Pennsylvania-based artist Celeste Corsano presents her new single ‘Nightbird’, the dark side of the ying-yang, following her recently-released debut single ‘Sunlight Gazing’.
An innovative singer-songwriter, Corsano is the latest artist to be added to the growing roster of the blossoming Montclair, NJ-based indie label Magic Door Record Label.
Corsano’s music blends poetic lyricism with adventurous arrangements, unexpected rhythms and a distinct emotional range — from ethereal and moody to playful and bold. With a natural use of mixed meters and layered vocal timbres, her fearless approach to storytelling conveys a deeper truth.
“I live in a rural area. There’s nights when I can’t sleep, thinking about my living dreams, desires and worries…the noise and chaos of my circumstances and feelings crowd my mind. When that happens, I lie in bed and look out my window and see the shadows of trees, lightning bugs flash, and sometimes hear the cry of a fisher cat… so eerie and wild. I hear the call of an owl, or see a bird that’s been disturbed from its perch and fly to another spot. The sights and sounds become part of a message to me…. a nightbird…calling to me,” says Celeste Corsano.
For the past year, Corsano has been working with renowned producer Ray Ketchem(Guided by Voices, Elk City, Gramercy Arms, Luna, Crash Harmony) at Magic Door Recording Studio, who produced, recorded, mixed and mastered this release, as well as several recordings to follow.
With Ketchem also on drums, this single also features fantastically notable guitarist James Mastro(The Bongos, Mott the Hoople, Ian Hunter, Patti Smith, John Cale) and keyboardist-bass player David Nagler of Nova Social (who has also played with Joan Baez, Aaron Neville, Rosanne Cash, Andrew Bird, Steve Earle and Yo La Tengo).
“I came to Ray Ketchem with iPhone recordings of my keyboard, voice, lyrics and a dream…. and for the next few months I traveled 1 1/2 hours one way to have one of the best times and learning experiences of my life. Ray was the producer, drummer and engineer for my songs, He created the fundamental groundwork and direction for Nightbird with his distinctive drum riff,” says Celeste Corsano.
“Besides my demo, the drums were a catalyst and inspiration for guitarist James Mastro and synth player-bassist David Nagler to create the full tapestry, against which I could express myself vocally when it came time to record my tracks. I remember feeling so elated and on a musical high watching and listening to Mastro record the tracks for ‘Nightbird’. Those hours are unforgettable. He was a part of the music, his entire body and expression connected to his guitar, rippling like water to its sounds. The guitar work expresses the lyrics so perfectly. It was very moving to watch.”
She adds, “David Nagler selected the coolest sounds and added so much to the attitude of this song. When the bass first comes into the song it sends chills. Working with Ray, James and David was such an inspiration. All three of them are so down to earth, personable and into the music. They are all legendary in the music realm and I’m so fortunate to have worked with them.”
Raised on a steady diet of lyric-driven artists, Corsano then discovered the pulse of the new wave and punk scenes. Quite active in NYC’s live music scene in her youth, she also wrote poetry, studied art and absorbed sound at a granular level. Initially performing Celtic and Bluegrass music in the tri-state area, she ultimately evolved as a solo artist, writing her own material.
Coming from a deeply musical family, Celeste draws constant inspiration from her brothers – Latin roots musician Tony Corsano and avant-garde percussionist Chris Corsano(Björk, Kim Gordon, Thurston Moore). She also honed her ear during countless studio recording sessions attended with her ex-husband Brad Morrison, producer and founder of Absolute A-Go-Go Records, known for working with such notable artists as Phish, the Figgs and Spiral Jetty.
As of May 27, ‘Nightbird’ is available from fine online music platforms, including Bandcamp, where ‘Sunlight Gazing’ can also be found. Additional releases are expected to follow throughout 2025.
CREDITS
Written by Celeste Corsano
Produced by Ray Ketchem
Celeste Corsano – vocals and piano
James Mastro – guitars
David Nagler – bass and synths
Ray Ketchem – drums
Cover artwork by Chris Corsano
Released by Magic Door Record Label
Recorded, mixed & mastered by Ray Ketchem at Magic Door, Montclair NJ
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR