Review Fix chats with singer/songwriter Colleen D’Agostino, who discusses her impressive range and her band The Material and their new album, “Everything I Want To Say.†D’Agostino also discusses her love of painting of she’d like her art to affect people.
Review Fix: How do you want your music to affect people?
Colleen D’Agostino: I always try to write my songs in a way that will be relatable, but also inspiring. Even if it is an edgy or angry track, the lyrics usually end up in a way that will inspire people to get through whatever bad situation they are going through.
Review Fix: “Born to Make A Sound” is uber catchy. How was it written? Is there a story behind it?
D’Agostino: “Born to Make a Sound” was actually the last song I wrote. The guys had started the music with a guitar riff and then it grew from there. While in the studio to record vocals, I decided to scrap everything I had written and start over. It just didn’t really speak to me. I think something about the end of the writing experience inspired me to just write a really driving track, to motivate others, but also to motivate me to finish the record and do it with energy.
Review Fix: Do your paintings and music connect in any way?
D’Agostino: Yes, I have an electro-pop project called With Beating Hearts which I have done art pieces that are titled after each track. They all have to do with the lyrics. Fans that contact me for artwork usually want the piece to be reminiscent of their favorite song, so I usually tie in some lyrics or imagery that come from the song.
Review Fix: What’s your creative process like musically?
D’Agostino: It usually starts with the guys jamming and me listening and writing along to it until I come up with a melody that I like, or it will start with Jon and I jamming on the acoustic guitar and I will show him a melody I wrote, and then he plays along until we have the structure. Once that is done, we show it to the band and everyone adds their own parts.
Review Fix: “Bottles” shows off a different element in your voice. How was that song written?
D’Agostino: The song was inspired by the history of alcoholism in my family. I wrote the lyrics to that one first, then Jon and I finished it on acoustic. It was really emotional for me, and although it is still hard for me to sing live, I love playing it.
Review Fix: What range are you most comfortable singing in?
D’Agostino: I have a pretty wide range so I like to use it all! I guess I am known for my belting in soprano range.
Review Fix: What song is most indicative of your voice and of the band?
D’Agostino: I think our latest single “Life Vest” is my favorite and has become pretty characteristic of our band. It is just a raw rock song with a lot of emotion.
Review Fix: What inspires you to create music and paintings?
D’Agostino: Music and art is a cathartic experience for me. It helps me get through the craziness of life and turn what may have been a bad day into something beautiful.
Review Fix: What are your goals in music and art?
D’Agostino: I just want to inspire other people and hopefully help them get through whatever it is that they are struggling with. Whether it is through the lyrics in a song, or by looking at an art piece, I just want to connect with them through positivity and community.
Review Fix: Is there any way you’d pick one over another?
D’Agostino: Painting vs. music? They are both art. I don’t think you should ever have to choose. However, I definitely write more music than I paint. I think that is just the product of living in an apartment and not really having the space. Lucky for me, I get to carry my singing voice with me wherever I go :)
Review Fix: What do you want people to take away from this album?
D’Agostino: A sense of hope and a longing to feel.
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