July 2026 Nashville Artist of the Month Cece Coakley told us On The Record about her Knoxville-to-Murfreesboro-to-Knoxville-to-Nashville story, one interrupted by COVID but also the financial strain of being an independent touring artist. She recounted the “full spiral” inspiration behind her most-streamed song, “865,” revealed the main character of “Carolinagain” (on the newest EP Pleasant Attack) and gushed about “creating a universe” of songs for her forthcoming first full-length album. She also name-drops some modern and legendary artists that influence her sound, which you can also find on the playlist she made us.