Anthony da Costa
Jeff Fasano
"Seeing Anthony da Costa on stage is a perfect storm — talent, intensity, humor, passion, intelligence and charm — all bouncing off the walls of the room he is playing" (Court House Concerts). Anthony's music combines folk, rock, Americana and pop, plus what it's like to be "a very, very young man, with a very, very old soul" (legendary New York DJ, Pete Fornatale).
Now 19 and a freshman at Columbia University, in 2009, Anthony was named an MSNBC.com "Top 5 Up-&-Coming Young Singer" and a "WFUV-FM New Artist To Watch". In 2008, he released two, critically-acclaimed albums and was a Folk Alliance "Emerging Artist of the Year" nominee. In 2007, at 16, he became the youngest winner ever at the Falcon Ridge and Kerrville Folk Festivals.
Anthony has played major festivals, including Philadelphia and Tonder (Denmark); opened for music icons, like Loretta Lynn and Dan Bern; and, with one foot in folk, and the other foot loose and wandering into various other genres, released his eighth record in 2009, "Not Afraid of Nothing," which "has the lyrical quality of a John Prine album" (Twangville). This spring and summer, he's working on his ninth record, debuting at SXSW, opening for Guy Clark and Lucy Kaplansky and returning to the main stage at the Kerrville Folk Festival. (03.15.10)
http://www.anthonydacosta.com/
http://www.youtube.com/anthonydacosta
Info: anthony.bdylan@gmail.com
Gig List (May 20, 2010)
Photo by Michael Weilandt
Sat, May 22, 8:00 p.m.: Six String Concerts, Columbus, Ohio; opening for LUCY KAPLANSKY!; 549 Franklin Avenue; www.sixstring.org; 614-470-FOLK
Sun, May 23, 9:30 p.m.: The Phantasy, Lakewood, Ohio; with Jason Matrynowski and Friends, starting about 7:00 p.m.; www.phantasyconcertclub.net/phantasy.html
Mon, May 24, 8:00 p.m.: Upright Citizens Brigade Theater, NYC; with Emilyn Brodsky; 207 West 26th Street; http://www.ucbtheatre.com/
Sat, May 29, 8:00 p.m.: ALBUM PREVIEW SHOW at The Living Room, NYC; featuring full band with: Brian Viglione (The Dresden Dolls, Black Tape for a Blue Girl, Botanica) on drums; Shawn Setaro (Alina Simone, Martin Bisi, Lowry) on bass and Emilyn Brodsky!
Sat, June 12, 8:00 p.m.: Kerrville Folk Festival, Kerrville, TX; Main Stage; Also appearing that night beginning at 7:00p.m.: Slaid Cleaves, Red Molly & Danny Schmidt; 3876 Medina Highway; www.kerrville-music.com
Mon, June 14, 8:00 p.m.: Flipnotics, Austin, TX; with John Elliott; 1601 Barton Springs Road; www.flipnotics.com; 512-480-8646
Sun, June 20, 8:00 p.m.: South Padre Island House Concert, South Padre Island, TX; with John Elliott; Details soon
Thurs, June 24, 8:00 p.m.: House Concert, Denton, TX; with John Elliott; Details soon
Fri, June 25, 8:00 p.m.: Uncle Calvin's Coffeehouse, Dallas, TX; with Emily Elbert; 9555 N. Central Exp.; www.unclecalvins.org; 214-363-0044
Tues, June 29, 8:00 p.m.: Jane's House Concert, Sacramento, CA; On Tour with Raina Rose Trio; Info: jane@changingthe obvious.com
Thurs, July 1, 7:00 p.m.: Frog Town Folk Concerts, Los Angeles, CA; On Tour with Raina Rose Trio; Info: ian@starletsweb.com
Sat, July 3, 8:00 p.m.: Roose House, Carmel, CA; On Tour with Raina Rose Trio; www.roosthouse.com
Mon, July 5, 6:00 p.m.: Cachagua General Store, Carmel Valley Village, CA; On Tour with Raina Rose Trio; 18840 Cachagua Road
Tues, July 6, 8:00 p.m.: Tease, Ashland, OR; On Tour with Raina Rose Trio; 303 E. Main Street
Wed, July 14, 8:00 p.m.: Badlander, Missoula, MT; On Tour with Raina Rose Trio; 208 Ryman Street; www.badlander.net
Fri, July 16, 8:00 p.m.: Storyhill Festival @ Hyalite Youth Camp, Bozeman, MT; On Tour with Raina Rose Trio; 310 Creekside Drive; www.storyhillfest.com
Mon, July 19, 9:00 p.m.: Filling Station, Bozeman, MT; On Tour with Raina Rose Trio; 2005 North Rouse Ave.; 406-587-5009
Wed, July 21, 9:00 p.m.: Green Frog Acoustic Tavern, Bellingham, WA; On Tour with Raina Rose Trio; 902 N. State St. 104; www.acoustictavern.com/page/1dt0n/Home.html
Thurs, July 22, 9:00 p.m.: Conor Byrne Pub, Seattle, WA; On Tour with Raina Rose Trio; 5140 Ballard Ave NW; www.conorbymepub.com
Fri, July 23, 8:00 p.m.: Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop, WA; On Tour with Raina Rose Trio; 155 Riverside; www.oldschoolhousebrewery.com
Sat, July 24, 9:00 p.m.: Laurelthirst Public House, Portland, OR; On Tour with Raina Rose Trio; 2958 NE Glisan St.
