my only interest though, I tried going to school for theater, but was discouraged by my parents because they thought that I wouldn’t make any money. After having to re-think my goal in life I decided to pursue the army in which I had no choice but to open my eyes to a new reality. The pain I experienced and the negative spaces I had to endure strengthened me and allowed me to see very clearly who I was and whom I wanted to become. I no longer wanted other Black men or young Black boys to have to deal with little to no support for their creative visions. I want to be the one to pave the way for other young Black superstars just like myself.
What hardships have you faced as an alternative artist?
The first milestone I endured was starting my freshman year at the University of New Orleans. I wanted to major in theater arts but was discouraged heavily by my parents that I wouldn’t be successful in the way I thought. Honestly, that might have been the reason I am a dedicated artist today. After accepting that fallacy, I decided to major in psychology, where I found the late nights of studying for a visionless career would cause me to end up in debt. I could not fathom a life like that.
I decided to move on to the military, where I had no choice but to endure the harsh reality of boot camp. Sleeping outdoors with other wildlife, waking up earlier than anyone else in the world, and eating food that came out of brown plastic. That part of my life was one I couldn’t wait to get away from. Finally, after being able to pursue my passion I decided to go to the Savannah College of Art and Design, where I’d be able to explore my talent.
Recently I released my newest single, “Do It” on all major streaming platforms. Although a very successful song, I’m still building a broader fanbase. I submitted my song to 48 different producers, radio stations, and engineers. Out of 48, 28 declined to play it because it didn’t fit their audience range. Currently, I’ve only received two approvals to have my song showcased on a different platform other than my own. Albeit a little discouraging, I know that to be successful I won’t receive a “yes” from everyone. However, the few I do receive will take me to the next level.
Your recent song “Do It” has made great strides in Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon Music. How does it feel to have your work be this successful?
It feels absolutely amazing to be able to have my voice stretched across these large platforms. Most artists have to use saturated platforms such as SoundCloud or Audiomack, so this is truly a blessing. What I found even greater though, is the feeling of satisfaction. Cello/Phn is the work that I created and he feels like he exists as an immortal.
How do you feel being a SCAD student plays into your role as an artist?
Right after I left the military I applied to be a SCAD student. I decided that if I don’t pursue my career now, I might not ever be able to achieve the dreams I’ve had for years. Upon my arrival, I fell in love with the atmosphere and the culture here. SCAD offers a safe space for me as a Black creative and sets no limits on whom I can become. I can be the iridescent, genre-bending, alternative artist I know I am who often loves sharing my talent with my classmates and my professors.
What advice would you give to SCAD students and or college students who are also aspiring artists?
I feel like SCAD students are different from college students so I’ll have to give two different pieces. For my other collegiate peers who are striving to make a name in the music industry, never give up, but know the difference between spamming and making connections. For my fellow Bees, It’s easy to get brushed under the rug if you don’t know what you are passionate about. It’s easy to feel low if you’re comparing yourself to others, but don’t allow some boxes to make you feel low, use those boxes to build yourself.
