Biography
Celeste Starchild is an emerging contemporary DC-based singer-songwriter with songs that seems to land a place in people's hearts. Her personal claim to fame is "smart lyrics and dynamic vocals." Just a few years into her music career, she's already produced sophistocated studio compositions, including two releases in the UK. Her live shows are also well received. In the words of one fan, " I was struck by her powerful presence and delivery."
Celeste Starchild and her band have played extensively in the DC/metro area, including DC's Cherry Blossom Festival, The National BBQ Battle, Iota, Jammin' Java, The State Theater, Bangkok Blues, and Evening Star. Among her credits are numerous appearances on XM Radio's UPOP, a feature profile in Washington Woman magazine, and an appearance on the cable television show "American Music."
In June 2007 Celeste released her debut EP "Time Release," and is on the verge of releasing her first full length album, "XOC," produced by Kevin Gutierrez and recorded at Assembly Line Studios in Vienna, VA. "The new collection of material is deeply personal in theme," says Starchild. "The CD includes an eclectic mix of sounds and genres; predominantly guitar-driven, mid-tempo and melodic." "XOC" also features some notable guests, including renowned violinist Ann Marie Calhoun and legendary bluesman Terry Garland.
By Amy Brecount White:
Celeste Starchild has a double identity. By day, she is a Vice President of a national real estate software firm. By night, she is an accomplished singer-songwriter with a brand new CD and a growing following. Her personal journey into music took the winding, scenic route. And, yes, that�s her real name.
Growing up with alternative parents, Starchild ironically rebelled by following a more conventional path of success. Her memories of childhood include jam sessions at the house, picking dandelions for dandelion wine, shiitake mushroom farming, and ducks and chickens running around the yard. But Starchild traded the mountains of southwest Virginia for a successful career in business in Washington, DC. Yet, when her dad died of cancer and left her a 1933 acoustic Gibson guitar, she couldn�t keep her hands off it.
She learned to play it and started writing songs. With a few shoves from a good friend, less than two years later she is playing all over, including Iota, Jammin' Java, and Bangkok Blues. She�s sung twice on XM radio and appeared on other local broadcasts. Her voice is rich and evocative when she sings of love and disillusionment and going for your dreams. She calls it �conveying� rather than singing. On her new CD, "Time Release," she sings the song Darlin', which is based on lyrics she found in her father's belongings.
"My life is a kinda crazy," says Starchild. "I often go straight from a long day of meetings to a long night of singing, but I wouldn't have it any other way."
Instrumentation
Celeste Starchild can be booked as a duo or full band, acoustic or electric show.
For full band shows the line-up is some combination of the following:
Celeste - voice and rhythm guitar
Andrew Pal - lead guitar and back vocals
Aaron Lowenberger - lead guitar
John Baker - bass, percussion
Rit Eru - harmony vocals and hand percussion
Jason DiNorma - drums
Sam Shin - cello
Discography
March 2009: "XOC" Full Length CD - available on iTunes, CD Baby, and at live performances.
June, 2007: "Time Release" EP - available on iTunes, CD Baby, and at live performances.
2005: Celeste recorded a demo with friends, "Cowgirl's Bible."
Links
| http://www.celestesings.com |
| Celeste's MySpace |
| Celeste Starchild's Website |