Sun, July 25, 8:00 p.m.: Sand Dune, Manzanita, OR; On Tour with Raina Rose Trio; 127 Laneda Ave.;
Tues, July 27, 8:00 p.m.: Cafe Mundo, Newport, OR; On Tour with Raina Rose Trio
Thurs, July 29, 9:00 p.m.: Mississippi Pizza, Portland, OR; On Tour with Raina Rose Trio; 3552 N. Mississippi Ave.
Sun, Aug. 1, 8:00 p.m.: Tease, Ashland, OR; On Tour with Raina Rose Trio; 303 E. Main Street
Wed, Aug. 18, 8:00 p.m.: The Living Room, NYC; with John Elliott & Raina Rose; 154 Ludlow St.; www.livingroomnyc.com
Fri, Aug. 20, 8:00 p.m.: Martini's, Easton, MD; with John Elliott & Raina Rose; 14 North Washington Street; www.martinisofeaston.com
Sat, Aug. 21, 7:00 p.m.: Susie's House Concert, Gambrills, MD; with John Elliott & Raina Rose; Info: gidget6371@aol.com
Thurs, Aug. 26, 12:00 p.m.: Blue Plate Special, Knoxville, TN; with John Elliott & Raina Rose; 301 South Gay Street
Fri, Aug. 27, 8:00 p.m.: Memphis House Concerts; with John Elliott & Raina Rose; www.memphishouseconcerts.com
May-&-A-Half 2010 E-Letter
Hey Folks!
Now, I don't usually send out two emails in one month to this list, so I apologize for clogging up your inboxes! I just want to tell you about a couple of exciting shows coming up this month that got added after the last e-mailing.
First of all, I WILL be flying out to Ohio for a couple of shows this weekend (Columbus, Lakewood), including an opener for Lucy Kaplansky and a great show out near Cleveland the following night. See that info below. It's my first time in Ohio and if you live there or know people who do, I'd appreciate you spreading the word about these shows. You guys make all the difference!
ALSO, I have just added two NYC shows that I'm pretty pumped about. First, I will be making a guest appearance along with best bud and compatriot Emilyn Brodsky (www.emilynbrodsky.net) on Citizen Radio! Boasting such guests as Noam Chomsky, Howard Zinn, and our good friend and author DC Pierson, this is a wonderful show that you won't want to miss! This particular broadcast will be coming to you LIVE from the Upright Citizen's Brigade Theatre in NYC. We'll be interviewed and play a couple of songs. Should be fun! See info below.
NEXT, I'll be at the Living Room in NYC, one of my favorite venues to play, on SATURDAY, May 29th for a special full-band, album preview show! I'll have good friends Brian Viglione (The Dresden Dolls) and Shawn Setaro (Alina Simone, Martin Bisi) on drums and bass, respectively! I'll also have Emilyn guesting on vocals and hopefully some other special guests. I'm way excited to be playing these songs out with the band, as this show will be a warm-up for when we go in the following week.
MY NEXT SOLO RECORD :) I'm excited to say that I'll be going into Headgear Studios in Williamsburg, Brooklyn at the beginning of June to make my new record. I'll be co-producing it with the wonderful James Frazee, who will be engineering the sessions as well. New sounds, new energy, I'm really feeling this one..can't wait to share it with you! Will be giving news updates on that as we progress.
Alright, again, sorry for the extra email, but PLEASE, tell people about these shows. Come out yourselves. It'll be fun, I promise!
Hope to see you out there!
Anthony
Sat, May 22, 8:00 p.m.: Six String Concerts, Columbus, Ohio; opening for LUCY KAPLANSKY!; 549 Franklin Avenue; www.sixstring.org; 614-470-FOLK
Sun, May 23, 9:30 p.m.: The Phantasy, Lakewood, Ohio; with Jason Matrynowski and Friends, starting about 7:00 p.m.; www.phantasyconcertclub.net/phantasy.html (7:30 p.m. start with other featured acts); 216-288-6300
Mon, May 24, 8:00 p.m.: Upright Citizens Brigade Theater, NYC; with Emilyn Brodsky; 207 West 26th Street; http://www.ucbtheatre.com/
Sat, May 29, 8:00 p.m.: ALBUM PREVIEW SHOW at The Living Room, NYC; featuring full band with: Brian Viglione (The Dresden Dolls, Black Tape for a Blue Girl, Botanica) on drums; Shawn Setaro (Alina Simone, Martin Bisi, Lowry) on bass and Emilyn Brodsky; http://www.livingroomny.com
Sat, June 12, 8:00 p.m.: Kerrville Folk Festival, Kerrville, TX; Main Stage; Also appearing that night beginning at 7:00p.m.: Slaid Cleaves, Red Molly & Danny Schmidt; 3876 Medina Highway; www.kerrville-music.com
Reviews
files to download:
Press
Photo: Porter Tubb
files to download:
Quotables (As of 05.22.09)
Photo: Porter Tubb
GOOD WORDS:
"Anthony da Costa doesn't graduate from Pleasantville High School in New York until June, but for the past three years the teenager has been one of the most talked-about singer-songwriters at the annual Folk Alliance Conference in Memphis. Tall and gangly with glasses and a Beatles mop top, da Costa boasts an appealingly boyish tenor and the ability to turn his passionate feelings about American foreign policy or his latest girlfriend into songs that have a distinctive personality. What's most appealing about da Costa is that he never pretends to be something he's not. He never acts as if he's a foreign-policy expert or a world-weary adult or an experienced lover. Whether he's writing about Iraq, the music business, his parents or a pretty girl, he always sings from an adolescent's perspective of new discovery and impulsive feelings. He may be a prodigy with lyrics and melodies, but he's always honest about who he is."
