Debut EP from Cillë

Danish-born, New York-based songwriter and vocalist Cecilie Maria Nielsen, better known as her artistic moniker Cillë, has built her reputation as a flamboyant pop rock figure with a penchant for infectious hooks and a shimmering edge. Her journey to this moment has been one of reinvention and rediscovery, tracing back to her time fronting Danish rock trio Taras.

As the bass-playing lead singer of the group, she not only released one EP and two double-singles but also found herself performing arena shows, landing commercial radio play and making appearances on national television, including Denmark’s public broadcasting network DR and even in a Royal Beer commercial.

That early chapter sowed the seeds for a career defined by ambition and theatricality, but it wasn’t until she branched into her solo work that her own vision truly crystallised. Debuting in 2022 with the debut single “Kill or Be Killed,” Cillë began earning her place in the glam rock revival, quickly landing attention from tastemakers including Cheers to the Vikings, glamglare, Ghettoblaster and Adam’s World. Radio station Dandy’s Stardust Dive even dubbed her “a new star in the glam rock sky,” a fitting title for an artist who brings pure sonic sparkle.

Now, Cillë presents her debut EP, titled but you can call me silly!, a project that distils both her irreverent humour and her deeper reflections. Produced by Benjamin Hull, with vocal engineering from Blak Emoji’s Kelsey Warren and mastering by Joseph Freeman, the record balances bombast with emotional context. The title itself is a tongue-in-cheek nod to her name, “silly” being a common Danish nickname for Cecilie, complete with an umlaut as a playful homage to her early heavy metal influences. It’s a wink at her theatrical side, but also a statement of intent; an embrace of the “odd ball-empowerment” that fuels her artistic output.

Across its tracks, the EP plays out like a glitter-sprinkled diary of survival and defiance. Cillë describes these tracks as “fun songs for the end of the world,” a fitting summation of the EP’s mix of escapist joy and existential undercurrent. She’s candid about her doubts over whether such levity matches the times, but equally honest in admitting that stifling her instinct to entertain was “killing me slowly.” Instead, she’s leaned into the silliness, trusting that even if listeners don’t look for hidden meanings, they’ll find a soundtrack that excites and liberates.

Kicked off by the bright, 8-bit buzz of synths on lead single opener “Neon Trooper,” airy synth textures enter as Cillë’s emphatic voice rings out above the sparse patter of drums. Erupting with crunching guitar tones and charging percussive rhythms, her voice soars above to spin instantly catchy vocal leads above, resulting in a spectacular synth rock anthem that’s memorable and engrossing from start to finish.

“Reckless Hearts” launches with the strike of drums and gritty guitar energy, channelling an uplifting 80s rock aesthetic as her compelling vocal performance casts an infectious jam that’s invigorating and truly impossible not to love. Filtering her retro rock influences through her own modern sonic lens, it’s an epic outing that’s original, engaging and exhilarating all at once.

With “Champagne Punk,” the fuzz of downtempo guitar chords bursts to life with punching beats and expressive vocals serving up a pop punk vibe. With a stack of guitars, synths and smooth backing vocalisations, it’s an absorbing track that perfectly captures Cillë’s charming songwriting and stellar performance talent.

Closing the EP with “All the Haters are Dead,” elegant vocals and intricate instrumentation forms a delicate sound that surge with the energy of storming distorted guitars to serve up an empowering anthem. Cut with a scorching guitar solo, it’s a dazzling finale to Cillë’s sensational debut EP, offering a superb listening experience that’s guaranteed to win over new and existing listeners around the world.

Listen to , but you can call me silly below