Alternative pop artist Celeste Corsano presents'XS', released via Magic Door Record Label, and its animated video by Brother JT. This collaboration relays Corsano's message through surreal imagery that questions the pressure to achieve perfection, leading to a symbolic release or escape, embodying freedom through transformation.
The 'XS' single expresses feelings of insecurity, body image issues, and the pressure for perfection and success, often driven by media and external standards, using the double meaning of "XS" (extra small) sizes and "excess" success. With a sound wrapped in analogue perfection, Corsano grapples with the cycle of comparison and the fleeting nature of achieving an "industry standard" of happiness.
Based in Milford, Pennsylvania (on the border with New Jersey), Corsano worked withRay Ketchem (Guided by Voices, Elk City, Gramercy Arms, Luna, Crash Harmony), who produced, recorded, mixed and mastered this release, at Magic Door Recording Studio in Montclair, NJ. Recalling The Cars and Kate Bush, 'XS' follows the stunning singles 'Stuck', 'Nightbird' and 'Sunlight Gazing'.
"XS is about feeling like an outsider and trying to fit in, insecurities about body image and the trap of perfection. These mindsets come from my own insecurities based on my personal experiences, examples of women I've seen growing up and by outside sources such as the media and the entertainment industry," says Celeste Corsano.
"Feeling we have achieved the "industry standard" of whatever it is we are trying to achieve - be it body size, our image in our creative expression, or success in social circles, perhaps, but then saying, “Well, have I reached it? Am I now in the perfect spot of happiness?” We all know how transitory this can be and the ambivalence that may set in after that high wears off."
This song features famed guitarist James Mastro (The Bongos, Mott the Hoople, Ian Hunter, Patti Smith, John Cale), Ray Ketchem (Guided by Voices, Elk City, Gramercy Arms, Luna, Crash Harmony) on drums and synths, and David Nagler (Nova Social, Joan Baez, Aaron Neville, Rosanne Cash, Yo La Tengo) on bass.
"Brother JT is a visual artist, videographer/animator and musician, who has had a following for both his visual art and with his psychedelic rock core. He was gracious enough to do another video for me, the first one being for my song ‘Stuck’, a heartfelt exploration into emotional impasse. With ‘XS’, we find more of JT’s signature style and there is a message, although not hammered home in my lyrics or his conceptualization, that we both developed in some aspects," says Celeste Corsano.
"This gives thought to trying to squeeze oneself into the cruel arena of perfection and constantly changing rules of it. The ending has a bit of my idea and JT’s idea: the woman reaches out for herself in the mirror as if accepting herself, but then releases herself from the bondage of all of the rigidity of perfection and escapes into nature, in the form of a deer, and then the deer runs into the forest. Nature is my refuge and my freedom, so I suggested the ending be a kind of ambivalence because the lyrics say “am I perfect? ‘. This is a question that should never have to be asked. Freedom from the whole prison of perfection looked like this to me - the girl jumping into the forest in the body of a deer."
Corsano's music blends poetic lyricism with adventurous arrangements, unexpected rhythms and a distinct emotional range -- from ethereal and moody to playful and bold. With a natural use of mixed meters and layered vocal timbres, her fearless approach to storytelling conveys a deeper truth. With a simple unassuming style, there's a disarming honesty in her work that feels deeply personal, yet speaks to something we all feel. Revealing a vulnerability that is both deeply personal and strikingly relatable, her sparse, almost childlike vocals amplify its impact.
From a musical family, Celeste is inspired by her brothers - Latin roots musician Tony Corsano and percussionist Chris Corsano (Björk, Kim Gordon, Thurston Moore). Corsano began in NYC's live music scene, drawing inspiration from punk and new wave while also writing poetry and studying art. After initially performing Celtic and Bluegrass music, she evolved into a songwriter. She also honed her ear during countless studio sessions with her ex-husband, producer Brad Morrison (and founder of Absolute A-Go-Go Records), working with notable artists like Phish, the Figgs and Spiral Jetty.
'XS' is out now, available from fine online music platforms, including Bandcamp, where her latest singles 'Stuck', 'Sunlight Gazing' and 'Nightbird' can also be found.
CREDITS
Written by Celeste Corsano
Celeste Corsano – vocals & keyboards
James Mastro – guitar
Ray Ketchem – drums & synths
David Nagler – bass
Produced by Ray Ketchem
Recorded, mixed & mastered by Ray Ketchem at Magic Door Recording, Montclair, NJ
Cover artwork by Chris Corsano
Released by Magic Door Record Label
'Stuck' video production & concept by Brother JT
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR
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