Geoffrey Himes, Washington Post
"To witness a performance by Anthony da Costa is akin to being invited into a friend's living room. He'll pull out a guitar, then casually say, 'I wrote this song because I was thinking of…', then proceed to share a work of art."
Richard Cuccaro, Publisher, Acoustic Live
"I first heard of Anthony da Costa at a regional folk conference and I could not believe it. I went to see him five more times just to make sure he was as good as I first thought he was. He is. Think Bob Dylan and John Lennon. He's the kind of fresh blood we need."
Louis Meyers, Executive Director, Folk Alliance
"Before he's even graduated from Pleasantville High School, Anthony has used his confident stage presence to pick up awards from every festival in sight — from Falcon Ridge to Kerrville —and his prolific songwriting to release seven CDs! Truly one of Woody's Children — and an active member of Westchester's Tribes Hill musical community — he's absorbed the influences
of Dylan and Dan Bern, among others, but his current hero is Ryan Adams. He's off to college this fall, but rest assured, we'll still be hearing from him."
John Platt, WFUV-FM, NYC [Anthony da Costa Named a "WFUV 2009 New Artist To Watch"]
"Anthony da Costa is a very, very young man, with a very, very old soul!"
Pete Fornatele, WFUV-FM, NYC
"I have a theory that every good CD that was released in 2008 was touched in some fashion by Red Molly. All three of the bandmates, as well as the unofficial '4th Red Molly', Anthony da Costa, have guested on numerous recordings this year. They are hot!!!"
Ron Olesko, WFDU-FM, New Jersey
"It's obvious Anthony da Costa is going to be leading a new generation of singer/songwriters in the near future. He may be a young man, but he writes and performs with the skill of some of the very best."
Neil Pearson, Fish Records, UK
"At fifteen, Anthony was one of the most impressive artists I'd seen at any age — and he keeps getting better. He could very likely be the musical spokesperson for his generation."
Louis Meyers, Executive Director, Folk Alliance
"The new teen folk sensation is 18-year old Anthony da Costa, who has been releasing CDs since 2005 and got a coveted write-up in the New York Times (something that helped establish Bob Dylan way back when). The prolific singer-songwriter pens serious-minded fare like the personal/political Ain't Much of a Soldier, but can also wax believably romantic, like on Let Me
Die in Your Arms. He's also nabbed a bunch of folkie awards, most notably winning the New Folk category at the Kerrville Folk Festival in Texas. And even though he's still in high school, he has several albums worth checking out, like his 2006 effort Rearrange and last year's Typical American Tragedy."
Tony Sclafani, msnbc.com
"Anthony da Costa continues to demonstrate that he is an outstanding writer of unadorned, plain-spoken Americana. Although he cites Dan Bern, Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan as influences, the songs (on his 2008 records) much more echo the classic Texas songwriting tradition of Steve Earle, Guy Clark or even Townes Van Zandt."
Scott Sheldon, Sing Out! Magazine
"Anthony da Costa was another Folk Alliance find for me. The Pleasantville, New York-based teenager is one of the shiningest new stars on the rise in the Northeast singer-songwriter scene. With the release of his 2008 album, Typical American Tragedy, he continued touring the East Coast festival circuit and, no doubt, turning heads up and down the eastern seaboard. He is definitely one to watch in the coming years."
Kim Ruehl, About.com [Anthony da Costa is one of the "Best New Folk Artists of 2008"]
"The painfully witty teenager and self-described 'super-sensitive, pensive songwriter' lives the life of a 40-year old insomniac juggling three jobs. He writes about what he knows best — himself. And though he's barely old enough to vote, da Costa is old-school when it comes to his musical philosophy, and that might be just what the music industry needs."
Amy Zhong, Columbia Spectator
"The Pleasantville High School senior, who admits to 'writing lyrics in the middle of class,' is now in demand at some of the country's top folk festivals, where he's been raking in awards."
Laura Joseph Mogil, Westchester Magazine [Anthony da Costa, one of "Our Future Stars"]
"Anthony da Costa is one of our most promising folk musicians."
Geoffrey Himes, Washington Post
"Anthony da Costa — the future of music as I know it — is mature beyond his years. I feel a little like Ramblin' Jack hangin' out with the kid Zimmerman. Jonathan Byrd is Woody!"
Greg Klyma, Singer/Songwriter
"That Anthony is a teenage prodigy (and a prodigious prodigy, at that) makes for an interesting back story: How can such a young man write songs with such adult emotions? How does he balance constant writing and performing with his chemistry homework? But, after seven albums, the real story is Anthony's songwriting and performing, which both deserve attention
regardless of his age."
