Episode 010 - Part 1, Dan Costello

A short while back, I had the pleasure of sitting down for an in-depth conversation with longtime Boise singer-songwriter Dan Costello. The conversation was so good and so in-depth, I decided to split it into two parts.

In part one of my conversation with Dan, we talk in-depth about his approach to songwriting. Along the way, we slip into a discussion about cooking. Turns out it's the perfect metaphor for songwriting.

Dan talks about the themes he is drawn to in his writing and the artists who helped influence him along the way. He also discusses the effect marriage has had on his writing.

Dan and I talk about changes he's witnessed in the Boise musical scene, especially for younger performers and would-be performers. That seamlessly slides into a discussion about the importance of music education and the idea of music as language.

We revisit some advice Dan gave in a 2010 interview and talk about revision and the idea that it is better to write too much than to try later to add something. And we talk about Leonard Cohen's classic "Hallelujah" and its usefulness as a songwriting exercise.

Along the way, Dan performs a song he wrote for his own wedding and a song he wrote back during his days with the band Stella. Dan did not have his normal guitar with him, son the songs are performed on a carbon fiber Journey OF660 (link below).

Part two of my conversation with Dan will drop next Friday, August 3. (Note the change in schedule.) In it, we'll talk about the latest band project he's a part of and the differences for him between the solo and band performer dynamic. We'll also discuss his approach to playing guitar and his increased involvement with the Idaho Songwriters Association.

Follow Dan Costello on Facebook
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See Dan Costello on YouTube
Hear Dan Costello on ReverbNation
Visit Dan Costello's website
Journey Instruments OF660


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Episode 009 - Rachael Leigh

I recently sat down with Boise singer-songwriter Rachael Leigh. Over the course of our conversation, we covered a variety of topics, including her singing and writing influences (some of them are local, so you can also check them out). We also talked about how she would describe her singing and writing style.

In addition to singing and writing, Rachael also works full time and has two children to raise. We talked a bit about the challenges of juggling family, job, and music. (By the way, if you know any  good babysitters, Rachael may be interested.

Besides her solo work, Rachael is also part of the band No Relation, and she talks about how that came about. We wrap up by discussing the Boise music scene, her short term plans, and the briefly discuss the idea of songwriting and music as therapy.

Rachael was also kind enough to share three of her songs, including the first song she ever wrote.

Here are the pertinent links:

• Rachael Leigh on Facebook
• No Relation on Facebook

Remember, you can find Measured Voices on Facebook and also on Twitter. Send your questions, comments, and suggestions to measuredvoices@gmail.com.

Programming Note: Episodes 010 and 011 feature an in-depth conversation with long-time Boise singer-songwriter Dan Costello. These two episodes will also be posted one week apart (instead of the usual two). Look for part one to post July 27, with part two posting August 3. (Episode 012 will post either August 10 or August 17. That has yet to be determined.)

We Made It On To Spotify!

The podcasting gods be praised! Measured Voices is at last available on Spotify. Just click on the icon to your right of click this link and you can listen to episodes of the podcast while you listen to your other favorite artists on Spotify. (Measured Voices is one of your favorites, isn't it? Isn't it?)

That means, including the mother page on Anchor, Measured Voices is available through at least eleven different applications and websites, as well as right here on the blog. Thanks for listening, and don't forget, a new episode drops this Friday. Mark your calendars or subscribe on your podcast app.