SPILL MUSIC PREMIERE: CELESTE CORSANO – “SUNLIGHT GAZING”

CELESTE CORSANO – “SUNLIGHT GAZING”

A SPILL EXCLUSIVE MUSIC PREMIERE

Once in a while, we do feature artists from Philadelphia, but rarely does it happen that we get to hear much from artists from other areas of Pennsylvania. Today we have such an occasion to introduce you to one such singer-songwriter, named Celeste Corsano. Not that we’ve ever heard of her home community of Shohola before, but now we have.

While not new to the music scene, we present what is actually Corsano’s debut single. Titled “Sunlight Gazing”, this music comes to us by way of Montclair, NJ-based indie imprint Magic Door Record Label, founded a few years ago by Guided by Voices drummer Kevin March, together with renowned producer Ray Ketchem and artist Renée LoBue.

“Sunlight Gazing” immediately evokes the distinctive sounds of Tori Amos, Kate Bush, Joanna Newsom and Julia Holter, yet her own voice shines through with unique character. Proving herself to be a gifted and captivating performer from the outset, Corsano’s music is mesmerizing and fabulously dramatic, marked by a timbre and delivery so attention-grabbing they inspire goosebumps.

Ray Ketchem (Guided by Voices, Elk City, Gramercy Arms, Luna, Crash Harmony) produced, recorded, mixed and mastered this release at Magic Door Recording Studio, as well as playing drums.

This single also features contributions by iconic 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).

Corsano notes, “Ray’s drumming created the fundamental sound and direction for these songs and was a true catalyst for the sound and vibe”.

Blending poetic lyricism with adventurous arrangements, unexpected rhythms and a distinct emotional range — from ethereal and moody to playful and bold. Marked by a natural use of mixed meters and layered vocal timbres, her fearless approach to storytelling always seeks the deeper truth within each tune.

“So much talk is cheap. From the media, to circles of our influence and community, to family and friends. There is so much posturing, hidden agendas, wanting ‘what’s best’ and ego, and insecurity.  We’re all trying to survive and build our dreams, and we all have our template of words that we often use to communicate to others and also to ourselves, but we starve for real words and real feeling to give and receive from others and our own inner voice,” says Celeste Corsano.

“To veer away from the flock is scary, but to be aware and be scared  while moving away from the flock is courage. “Smoke from a fire not lit yet…” My hidden potential… sometimes I just need to tune out all the talk and the influences….what’s that you said?  “I’m busy sunlight gazing, I can’t hear you anymore”.

With influences as diverse as Brian Eno and Joni Mitchell, David Bowie and Fairport Convention, Elvis Costello and Pentangle, it also does not come as a surprise that she counts traditional Celtic music among the formative sub-conscious foundations of her music.

Quite active in NYC’s live music scene during her youth, she also wrote poetry, studied art and absorbed sound at a granular level. Celeste Corsano’s deeply musical family includes  two well-achieved brothers – Latin roots musician Tony Corsano and avant-garde percussionist Chris Corsano (Björk, Kim Gordon, Thurston Moore) – and first husband, Brad Morrison, producer and founder of Absolute A-Go-Go Records, known for his work with such notable artists as Phish, the Figgs and Spiral Jetty.

As of April 23, “Sunlight Gazing” is available from fine online music platforms, including Bandcamp.  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

Celeste Corsano
[Single]
(Magic Door Record Label)
Release Date: April 23, 2025

Artist Links

Background Photo Credit: Jerry Reganess