Scott Sheldon, SingOut! Magazine
"Check out Anthony da Costa's videos on his YouTube page. There he is in his Sun Records T-shirt, strumming like Johnny Cash and funny like Jon Stewart. Da Costa's left hand seems welded onto his guitar — you'd think the guitar was holding all the balance, like he is attached to it rather than the other way around, they are melded. He is funny, musical, entertaining, with a gravitational orbit all his own. He is young Mozart in Milos Forman's extraordinary film Amadeus, except you are not watching an actor in a film."
Ed Paladino, E&R
"Ryan Adams. Gillian Welch & David Rawlings. Conor Oberst. Cory Branan. These are names that are thrown around a lot when you are talking about modern day singer/songwriters. What if I told you there may be someone not just like them, but better? Anthony da Costa might just be."
Eli Petersen, Twangville
"I think it must be damning on the soul to never recognize the potential for greatness that lies just under the surface of each of us. I mean, we toil endlessly at these jobs, these relationships, these goals we set for ourselves, and some of us never figure out how good we really are at what we are until the years have slipped by us. Anthony da Costa is in no danger of being struck by this curse."
E.J. Friedman, LouderSoft
"Not all of da Costa's music is somber, though he pulls off that mood as naturally as a 50-year old depressive."
Ginia Sweeney, Columbia Spectator
"People are quick to make comparisons between Anthony da Costa and Conor Oberst because of the relative ages in which the two began their songwriting and performing careers. I think that the comparisons pretty much end there; where Bright Eyes is the posterized, emotionally distraught, poetic anti-hero of disaffected youth, da Costa's poetry and passions lack the relative bleakness of Bright Eyes, offering the protagonist in his songs hope. In da Costa's world, our hero's emotional reactions to what is happening will always leave him a real chance at achieving the life and love he seeks."
E.J. Friedman, LouderSoft
At the Judy Collins' 50th Anniversary Tribute at the Public Theater, "outstanding concert performances...included 17-year-old Anthony da Costa's somersaulting version of 'Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues.'"
Stephen Holden, The New York Times
"Last night's Postcrypt show featured a breakout performance by Anthony da Costa. Oh, and he's only 17 years old. His voice is like honey, he has a Harry Potter aesthetic, he hunches over when he plays the guitar and does this thing where mid-chorus he'll just nudge up his glasses a touch."
The Blue and White Magazine (Columbia University), New York City
"Anthony da Costa has obvious links to modern-day songwriters like Jonathan Byrd, Chuck Brodsky and Dan Bern, but he's a distinct talent and writer who knows how to connect with his audience in both the live setting and in his recordings."
Neil Pearson, Fish Records UK
"In the face of American Idol and all the commercialism that is foisted upon us, when a voice starts this early, with this much force and intelligence, we can breathe a sigh of hope."
Richard Cuccaro, Acoustic Live
"For his time so far, Anthony da Costa must be one of the most extraordinary singer/songwriters ever. That's ever. 'Prodigy' is a word thrown around more than folding chairs in a WWF ring, though, when used properly, it comes with a sharp dose of what is genuine awe — fright, fear, respect, veneration. Anthony da Costa is a prodigy."
Ed Paladino, E&R
"A Bob Dylan devotee early on, he does not seek to imitate the master. He just breathes in life's questions and exhales a musical answer. That the answer happens to be folk music is a gift to the folk community."
Richard Cuccaro, Acoustic Live
"Anthony da Costa is the future of folk music."
Pat Wictor, Singer/Songwriter
"It's easy to forget da Costa's age while watching him perform. He'll go on stage and sing about all the love and loss that could
fill a lifetime, then call his dad for a ride home."
Ginia Sweeney, Columbia Spectator
"Anthony da Costa's simple, honest, gentle, vulnerable and poetic songs about the human condition deserve no less than the space and freedom they find on his recordings. His songs shine a beautiful, delicate light on the heart of what it is to be human and, on his records, that light is more like a lava-lamp then a spotlight. If you like lava-lamps better than the pale, florescent lights of our modern age, then you will love his music."
Fred Gillen, Jr, Singer/Songwriter
"What makes Anthony da Costa special? The quality of his songwriting, the quality of his presence, the incredibly unaffected view that he has of the world at barely 18 years old."
Louis Meyers, Executive Director, Folk Alliance
"Anthony da Costa is writing songs at the age of 18 which lead me to the conclusion that he truly is a prodigy at the craft. Aside from his lyrical sensibility, he is an absolutely masterful musician with exceptional timing, technique and feel. Thank you, Anthony, for the opportunity to make music with you. You renew my sense of wonder."
Montgomery Delaney, Singer/Songwriter
"Anthony da Costa is an important, emerging artist who is blazing a trail on the singer/songwriter scene."
Neil Pearson, Fish Records UK
"Anthony da Costa is someone who lives inside of his musical creations — then steps forward and presents them, as a friend, sharing a gift from the muse."
Richard Cuccaro, Acoustic Live
"Anthony da Costa is an 18-year-old prodigy — a young man with a lot of songs and a lot to
say. He's prolific."
John Platt, WFUV-FM, New York City
"Anthony da Costa writes in a unique style with a songwriting maturity well beyond his years. Yet, he also sees things through the eyes of a young man. It's a compelling mix. Because of his unique outlook, he tackles issues on Typical American Tragedy as important as the theme of 'Ain't Much of a Soldier' to the playful thoughts of 'Carnival' with equal care and attention."
