What is your name?
Nicholas Costello.
What is your genre of music?
Dream pop mashed with folk rock.
Give us a little bio about you:
Canberra based Indie Rock singer/songwriter Nicholas Costello possesses a natural flair for crafting intricate melodies and writing emotionally rich lyrics. He draws influence from the likes of Mazzy Star, Nick Drake, REM and Jeff Buckley. Nicholas Costello debuted in 2014 with the release of his EP ‘Definite Blue’. He has since released 3 more EP’s and a full-length album whilst playing notable shows at venues such as Melbourne Recital Centre, The National Theatre, The Espy, The Workers Club and many more. Costello recently entered the studio with producer Tim McArtney (Gang of Youths, LANKS, Jarryd James, James Vincent McMorrow, Hoodoo Gurus) to record his upcoming sophomore album ‘Chronos’. Nicholas kicked off 2022 with the release of his single ‘Capital Realm’, which was aired on over 70 radio stations worldwide including ABC Radio. The single was launched to a sold out crowd at Smith’s Alternative. He then followed up with the release of his single ‘Doubt Grows’. The single was premiered on Double J and received positive coverage from Scenestr, BMA Magazine, Life Music Media and many more.
What made you go into music?
From a young age I was completely obsessed with and possessed by music. I always felt it had a magical, almost spiritual quality to it which was deeply alluring to me. I simply felt like I had to create music and go more into that world. As soon as I got a guitar in my hands that became possible.
Who are your influences?
Absolutely heaps of artists. But to name a few: Mazzy Star, Joni Mitchell, Otis Redding, Smashing Pumpkins. Nina Simone, Magnolia Electric Co, Nick Drake, Bob Dylan, Beach House, Fleet Foxes etc.
Are you signed?
I am unsigned…
You released your new single ‘Doubt Grows’, tell us more about the single and what is the meaning behind the single?
The song was about the rapid deterioration of a long-term relationship in 2020. The song expressed the feelings I was experiencing at that time as well as how my own personal turmoil felt amplified by events occurring y at that time.
What was the writing and recording process like?
The writing process for this song was deeply introspective and uncomfortable, except when the song was finished there was a genuine sense of relief and accomplishment. The recording process was totally different, the relationship with my producer was so smooth, (almost symbiotic) and I felt like the vision I had for this track was well captured.
Describe the track in two words.
Wistful, saudade.
Who did you work with on the single?
I worked with my producer Tim McArtney, who is really just a delight to work with (efficient, knowledgeable, virtuosic, personable) and Charlie Finn, who is an absolutely first-rate drummer.
Will we see a Music video for single ‘Doubt Grows’, what can we expect from the creative process?
Not at this stage but possibly something in the new year.
Will we see an EP or Album and if so, can you give us a teaser of what to expect?
Yes, I’ll be releasing a brand new album on November 15 (which will feature Doubt Grows). The album will be a 9 tracker made up songs which describe different experiences I had in what was an eventful year in 2020. The album is called Chronos.
Do you have any live shows or a tour coming up and if so let us know where we can catch you at?
Yes, I’ll be launching my next single, Lightning with You in Sydney on October 15 at Staves Brewery. I’ll be playing an album launch in Melbourne in mid-December 2022 and then will follow up with a mini tour of the record in early 2023.
What else can we expect in 2022?
After releasing the launching the new single and record I’ll probably take a much needed nap or two.
Will we see any collaborations and if so, can you tell us more about them?
I’m getting back into the studio soon to start recording another record (release date TBC), and I think I’ll use that opportunity to collaborate with some artists in both the indie and experimental music world to feature on that record.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
Glastonbury – just not sure if that’s as a performer, audience member or both.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
“I never saved anything for the swim back” – Gattaca
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
- To open my eyes while singing occasionally
- Bring batteries and guitar strings for all occasions
- Breaks between songs for banter is a pro not a con in general
- Don’t bring my pets
- Enjoy the moment
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
Yes, I’m on Facebook and Insta. Just look up @ncostellomusic and you’ll find me.
