Episode 011 - Dan Costello, Part Two

Because the conversation was too good, and because I'm too lazy to cut out anything, I decided to make my conversation with long-time Boise singer-songwriter Dan Costello a two-parter.

Part one was posted last Friday, and today, part two is launched into the electronic vapor. In part two, Dan talks about his latest band project, Sono Fuego, telling us how it came about and what Sono Fuego is all about.

Since Dan also still performs solo gigs, we talk about the dynamics of performing solo versus in a band. then Dan discussed how this experience differs from his past band experiences.

We spend some time talking about Dan's decision to perform mainly with a nylon-string guitar and about why Dan's fingernails are so important. That segues into some conversation about Dan's approach to finger-style playing, complete with examples.

Dan talks about what he enjoys most about performing live. He also shares some great thoughts on developing one's stagecraft and talks about the advice he received for overcoming stage fright.

We talk about Dan's increased presence and involvement with the Idaho Songwriters Association, and Dan shares his thoughts about finding success in music. Dan then closes out the episode with a performance of his song "Home Is Where The Heart Is."

Another new episode drops next Friday, August 10. (Then we resume our bi-weekly schedule.) In it, Joel Rodely, Wade Huston, and Dusty Leigh from Dusty Leigh & The Claim Jumpers sit down with me to talk about their name, how the band got started, their approach to songwriting, and more. They also share several of their songs.

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


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