Neil Pearson, Fish Records UK "Anthony da Costa has the hormones and energy of an 18-year-old, but he's wise beyond his
years."
Fred Gillen Jr., Singer/Songwriter
"Anthony da Costa is a good teenage songwriter, which is about as rare as a good teenage accordionist!"
Jonathan Byrd, Singer/Songwriter
"A trip to the Folk Alliance Conference is a great way to see both established acts and up and coming singer/songwriters. Chatting to artists around the conference in 2008, the one name that kept cropping up was Anthony da Costa — and after catching a couple of his shows, it was obvious why. There were many brilliant performances at the event, but none left an
impression quite like Anthony's showcase."
Neil Pearson, Fish Records UK
"While there are certainly many young, outstanding performers who can be considered prodigies, this author has not come across anyone with the combination of intelligence, mature attitude and raw talent that Anthony possesses."
Richard Cuccaro, Acoustic Live
"Sometimes I worry about Anthony being so young, because I know in my own life it can be hard to find balance. So I want to say to him, 'Hey, instead of going to Folk Alliance, why don't you find some girl to make out with?' But when you come across people as talented as he is, you have to let them take risks. Even if Anthony got burned out and walked away for six months, he'd still come back. He has the hormones and energy of a 18-year-old, but he's wise beyond his years."
Fred Gillen Jr., Singer/Songwriter
"While I cannot irrevocably prove the contention that Anthony da Costa is currently evolving musically at the speed of light, such a summation could be inferred."
Arthur Wood, FolkWax
"It is, of course, impossible to write about Americana singer/songwriter Anthony da Costa without mentioning his age. Four years ago, when Anthony was 13, he got the urge to write songs and rattled off 30 over Christmas break alone. Now 17, Anthony has written hundreds of songs, and has firmly established himself as a performer, having produced seven albums of original music and won a string of awards."
Scott Sheldon, SingOut! Magazine
"Anthony da Costa is the 'Boy Wonder of Folk'!"
The Listening Room, Journal News, White Plains, NY
"Before Anthony da Costa had songwriting, he had theater. On stage, da Costa's Tevye is a charming mix of ease, weariness and humor. His stage presence is indisputable and his voice has a more conventional musical theater timbre than you'll hear on his CDs."
Peter D. Kramer, The Journal News
PRESENTERS' WORDS:
"Seeing Anthony da Costa on stage is a perfect storm – talent, intensity, humor, passion, intelligence and charm all bouncing off the walls of the room he is playing. Lay that on top of a brilliant batch of original songs, an impeccable choice of covers and a joy for collaboration, and there's just about no place we'd rather be than in that audience."
Gene & Isabel Frey, Court House Concerts
"Anthony da Costa is the teenager now known to folk fans up and down the East coast as 'the very, very young man, with a very, very old soul.' Style-wise, his songs travel the trail blazed by Gillian Welch and Dave Rawlings — a tender, bittersweet exploration of love and loss. It's resonating with audiences like nothing the folk world has witnessed since the arrival of Bob Dylan."
Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs, NY
"Anthony da Costa recently performed at The Mansion to a sold-out crowd. His music is indeed refreshing — a much needed boost to 'singer/songwriter' genre. Anthony's songs run the gamut of emotions and are accompanied with humor, depth and great wordplay. There are many great reasons to see Anthony live — fresh lyrics, engaging stage performance, full-bodied guitar playing and witty insights."
Steve Coccia, The Mansion Series, Middletown, NY
"In his music and performing, Anthony da Costa combines haunting lyrics and edgy guitar playing, with a sense of history and respect for the singer/songwriters who preceded him. A true fan of the folk tradition, his professionalism and interaction with the audience is commendable. Our audience has been abuzz over his music since his performance. Thank you, Anthony, for helping to put Pleasure Hill House Concerts on the map!"
Steve Muller, Pleasure Hill House Concerts, Franklin, CT
"Anthony da Costa is quickly becoming one of those wonderfully unpredictable musicians that have you at the edge of your seat wondering what they're going to do next. Every truly gifted performer has this mark of greatness. And, as with other great artists of the era, his music expresses the thoughts and feelings of his age, generation and time — while voicing what's universal and human. Anthony is a charming, rascally, unpredictable teenager with a poet's soul, a sophisticated musical sense and a knack for putting any audience at ease with his confidence, wit and spirit."
Lisa Wenzel, Golden Apple Coffeehouse, Mt. Kisco, NY
"What can be said about Anthony da Costa that hasn't been said already? He is a force to be reckoned with in the music world. Anthony possesses a musical spirit unlike any I've ever experienced. The joy and distinct reverence for the acoustic music that he composes and performs is oh-so-evident. The maturity of his lyrics, combined with his composed stage presence and witty, off-the-cuff spontaneity, make for an unbeatable concert experience."
Kathy Sands-Boehmer, Me & Thee Coffeehouse, Marblehead, MA
"The first time Anthony da Costa played Common Ground Coffeehouse, I remember thinking, 'That kid is amazing for a 14-year-old.' Anthony's most recent visit to Common Ground was as part of the 2008 Falcon Ridge Folk Festival Most Wanted Artists Preview Tour — at the grand old age of 17! Now I just think, 'That guy is amazing.' His songs, both new and old, sound ageless. How old he is besides the point — he's that good."
