Cleo Reed

Cleo Reed (born Ella Josephine Julia Moore) is a multidisciplinary artist with a focus on participatory art, music, instrument making, performance, installation and textiles. Raised in New York and Washington, D.C., Reed's background ranges from classical training at the Harlem School of the Arts to Sound Engineering & Design at Berklee College of Music.

The album CUNTRY (2025) combines folk and electronics and deals with anger and work - both physically and in everyday US working life. As a double album, it contrasts two sides: A, inspired by blues, soul, folk and country, and B, electronic-dystopian with rap influences. This juxtaposition reflects tensions between urban origins and southern roots.

CUNTRY was named one of the best albums of 2025 by Pitchfork, Stereogum and NPR Music, among others. Reed has been featured on the Dazed 100 list and has played renowned festivals and venues such as Lincoln Center, Afropunk and the New Orleans Jazz Festival, as well as touring with BadBadNotGood and Sudan Archives, among others.