Mary Casiello
Boston, Massachusetts, United States | SELF
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Mary Casiello
Singer/songwriter Mary Casiello definitely earns the title — she sure can sing (there’s one weird note in “The Prayer” but it’s forgiveable) and she can write a solid pop song like nobody’s business. Her melodies are pleasant, her dynamic sense of songcraft firmly in the “plus” column. Now the bad news — she cites Vanessa Carlton as an influence. Of all the post-Fiona Apple craze chicks-with-a-message wanna be’s, wouldn’t it just have to be Vanessa Carlton who pulled ahead of the pack? Carlton’s insipid nasal whine and rambling self-indulgent songs mark her as a performer that this reviewer wishes would just shut the hell up already. Then again, Mary Casiello also cites as influnces Rufus Wainwright, Cake, India Arie and Prince — all brilliant, and may flex enough innovative brawn to cancel out the Vanessa Carlton thing. So what have we got here? A nice-sounding demo release from a new singer/songwriter with a ton of potential. Surprising standout is “The Prayer,” which I thought was going to be a faith-oriented campfire singalong but turned into a terrific pop nugget. I’d like to hear more from Mary Casiello. (http://www.myspace.com/marycasiello) (Review date: Sept 5 2007)
*Taken from Low Budget Superhero's Website (http://lowbudgetsuperhero.com/?page_id=686) - Low Budget Superhero
Discography
"Leap of Faith", 2007 (LP)
Single from "Leap of Faith", "Don't Touch", recently accepted for airplay on Women of Substance Radio:
www.live365.com/stations/breenoble
New album set to be released later this year!
Photos
Bio
I am originally from Traverse City, MI, a medium-sized tourist town on Lake Michigan. I moved to Boston back in 2003 to attend Berklee College of Music, where I obtained my Bachelor's Degree with a concentration in songwriting. Boston has won my heart with its vibrant live music scene, diverse culture and history, and the love of my life, my husband John Paul.
I'm a deeply spiritual person, and so many of my songs are about coming to understand God through religion and prayer - and how institutions can limit this understanding sometimes. I do my best to bridge the gap between religious and secular music, since I see elements of the Absolute in everything. I have also become more passionate about issues of social justice in recent years, both on a global and individual level. And of course, there is the standard that drives so much of our lives and thus, our music: romance.
When it comes down to it, I'm all about honest love. :)
My influences include Ani DiFranco, Jonatha Brooke, Ben Folds, Dave Matthews, Rufus Wainwright, India Arie, Cake, Eric Clapton, The Beatles, Billy Joel, Evanesence, Jason Mraz, John Mayer, Journey, Outkast, Norah Jones, Prince, and Fiona Apple. I am also greatly influenced by the many fantastic writers I have met who attended Berklee with me during my years there.
The last year has been a successful one for me. I was chosen as a finalist in the February 2008 Lo-Budget Love Music Competition and a semi-finalist in the 2008 UK Songwriting Contest for my song, "Don't Touch". That same song was also selected for airplay on the internet radio station, Women of Substance Radio.
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