Carter Smith, Common Ground Coffeehouse, Hastings, NY
"Anthony da Costa is a remarkable,18-year-old singer/songwriter whose writing, singing and presentation belie his age. He shows a sophistication and scope enviable by many who've been in the business for decades."
Mike Agranoff, Minstrel Coffeehouse, Morristown, NJ
"Anthony da Costa brings a lot of fun and talent to the acoustic scene. Hard to imagine where all his energy will wind up in 20 years, but we're along for the ride!"
Karen Finkenberg, Eclectic Café, Bay Shore, NY
"Anthony da Costa has been a contributing musical artist for numerous events I have produced for the Village of Tarrytown, NY, and he'll be back again this year. He is an amazingly talented and driven young musician who engages the audience and truly makes the space around him energized and intoxicating. I would strongly recommend him for festivals, outdoor events and
any other type of festivity where music and celebration are key components."
Jenifer Ross, Event Planner, Tarrytown, NY
"Anthony da Costa is a truly gifted, young performer with a bright future ahead of him. He has the songwriting chops of a seasoned veteran and a natural command of the stage."
Scott Seltzer, Paramount Center for the Arts, Peekskill, NY
"About four years ago, a 14-year-old singer/songwriter named Anthony da Costa came to play the Starving Artist and blew us all away. Well, Anthony's 18 now, and when he returned to the Artist, he blew us all away again. Carefully chosen covers were done with his unique style — then there are his originals, which are awesome. He's been getting some extreme gigs lately — like opening for Dan Bern — so come see and hear Anthony soon, before it costs you big time!"
Elliott Glick, Starving Artist Café & Gallery, City Island, NY
"Anthony da Costa made a real splash at the Lake Katonah Clubhouse. He's a gifted singer/songwriter and performer who connects with his audience in a very special way. Folk lovers have so much to look forward to from Anthony as his musical journey continues."
Ruth F-L. Post, Lake Katonah Clubhouse, Katonah, NY
"Anthony da Costa's compelling performance at the Acoustic Cafe was one of the highlights of the season. His intelligent songwriting has a perspective well beyond his years and his stage presence rivals more seasoned performers."
Barbara Roehrer, Acoustic Cafe Concerts, Park Ridge, NJ
"Rarely have I come across such a seasoned performer and talent at the age of 18 as Anthony. His songs have depth and maturity well beyond his years. He's got 'IT' — the unteachable 'IT!'"
Joe Durso, Riverspace Arts in Nyack, Nyack, NY
"Anthony played at the Mad Sq Studio series in Madison Square Park and we were all blown away by the energy, enthusiasm and
just plain joy of his performance. He absolutely commands the stage and captures the listener with his fine stories and passionate
guitar playing."
Maggie Landau, Madison Square Park Conservancy, New York, NY
"Anthony da Costa is a passionate young tunesmith who articulately conveys his joy and concerns about the people and conditions he observes around him. Da Costa, a belated 'child of the 60s,' has a personable and lighthearted, musical intelligence that draws audiences of all ages in. His collaborative nature blends well with the 'folk scene,' where connecting with other
talents will continue leading him forward to make even more magical and memorable music."
Jonathan Mann, Westchester Arts Council, White Plains, NY
"Twenty years from now I'm going to point at the television and tell my grandchildren that Anthony da Costa played in our living room, and they're just going to laugh and say, 'Anthony da Costa? In your living room? No way!'"
Isabel and Gene Frey, Court House Concerts, Long Island, NY
"Anthony performed a wonderful set at the Rose Garden Coffeehouse and earned a lot of new fans. With a writing and performing style well beyond his years, we predict great things for him."
Mac McLanahan, Rose Garden Coffeehouse, Mansfield, MA
RECORD REVIEWS...Typical American Tragedy and Bad Nights/Better Days:
"In Typical American Tragedy, a solo album, and Bad Nights/Better Days, a duo album with Abbie Gardner of the trio Red Molly, Anthony continues to demonstrate that he is an outstanding writer of unadorned, plain-spoken Americana. Although Anthony cites Dan Bern, Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan as influences, the songs much more echo the classic Texas songwriting tradition of Steve Earle, Guy Clark or even Townes Van Zandt. The lyrics hew closely to a single idea and tell their stories simply, in short declaratory lines. The melodies and rhythms vary from pensive ballads to honky-tonk rockabilly to show-tune-style duets,
but rarely depart from stolid major chords, strummed energetically but without flash. The same is true of the accompaniment; both albums feature a classic and understated combination of fiddle, bass and guitar, with dobro, cello and banjo added on some songs. Typical American Tragedy is a mostly-upbeat set of Anthony's solo songs, largely in the storytelling style and rarely personal. Highlights of the album are "Dolly & Porter," an homage to the duet days of Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner, and "The Devil's Won," a tongue-in-cheek song of lost love. By contrast, Bad Nights/Better Days is a collection of yearning, almost mournful songs of love unfulfilled, unrequited or undone. Of these, the highlights are Abbie's "Crazy in Love' (a clever song of
longing for a lover who will let his hair down a bit) and "I'd Rather Be," a classic show-stopping duet that could have come direct from Broadway."
