Katie Costello is out with the music video on AOL's Spinner to her new single "Cityscapes," off the New York City unsigned singer songwriter's latest EP "The City In Me," which hits stores tomorrow. The new video was made by the multi-talented Greg Holden, using ONLY the iPhone 4, and it features a jangling triangle and thunderous percussion juxtaposed with her piano melody. Her vocal turn reminds of Sixpence's Leigh Nash here, before breaking into the triumphant Waggoner-esque chorus. "We wanted to make the video for 'Cityscapes' a reflection of the genuine creative excitement that cities inspire," explains Costello. That leaves a lot to the imagination, and also makes for a crafty and charming video that you won't want to miss.As musicians and music-listeners alike venture into a creative climate in which technological elements often define an artist's sonic and visual identity, Costello emerges as a unique & timeless example of an authentic artisan shining and colorful amidst the frequently grey backdrop of modernity. Almost as if her spirit has been frozen in another day and age, her perspective is one that far exceeds her surprisingly young age. At 17, Hermosa Beach resident is making her path clear. Costello is physiologically young, mentally ancient, and prides herself in having a keen eye for kitsch. She's recognized by a unique lyrical approach to her vintage-esque original tunes. Despite her biting sarcasm and unrepentant banter, she truly strives to be a sounding voice for the hopelessly warped, while simultaneously promoting the significance and paramount need for genuine creative passion.
"Cityscapes" was inspired whilst in a unexpectedly long and arduous journey from New York City to Philadelphia. While those two cities are just 93 miles apart, anybody who has spent time in both will be able to quickly point out their differences; just as all cities differ from each other in the end. "'Cityscapes' is about any city or place that has challenged you or made you a better person," Costello tells Spinner. "For me, in particular, it's about New York City and Los Angeles. Both cities make my mind race and my heart race. They make me work hard and play hard and be exactly who I am." Deeply personal, her songs are impressionistic and beckon to the lonely, disconnected nature of our times.
The five-track-mini EP clock in just below 20 minutes and offer a rousing introduction to this brilliant vocalist/lyricist, giving us just a tiny glimpse into what we might expect on her full length album "Lamplight," set to hit in early 2011. While the song in question is existential in theme and statement, that opening line is a perfect musical declaration that places Costello's music squarely in the spotlight, a concrete and firm flagpole marking a spot where a great new artist burst onto the scene. It also leaves us wanting more - way more. Enthusiastically endorsed by the influential Nic Harcourt of KCRW, the EP is comprised of five gorgeous songs bursting at the seams with soaring melodies and bubbling over with insightful poetics. With hints of Regina Spektor in her powerful vocals, Costello weaves intricate stories and pays tribute to life in the city. Spend your 20 minutes with "The City In Me" and I assure you, you'll be loyal for life.
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