Don McLean's American Pie LP (until my brother smashed it); Singing harmonies to Chicago 17 in the car with the family; Early ‘80s MTV; Billy Joel’s Cold Spring Harbor; Exploiting the Suzuki piano method; the last chord of "A Day in the Life"; Listening to Samuel Barber’s “Adagio for Strings” on repeat in the dark; The Platoon soundtrack; The life and music of John Lennon; The dying of autumn; My dad’s closed-eyes appreciation of “She’s Always a Woman”; Jessica & Carrie; James Taylor live; “Don’t Let me Down”; Pink Floyd songs that David Gilmore sings; Every girl I ever loved; the musicals of Stephen Sondheim; Christopher Zemliauskas; Thom Yorke’s voice; Radiohead’s transcendent genius; Damien’s Rice’s raw grit; The desire to ring out before my time is up. . . .
A musician from an early age, singer and songwriter Benjamin Costello has always found he best expresses himself through music. His introspective lyrics and complex, emotional melodies reflect his passion as well as his education and musical influences. After receiving a formal music education in piano, voice, and conducting, Benjamin is exploring his own compositional voice as he moves away from genres with a clear divide between performer and composer.
Benjamin rediscovered his love for performing after putting together an acoustic show of songs by his strongest influence, Radiohead. Other influences include Damien Rice, the Beatles, and James Taylor. Benjamin’s captivating performances offer a combination of originals and select covers that speak to him. Each of his selections feature his smooth vocals, described as “hypnotic” and “tender and beautiful,” with piano or guitar accompaniment ranging from delicate and intricate to passionate and powerful. Located in Ithaca, NY, Benjamin plays a variety of venues both locally and in the surrounding area.
I've got that horrid feeling... That feeling that comes hand-in-hand with that giant, sharp lump in the back of your throat. That feeling... like sticky bubbles filled with murky goop are floating about me, bouncing off my skin, twitching and popping as they collide with one another...
Dread. Anxiety. And your sweet, lulling voice keeping the flesh-eating bacteria at bay.
... So sorry I flood your comment box with my pointlessness. But you mean a whole lot to some of us. <3
Hey, you. Thanks again for doing what you do, and for being who you are. Your music keeps me going. ... Just thought you should know, if you didn't already.
hi benj... you always make me smile:) i can't wait to hear your album when it's done... your voice is one of the purest and sweetest i've ever experienced... a million hugs to you, my dear friend... magnolia~*
its hard to keep up and always send personal comments about new music and stuff but please pay attention to my bulletins or just periodically check the page! im always updating it or doing something to it!