Scott Sheldon, Sing Out! Magazine
"On his solo album, Typical American Tragedy, he sings to his parents, 'I'll probably do what is wrong before I do what you
think is right/Though you say be home by 11 p.m., I'll be back in the morning light.' He delivers the song not with angry rebellion
but with a sad realization that he won't be able to avoid hurting the parents he loves. 'Ain't Much of a Soldier' is a young infantryman's bewildered lament, while 'Fiddle Girl' is a lively burst of infatuation for a fellow musician. Da Costa dips into bouncy folk-rock on 'Dance to This Song,' but mostly he relies on his acoustic guitar with tasteful help from his friends on fiddle, organ and dobro. One of those friends is dobro player Abbie Gardner, and da Costa has released a duo album with her, Bad Nights/Better Days. He wrote most of the songs and sings most of the leads on this 13-track contemplation of young love, both its exhilarating highs and its torturous lows. The lovely ballad "Let Me Die in Your Arms" is the kind of unreserved declaration of love available only to the unscarred, while the despairing lament "Nothing Left" exposes the romantic wounds that don't close until one
grows older. With its skillful use of cello, violin and bass, this album's chamber-folk sound represents a sonic leap forward for one of our most promising folk musicians."
Geoffrey Himes, Washington Post
RECORD REVIEWS...Typical American Tragedy:
"What is most striking on Typical American Tragedy is the feel of flow — it has a tangible presence and a natural air. It's not raw
or unpolished by any means, but it feels fresh, organic and full of life — an approach that turns a very good album into a great
one. And this relatively simple, stripped down approach brings the focus on to the lyrics, and that's where Anthony da Costa
shines. Of the 11 songs here, there isn't one that isn't worthy of comment. The focus of the album is 'Dolly & Porter,' a beautiful track with memorable lyric and melody; 'The Devil's Won' evokes the memory of a young Dylan; and 'Carnival' appears a throw away on first listen, but as a piece of writing, it's a beautifully constructed song. A fantastic collection from an important, emerging artist. ESSENTIAL."
Neil Pearson, Fish Records, UK
"On Typical American Tragedy, we are offered a clean window into Anthony da Costa's exceptionally complex understandings
of love and hope — an unflinchingly moving portrait of a love we're often curious how he could know about at so young an age.
Regardless of why or how, the combination of spare arrangements and consistently solid songwriting place his current
achievements in a class with some of our greatest songwriters."
E.J. Freidman, Loudersoft
"In 2008's dazzling Typical American Tragedy, Anthony da Costa, far more a musical adult than most musical adults, grows up, sort of, as 'Upstate Living's shows: 'She don't like my records. She listens to punk rock. She makes drawings. She makes my heart stop.' In 'Fiddle Girl,' he talks about pulling up in a bar and ordering a tall Coke, and then, two songs later, he is knee deep into 'Wall Around Baghdad.' He's rocketing around at warp speed — his brain must be a burning fuse. Two startling ballads, 'Dolly & Porter' (Parton and Wagoner) and 'I'm Your Son,' are brutally pretty and incisive."
Ed Paladino, E&R
"On Typical American Tragedy, the upbeat 'Dance To This Song' would not be out of place on a Josh Ritter album, while the ensuing 'Lady' gives vent to da Costa's continuing penchant for penning love songs. A word about the artwork: the inside features a young girl with her back turned to a young man. The neat addition is that he has stars in the solar system projected on
his upper body, while her projection is of a highway that reaches to the far horizon. Sans the ability to dream, where would we be?"
Arthur Wood, FolkWax
RECORD REVIEWS: Bad Nights/Better Days:
"While Abbie Gardner and Anthony da Costa mine the territory blazed by Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, by plumbing the depths of personal pain and joy, they extract gold. In its exquisite expression of longing and regret, Bad Nights / Better Days is a work of staggering emotional power. I can't stop listening."
Richard Cuccaro, Acoustic Live!
"Abbie Gardner and Anthony da Costa represent the vanguard of the exciting artists that are coming up from the ranks of the contemporary folk/acoustic scene. Together, on Bad Nights / Better Days, they deliver a powerhouse performance on 13 songs that look at life and relationships from a unique and fresh perspective. A first rate recording that highlights each of their individual talents while underscoring a shared musical experience that is at the soul of the music they are creating."
Ron Olesko, WFDU-FM, Teaneck, NJ
BEST OF 2008 WFUV-FM STAFF PICKS:"The CDs that sustained me this year (include) RED MOLLY - 'Love and Other Tragedies' - and ABBIE GARDNER/ANTHONY DA COSTA - 'Bad Nights/Better Days'. Dobro player and singer Abbie Gardner is featured on two CDs released the same week, one with New York's favorite female trio, RED MOLLY, and one a duo project with the Pleasantville
Phenom, Anthony da Costa."
John Platt, WFUV-FM, New York City
"While Anthony da Costa is blazing a trail on the singer/songwriter scene and Abbie Gardner plays both solo and with Americana trio, Red Molly, Bad Nights / Better Days has a distinct feel that sits somewhere between Stacey Earle & Mark Stuart and Gillian Welch & David Rawlings. They'll certainly be likened to these artists — and the power, honesty and quality across the 13 songs is guaranteed to make many people take notice and bring them to a wider audience. What is most striking is the edge to the songs and, like Anthony's recent solo album, Typical American Tragedy, the recordings are full of energy and life and have a genuine
feel of an honest recording that can often get lost in over-production. This approach works well on the fuller tracks such as 'Spent' and 'Red Barn,' but it turns the quieter, more acoustic tracks, such as 'You Remind Me' and 'Better Days,' into truly beautiful songs. The advantage of the more open sounding songs allows Abbie and Anthony's vocals to stand out, and the
combination of their vocals is genuinely powerful. Very highly recommended."
