Alternative pop artist Celeste Corsano presents her new single 'Shellfish', the fifth in a series of stellar singles released via Magic Door Record Label. Based in Milford, Pennsylvania (on the border with New Jersey), this Kate Bush-esque offering brings a sound wrapped in analogue perfection. Brother and fellow artist Chris Corsano (Björk, Kim Gordon, Thurston Moore) has contributed the cover artwork.
Produced, recorded, mixed and mastered by Ray Ketchem (Guided by Voices, Elk City, Gramercy Arms, Luna, Crash Harmony) at Magic Door Recording Studio in Montclair, NJ, this song features James Mastro (The Bongos, Mott the Hoople, Ian Hunter, Patti Smith, John Cale) on electric guitar, Ketchem on drums and percussion, and David Nagler (Nova Social, Joan Baez, Aaron Neville, Rosanne Cash, Yo La Tengo) on bass and acoustic guitar.
"This is a break up song with a little fun put in... some cute, but pissed-off lyrics, because the heart is still wondering a little what the person has rationalized to enable themselves to sleep at night. What better than to have a little bit of a tongue twister to illustrate an almost childlike awe at how another person could bring so much hurt with their selfish actions?" asks Celeste Corsano.
Corsano's compositions merge introspective writing with audacious arrangements, employing complex rhythmic structures and a vast emotional spectrum that ranges from ethereal contemplation to unbridled energy. Her fearless storytelling achieves a deeper, more candid truth through the natural application of asymmetric meters and multilayered vocal coloring. With an unassuming style, she conveys a disarming sincerity and vulnerability with messages that also resonate with a collective human experience.
"James Mastro's spot-on use and timing of the wah peddle in the pre-chorus is such a delight. I was so thrilled when I first heard his ideas during the recording session. The effect lends itself to an underwater feel where a shellfish might reside as well as captures the mood and style of the song. He's such a thoughtful and creative guitarist and adds the perfect feel to the song," says Celeste Corsano.
"David Nagler also played guitar on this track acoustically and it added so much. He introduced the idea for acoustic and it really worked and was the first song we used acoustic on. Ray's drums on this track had super energy and his arrangement idea of lengthening the ending so that the drums could really make a splash was excellent."
Earlier, Corsano released the singles 'Stuck', 'Nightbird', 'Sunlight Gazing', and her latest - 'XS' (with an animated video by Brother JT), expressing feelings of insecurity, body image issues, and the pressure for perfection and success. The emotional impact intensified by her sparse, almost innocent vocal quality, her sound recalls such artists such as Kate Bush, Tori Amos, and Julia Holter. Yet her unique persona shines brightly, establishing Corsano as a singular artist whose intensity and distinctive timbre are truly mesmerizing.
Celeste's artistry is inspired by her brothers - percussionist Chris Corsano and Latin roots musician Tony Corsano. Starting off in NYC's music scene, she was inspired by punk, new wave, poetry and art, not to mention countless studio sessions with ex-husband Brad Morrison (producer and Absolute A-Go-Go Records founder), working with the likes of Phish, the Figgs and Spiral Jetty. Initially performing Celtic and Bluegrass, she eventually began writing music rooted in the alternative music scene.
As of December 1, 'Shellfish' is available from fine online music platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp, where all of her previous singles can also be found.
CREDITS
Written by Celeste Corsano
Celeste Corsano – vocals & keyboards
James Mastro – electric guitar
Ray Ketchem – drums & synths
David Nagler – bass & acoustic guitar
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' & 'XS' video production & concept by Brother JT
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR
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