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‘Jack the house’
The Windy City is still making noise
By MARCUS PURNELL
Music Critic
"...With all this meat coming out of Chicago’s EsNtion, when A&R manager Michael Hernandez gets excited about
something, I’m certainly going to pay attention. This is the case with Shirley Cosentino.
It should be noted that
Ms. Cosentino turned down a shot with J-Records. Certainly the stamp of approval from J’s A&R director Hosh Gureli
is worth its weight in gold these days, if not platinum.
Cosentino was offered a shot to join a new girl group being mentored
by J, but decided to take it on the road for herself. From what I’ve heard to date, her soulful vocal stylings with
the essence of what’s cookin’ in Chicago is certainly a recipe for success. Think Ms. Jackson without all the
self-indulgent idealisms dripping off her groove.
Cosentino will make her debut in June, but you can catch her in preview
at esntion.com...."
"Shirley Cosentino's 8 Hours Song by Chris
I am not really a huge fan of modern R&B but this
song I really like.
It is a well written song. Shirley Cosentino has a fantastic voice and it transends in the song
This is just a really good modern R&B song. It just feels like a real song.
She some one who is real and
it comes across in her song
Do expect to hear more from her soon. She will be going places."
"I'll let you on a musicial secret I found.
Shirley Cosentino
She sings
and plays modern R&B.
I don't really listen to a lot of Modern R&B but Shirley blew me away.
She has
a fantastic voice and will go far.Mark my words.
Interview With Shirley Cosentino By Chris
1.How did you get into music?
I loved music my whole life. My parents introduced me to many different
types of music when I was young. I kinda just fell in love. I just boldly stood up on stage when I was much younger and sang
at a family wedding. I just loved the feeling being on stage and being able to share something with everyone that meant so
much to me. So it basically all started from there.
2.What were your major influences?
My major influences
were my parents, who told me I could do anything I wanted to, just as long as I put my all behind it. As well my high school
vocal teacher Mr Palmai. He knew what everyone was capable of, and just always pushed us to the max. As well just like any
other musician out there, I have music influences as well. As a child I looked up to Mariah Carey, Aretha Franklin, Etta James...
3.If you could have a three band bill who would they be?
If I could pick anyone to fit the bill, it'd
definitely be, Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera and Brian McKnight.
4. What music do you class yourself as?
I don't know what exactly to classify my music as. It's a little bit of soul and pop, but has and edge to it...So
something like Norah Jones meets Alicia Keys with a twist of Ashlee Simpson.
5. Where do you think you will be
in 10 years?
I don't know where I'll be in 10 years, but I would like to think I will be the owner of my own record
label, with a number 1 album under my belt, touring the world.
6. Who would you most like to record a song with?
I would love to record something with Boys II Men. I just think it would be an amazing experience and those boys have
soul.
7. What made you want to go out and play music?
I used to be very shy when I was younger. I never
really talked or did much. But when I tapped into music, it was my outlet. It was my way of sharing myself with the rest of
the world. It was a way to connect with people. That's why I enjoyed getting my music out there.
8. What are your
thoughts on file sharing and the mp3 format?
I mean there's pro's and con's to almost everything in life. I mean
the pro is yes it's GREAT for new musicians who want to get out there. It's a quick way to have your music all over the world
in a matter of minutes. And the con to it is yes, artists and record labels are loosing a lot of money over it. I mean, no
money is not everything, but when that's your job and you put your heart and soul into your job, and you receive nothing for
it, well it can be frustrating, and slows you down in putting out more music for your fans. So I'm 50/50 on the idea.
9.
Do you think the Internet is good for helping artists get known?
Yes the Internet is a great tool for new artist
to get their stuff out. A lot of A&R reps turn to the Internet nowadays to see what talent is out there. So websites are
a great promo kit if you think about it.
10. What bands/artists are you listening to lately?
Lately
I can't seem to get enough of Gavin Degraw's debut CD. It's just absolutely amazing. I've been listening to other artist such
as Maroon 5, Joss Stone, John Ledgen, Ashlee Simpson, John Mayer..etc...
11. Who has helped you out the most?
Well I had the amazing opportunity to work with an amazing producer/songwriter Justin Gray, who's worked with artist
such as Joss Stone, Sugar Jones...He just was an amazing person to come across. He really opened my eyes, and just introduced
me to a lot of things I don't think I really would have come across if it weren't for him. He helped me out many ways which
I'm very grateful for.
12. If you could be on the Simpson's where would you be playing?
Ha Ha, this
is a funny question. I absolutely LOVE the Simpson's, but never thought about whom I'd play. I'd probably play Maggie Simpson.
She's cute, and does what she wants when she wants, and no one bugs her. I think it's being fun to be Maggie. Ha Ha.
13.
What has the response been like for your music on the web?
The response has been great actually. A lot of people
from all over the world have heard my music and like it. It's been a great tool and I'll continue to use the web to promote
my music.
Special thanks to Shirley Cosentino for this interview and her people for setting it up."
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