Ashley Costello, the dynamic lead singer of New Years Day, joins for an engaging discussion filled with shared musical influences and personal anecdotes. She candidly shares her fear of flying and life on the road, including the demands of performing while navigating makeup expectations. The conversation takes a humorous turn as they tackle the quirky resurgence of cassettes and reflect on the whirlwind of touring. Listeners gain insights into Ashley's creative journey and the emotional layers behind her songwriting.
Ashley Costello and Shane Told bond over their shared musical influences, highlighting how personal experiences with music shape an artist's creativity.
The demands of touring expose the physical and mental challenges faced by artists, emphasizing the impact of travel on their wellbeing and artistry.
Costello discusses the evolution of New Year's Day's sound, showcasing how personal growth and collaboration influence the band's identity and connection with audiences.
Deep dives
The Influence of Shared Musical Roots
The discussion highlights the common musical influences between Ashley Costello of New Year's Day and Shane Told, emphasizing how different bands can share similar roots. Both artists grew up listening to classic rock and were influenced by iconic bands like Alice Cooper, Journey, and Guns N' Roses. Ashley recalls how receiving the No Doubt 'Tragic Kingdom' album from her father sparked her desire to pursue a career in music. This connection underscores the importance of personal experiences with music that shape an artist's path and creativity.
Challenges of Touring and the Artistic Process
Ashley Costello shares the demanding reality of touring, illustrating the physical and mental toll it takes on artists. She discusses the chaos of touring in Europe, where the schedule is relentless, and the need to manage a personal aesthetic while on the road is amplified. The pressures include maintaining a certain look for performances while contending with cramped spaces and the exhaustion of travel. Such experiences demonstrate the often unseen difficulties that touring musicians face, which can impact their artistry and overall wellbeing.
The Evolution of New Year's Day's Musical Style
Ashley discusses the evolution of New Year's Day's sound, shifting from punk to heavier, more metal-influenced music. She credits bands like My Chemical Romance for inspiring her to embrace a darker aesthetic, ultimately shaping the group’s identity. The latest album was influenced by personal artistic growth and collaborations that allowed for a blend of different musical styles. This evolution reflects the broader journey of musicians as they adapt their sound to express themselves and connect with their audience in new ways.
Navigating the Music Industry and Fame
The conversation reveals Ashley's experiences navigating the complexities of the music industry, including the ups and downs of fame. She recalls the early days of her career when a significant online presence helped New Year's Day transition from local shows to larger audiences. Despite moments of success, Ashley emphasizes the struggle of maintaining authenticity while facing the pressures of the industry. Her insights highlight the blurred lines between personal identity and public persona that many artists contend with.
Memorable Touring Experiences and Connections
Ashley shares memorable moments from touring, particularly her time with Marilyn Manson, which reinforced the importance of camaraderie among musicians. She describes how supportive interactions with Manson's crew enriched her experience, emphasizing that respect and collaboration are vital in the touring environment. These interactions often diminish the hierarchy between headliners and opening acts, creating a sense of shared experience. Such narratives illustrate the unique bonds formed on tour that can significantly impact an artist's journey and outlook on their career.
Episode 22 - Shane and Ashley Costello of New Years Day sit down for this episode and discover they have a lot of similar musical influences! They also discuss Ashley's fear of flying, touring with Marilyn Manson, the new unfortunate rise of cassettes, and the annoying rigmarole of having to put on makeup before every show you play.