Katie Costello Interview: SXSW 2010

Quirky, playful and engaging, Katie Costello is barely in her twenties, but describes herself as a "grandma stuck inside a slightly less matronly body". Spinner.com spoke with the newly transplanted New Yorker about her plans for her second SXSW.

Tell us a little bit about your sound.

My sound is eclectic, kitschy, edgy, classic and arousing.

How did you start your career in music?

I started playing piano and writing songs when I entered high school. Due to tween awkwardness, I worked to develop my music talents with the hope that it would somehow make me cool. It totally worked.
How did you come up with your band name?

When I was birthed, my mother dubbed me Katherine Costello. I go by Katie Costello because I sound young and hip and related to Elvis Costello. I also have no choice, in terms of the law and what is legally my name.

You've had songs featured on several television shows -- "Private Practice", "90210" and "One Tree Hill." What kind of opportunities does that kind of exposure provide for an artist? Are there any drawbacks?

Having songs featured on television shows is wonderful in every respect. It offers the opportunity to have others connect with your music in a new and exciting scenario. It's also a privilege to collaborate with another art form.

What are your musical influences?

I love all genres of music. Chet Baker, Exene Cervenka, Billie Holiday, Aimee Mann, New Buffalo, and Fiona Apple are my biggest musical influences.

What's your musical guilty pleasure?

High School Musical. And Beyonce. And Stravinsky.

Beatles or Stones?

The Beatles. Duh.

Have you been to SXSW before? Which other bands are you interested in checking out? Is there anything else you're looking forward to doing in Austin?

I went to SXSW for the first time last year and was immediately charmed by the amount of BBQs and intoxicated music-goers that were flooding the streets. I am really excited to see some of my New York friends perform and to hopefully see She & Him perform. As always, I am excited to eat southern food in Austin.

What do you keep in your festival survival kit?

Water! Hydration is key! Also a taser. You never know what taser-provoking-danger might present itself.

What's your biggest vice?

Drugs and alcohol and nudity.

What's the craziest thing you've seen or experienced while on tour?

A man in leather assless chaps complimented my poetic talents. I have never been more flattered.

Who was your first celeb crush?

I had deep and tender feelings for Billie Joe Armstrong for most of my youth. Also, Mario of Mario Kart fame.

You did the theme song for a documentary about the Toastmasters. Have you ever had trouble with public speaking or performing?

I was deathly shy until the age of 13 when I began writing music. I don't think I actually spoke to anyone except my mother and my pet turtle before then. The transformation happened rather abruptly and I haven't been able to stop talking or publicly making a fool out of myself since.


Maggie Gryske is a contributor from Seed.com. Learn how you can contribute here.