Rachel Costanzo Starlight Interview

Rachel Costanzo Starlight Interview

Young Australian pop singer on the rise, Rachel Costanzo has announced the release of her new single, Starlight (out August 1) lifted from her self-titled debut EP, out August 22. Rachel's EP also features her debut single Blindside, which created a decent buzz in the industry on release late last year.

Most people will remember Rachel from her chance encounter on Fox FM, where the station had a temporary computer meltdown and were unable to play programmed music. Rachel saw her opportunity and called Fox who then put her call to air, allowing her to play her single, Blindside down the line. She was then invited to return for an interview and to play her song in full the following day. 'It kind of all felt like a dream when they answered my call. Then it hit me when I heard Blindside on air. My whole family were in separate cars that morning listening to it being played on the Fox and I'll never forget that moment," Rachel gushes.

Rachel's new single, Starlight is a fresh and fun pop number with light and shade, and will have you up and dancing in no time. Her powerful and impressive vocal range and delivery are captivating and help bring this youthful and energetic sound to life. 'Starlight is about escaping from your day to day life and doing things you've always wished of," explains Rachel.

Filmed in the picturesque Melbourne bayside suburb of St Kilda and featuring iconic Melbourne landmarks Luna Park and The Palais Theatre, the video was shot by Peter John from Epik Films (Simple Plan & The Paper Kites) and stars online dance sensation and X Factor contestant Liam Ferrari. Staying true to who Rachel is, the clip sees a fun loving group of teenagers leaving their normal life and 'escaping in the Starlight".

Rachel's EP was two years in the making and recorded and co-written with Michael Paynter (The Voice contestant 2013, Sony Music recording artist) and Michael DeLorenzis at MSquared Productions. With a mix of upbeat songs and ballads (one of which features Michael Paynter), the EP maintains a youthful sound and explores the concept of dreaminess and escaping to the unknown. 'Working with Rachel Costanzo is a pocket-sized little dream come true. When she opens her mouth to sing, she instantly adds a dimension and character to the melody that we never imagined was possible," explains Paynter. 'Voices like hers are rare, and it's very exciting to see where her journey is going to take her in the coming years."

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Interview with Rachel Costanzo

Question: How would you describe your music?

Rachel Costanzo: My music is definitely POP! Most of my songs that I have co written with Michael Paynter are dance tracks, and that is the road I want to continue going down with my music.


Question: What inspired Starlight?

Rachel Costanzo: Nothing in particularly inspired -Starlight'. Michael Paynter, Michael Delorenzis and I basically started from scratch and put the song together as we went along, and it just so happened to have a meaning that mostly everyone can relate to because most people want to just escape and do something different in life and not be stuck in the same place all the time!

Question: How did it feel to have your song played on Fox FM?

Rachel Costanzo: It felt so surreal.. Never in my life did I expect MY own song that I wrote to be introduced to the world!


Question: Can you tell us about the video clip?

Rachel Costanzo: The video clip for Starlight was filmed by a good friend Peter John, he filmed my last single -Blindside' for me and when I finished writing -Starlight' I knew I had to get him on board again! The film clip was shot in St Kilda and I had all my closest friends in it with me, which was the best because it seemed more real to me instead of just hiring actors and having to fake some laughs!


Question: Do you write your own songs? What's your inspiration?

Rachel Costanzo: I do write my own songs but I prefer co-writing with Msquared because our ideas put together always makes something magical! My inspiration would be artists out there or just normal people out there that have started from the bottom and had absolutely nothing.. To making it to the top and creating a life they have always dreamed of.


Question: What music/artists do you listen to when you are not playing your own?

Rachel Costanzo: I listen to artists such as Sam Smith, Ellie Goulding, Sia, John Legend! Any type of dance track or ballad that comes out on the radio I quickly download and learn!


Question: What's next? Tour/Album/Single?
Rachel Costanzo: I have my EP coming out next Friday which I'm so excited about! I also have teen expo that I will be performing at on the 28th and 29th of August!


Question: Was there a moment you contemplated throwing in the towel?

Rachel Costanzo: No, never! There are always going to be bumps in the road, but if you work hard and stay focused you'll get there and achieve your dreams.


Question: Do you prefer performing live or recording?

Rachel Costanzo: I prefer performing live! I love seeing the expressions on peoples faces when listening to my music, it's ever better when they are smiling and singing along!


Question: What/who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

Rachel Costanzo: I guess I just grew up listening to a lot of TV, and was always listening to the radio and buying the latest CD's and as I grew up I just discovered that I had a love for music and i went on from there!


Question: What is the biggest challenge you have faced along the way to your musical success?

Rachel Costanzo: The biggest challenge would have to be dealing with and ignoring hatred.. Not everyone will like the music an artist puts out there and you just have to have a strong mind and not let words get to you! The music industry has defiantly made me a stronger person.

Question: What's a typical day like?

Rachel Costanzo: A typical day for me would be to wake up, go to school, come home and practice my music, learn new songs until it's midnight until my eyes can't stay open any longer!


Question: What has been your favourite part of becoming a music artist?

Rachel Costanzo: My favourite part would be that I have inspired so many and even saved lives. I often get messages over Facebook from teenagers telling me how my music keeps them going day to day and helps them though there problems in life. And for me that is what keeps me going when I've had a knock back or had a rough day because i know there are people out there that are counting on me and I never want to let myself or anyone down.


Question: If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

Rachel Costanzo: I would defiantly love to collaborate with Sam Smith, or John legend! But if I did, I would probably get so star struck that I'd just sit there looking like a frog! Hahaha


Interview by Brooke Hunter