NIAGARA FALLS —
Christina Custode, winner of Artvoice's 2010 and 2011's Best Female Vocalist and 2011's Best Original Music, is performing on Saturday to celebrate the release of her new full length album, “I.”
Currently a teacher at Gaskill Preparatory School in Niagara Falls, Christina has been hard at work putting together her debut album since graduating from the Eastman School of Music. The album, set to feature eight original tracks, shows off Custode's talent and range.
“It really is an eclectic mix of songs” says Lew Custode, Christina's father. “But when listened back to back, it works really well.”
Christina's talent shines on “I,” an album she wrote and performed all on her own. While many music artists rely on the help of others to write the songs they performed, Custode wanted this project to be all her own.
“All of the songs come from personal experiences, or experiences of friends and family,” says Custode, explaining her creative process. “I'll be honest — the best songs seem to come in the shower. They really come from nowhere. One minute I'll be washing my hair, and the next, an idea for a song pops in my head.”
Surely Christina's education at the Eastman School of Music hasn't hurt, a school widely considered to be among the best conservatories in the nation. Eastman came in first in U.S. News and World Reports rankings of graduate school music programs in 2004.
Earning an education degree, as well as becoming classically trained in both piano and mallet percussion, Christina left Eastman with plenty of experience under her belt.
Additionally, Christina's upcoming performance has ties to the school, as two vocalists she befriended while attending will be making the trip to Niagara Falls to perform with her.
“It will be strictly for the album release, so I'm excited” says Christina.
Accompanying them will be Christina's regular drummer and bassist, as well as a guitarist making the trip down from Canada who is familiar with Custode's work. For an extra kick, Christina has also enlisted the help of two cellists for the show.
Father Lew Custode assures that it will still be “a rock set up,” put together to best showcase Christina's range of style.
That's not all the good news for Christina, who now is seeing more and more interest from international record labels.
“I can't say much yet on that,” Christina explains, who is still going over a number of offers presented to her from European record labels. “We're still looking into all the legal documents, and not rushing into anything, but we're cautiously optimistic.”
That's big news for Christina, who started out performing here and there at coffeehouses near campus.
“It's just incredible that people other than myself are interested. The feedback is amazing.,” says Christina.
As far as the Hard Rock Cafe is concerned, they are just as excited. “We're thrilled to support local musicians like Christina Custode,” says Eileen Fox, Sales and Marketing Manager.
Christina is set to perform at 9 p.m. Saturday at the Hard Rock Cafe in Niagara Falls. The show is free and open to all ages.
Night & Day
Related Photos
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Christina Custode, a teacher at Gaskill Preparatory School, debuts her first album Saturday at the Hard Rock Cafe in Niagara Falls.
Custode to debut album at Hard Rock
Noted Niagara vocalist offers eclectic mix of music
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