Dutch-American artist Chellcy Reitsma returns with Carpe Diem, a record that feels more like a journey than just a collection of songs. Mixing blues, alt-rock, rockabilly, and Americana, she creates an old school and refreshing sound. Just like Reitsma, this body of musical art is emotional and personality filled.
She isn’t just a song writer, she’s a visual artist and a poet. Her creative touch is evident in her music. Every song is detailed and painted with emotion.
The album begins with Chemicals, a track that paints a complex picture of a passion driven relationship. It sets an image of a boat in a bay of dreams under the midnight sun. It’s not just a place; it’s a mental sanctuary. The song carries a brutal honesty about addictive desire. She sings from a place of painful truth with every line cutting to the core of the song’s theme, The thrill of connection overrides self-preservation.
The song delivers an emotional climax, physically manifesting the bond’s destructive intensity. The line “Wrapped your hands around my neck so tight I could not breathe” projects an image of suffocation and control yet instead of panic, the artist experiences ecstasy.
In the track ” Artist Plight”, she speaks about the struggle of being an artist – the need to create, the doubts, and the beauty in it all. Her voice is powerful yet calm.
The title track Carpe Diem is a raw cry for self-rule after deep struggle. Lyrically, the song pulls us into a history of survival “I have been through hell and back” she declares, facing personal demons. She highlights a choice to escape trauma using art as her way out. Writing her own songs means she is no longer a victim, she is the author of her life. This journey builds up to her ultimate statement of independence; No one can pen me now, no one will slow me down.
There’s a joyful, real and intense life that doesn’t need anyone’s approval. This song makes it clear that to live means putting the present moment first and casting off the need to impress others. Chellcy recognizes that the past is a constant threat and old actions are mirrored in the future and could become a trap. This awareness fuels a determination that destroys old bad habits.
Carpe Diem is not just a song about getting by, it is about achieving total mastery over oneself and stepping forward in the right direction with unyielding power.
Chellcy Reitsma believes art should be honest and free. In her words: “My mission is to create art that is real, personal, and empowering — to express what others may not say and to stay true to myself.” That’s exactly what Carpe Diem does. It’s music straight from the heart.
Chellcy Reitsma is also known for her creative visual work. Her project Desolate Days — a stop-motion animation lyric video made with charcoal and digital art reached the Top 20 Music Video Charts in Malta, where she currently lives. It’s another sign of how she brings art, music, and emotion together in everything she does.
Carpe Diem is a brilliant piece of work and deserves attention to the core. Chellcy’s songs boarders on themes such as feminine strength, self-reflection, and emotional struggle. Even when the music turns dark, as in “I Ran Away,” there’s always a spark of hope and energy, showing her curiosity and courage to face life head-on.
If you’re a fan of love old-school rock, “Rock’n’Roll Lover” is the track to play loud. It’s fun, loud, and full of attitude, with electric guitars and a cool vintage vibe that feels like the ‘70s reborn. You can almost picture her performing this one live — all energy and charisma. It’s one of those songs that makes you want to move.
With Carpe Diem, Chellcy Reitsma combines her skills as a singer, poet, and artist to create an album that is heartfelt, inspiring, and genuine.
LISTEN TO THE ALBUM ON:
CONNECT WITH CHELLCY ON:
English