A new voice has been introduced to the world of music. Lyric soprano and songwriter Jae.Ci (Jae Carelli) has released their debut album, American Doll. The album features seven tracks. It was created to explore the emotional journey of transracial and international adoption through music, storytelling, and vulnerability.
The album was inspired by personal experiences. Jae.Ci was adopted from Korea and raised in an Italian-American family. Their story has been shared through music and performance. A sold-out premiere of their original show, Homeward Bound, was held in New York at The Cell. The show will be brought to Boston on June 7 at Somerville Music Spaces. Tickets can be purchased online.
About The New Release — In Homeward Bound, songs from American Doll are combined with classical works by American composers. These include Samuel Barber, Tom Cipullo, Carlisle Floyd, Bo Konigsmark, and Matthew Jihoon Pellegrino. The music is used to reflect Jae.Ci’s lived experience. The show blends classical and contemporary styles to tell a story that is both personal and universal.
The idea for the album came after attending a conference. Jae.Ci and their sister went to the Korean Adoptee/Adoptive Family Network Conference in 2023. A session about the seven core issues of adoption was attended. These issues—loss, loyalty, control, identity, abandonment, trust, and shame—were found to be deeply connected to Jae.Ci’s life. The themes were used to shape the album.
Each song on American Doll was written to reflect one of those core issues. The music is paired with storytelling that is often humorous, yet deeply emotional. Through this work, JAE.CI has challenged the common narratives around adoption. The voices of adoptees, which have often been silenced, are given space and strength.
The music on American Doll reflects a dual identity. Classical and contemporary vocal techniques are used to show contrast. Korean and Italian-American cultures are blended. The result is a sound that feels sacred and rebellious, studied and spontaneous. The album is not only a musical journey—it is a cultural reckoning.
About The Artist — Jae.Ci is known for her wide musical background. She has trained in classical voice, piano, organ, flute, and harp. These skills have shaped her approach as a singer-songwriter. Her work bridges the gap between classical and modern music. In her voice studio, students are encouraged to sing their truth and find strength through music.
A painful truth was discovered in September 2024. It was learned that South Korea had profited from the adoption of over 250,000 children, including Jae.Ci and their siblings. This information was reported by The New York Times in March 2025. “My whole life, I was told I should be grateful,” JAE.CI said. “But that message erased my pain. I decided to reclaim my story and sing my truth.”
With American Doll, a powerful debut has been made. The album invites listeners to reflect, feel, and connect. Through music, Jae.Ci has shared a story that is both personal and important. Their voice has been heard—and it will continue to resonate.
Listen to “American Doll“ and follow Jae.Ci on Instagram, TikTok, and their website.