Neil Pearson, Fish Records, UK
"Abbie Gardner and Anthony da Costa are both excellent songwriters and their collaboration on Bad Nights / Better Days only accentuates that point. Together their voices blend beautifully, driving this collection of incredibly sad songs from shadow to shadow."
Kim Ruehl, About.com
"Da Costa penned nine of the Bad Nights / Better Days songs, Gardner composed three, and the pair collaborated on 'Someday.' A neat synopsis of the subject matter was written by Anthony: 'Over the course of the record, in the tradition of an old-school concept LP, love is found, confused, lost, rediscovered and redefined.' I could have said it in many more words, but I couldn't have said it better! In the pantheon of male/female singing duos, past or still present, be they Pop, Folk, Country or whatever aural concoction, here da Costa and Gardner more than hold their own, with 'I'd Rather Be' and the utterly desperate 'Nothing Left,' being noteworthy highlights."
Arthur Wood, FolkWax
"About three hours ago, my brother handed me a duo record featuring Anthony da Costa and Abbie Gardner entitled Bad Nights /
Better Days. About 20 minutes later, he dropped in to tell me, casually, that da Costa was just 17 years old (cue Conor Oberst
reference) and that this was his seventh record (cue Ryan Adams reference). On this record, Gardner's dobro is a perfect match for da Costa's songs. Her voice, both in her own songs and accompanying da Costa, is a subtle blend of Emmylou Harris and Gillian Welch. Their duets though are more of the Dylan-Baez variety with da Costa's rough voice (think Dylan) being sweetened by Gardner's achingly beautiful harmonies. Gardner also writes and sings her own songs on the record, creating a great give and take with da Costa that adds to the drama of the record. Oh, by the way, the record was recorded in three days."
Eli Petersen, Twangville
"Bad Nights / Better Days features all the Sturm und Drang you'd find in a serious Broadway drama. The kind where people speak from the heart in ways you rarely hear in real life. Recorded in three intense days and nights, this is a real record that talks to real people. There's no compression and no drums. But true feelings crystallize in the speakers. Gardner and da Costa sing to each other as if they've known each other forever. I've never understood or appreciated the cello. But after listening to this record, especially 'Someday,' I'm a huge fan. The pathos and pain it expresses pierces my heart. Bad Nights / Better Days
enfolds you like a mist-filled evening out on the moors. Take a stroll and open yourself up to the highs and lows, ebb and flows of your inner life."
Roger Z., The Working Musician / More Sugar
"Bad Nights / Better Days is absolutely beautiful. Whether Anthony is backing Abbie up or vice versa, their voices blend with a richness and warmth that pours over you. An emotional, evocative listen."
David Dircks, Acoustic Long Island
RECORD REVIEWS...Quality Time:
"Quality Time is best described with whatever the word that comes before 'astonishing' is in that hierarchy. While we've little or no recorded music from most of America's finest songwriters at a very early age, Quality Time is easily the finest CD/album
by the youngest person I have ever heard. Distinguishing aspects da Costa displays with the 26 original songs on Rearrange (2006) and Quality Time (2007) are a relentless growth in songwriting talent and a virtually unmatched ability to present not only
good songs and plenty of them, but songs very different from each other. In most CDs, even from the best, there is a clunker here and there; Quality Time is 55 minutes of quality time. He absolutely masters every song, dipping down in vocals almost
to speaking, then bringing them right back up; you think a song will end, but it doesn't. It's not a gimmick; all is sung that needs to be. Guitar and voice for 11 of the 12 songs were recorded in one sit-down session — no breaks, no water, no nothing! These
days, for most artists, it can take weeks to do one complete song."
Ed Paladino, E&R
Blank Promo Posters & Fliers
Photo: Robert S. Berkowitz, RSB ImageWorks
files to download:
Recognition
2009
MSNBC.com "5 Top Up-&-Coming Young Singers"
WFUV's "2009 New Artists to Watch" (John Platt)
Westchester Magazine's "Our Future Stars"
Music City Songwriting Competition: Finalist
2008
About.com's "Best New Folk Artists of 2008" (Kim Ruehl)
"Best of 2008 WFUV Staff Picks" / Abbie & Anthony's duo record, "Bad Nights, Better Days" (John Platt)
Independent Music World Series: Finalist, with Abbie Gardner, for "Bad Nights, Better Days"
2007
Falcon Ridge Folk Festival: Winner, "Emerging Artist Competition"; @16, youngest winner ever, garnering 40% of vote
Kerrville Folk Festival: Winner, "New Folk Competition" (2007); @16, youngest winner ever
Mountain Stage NewSong Competition: Northeast Regional Finalist
Venues / Showcases
Anthony & Signe Svendsen @ Tonder Festival
Photo: Porter Tubb
VENUES:
Partial listing as of 05.31.09
RESIDENCIES:
The Living Room (NY)...
RADIO / In-Studio:
WFUV (NY)...WUMB (MA)...WFDU (NY)...WUSB (NY)...
FESTIVALS:
Tonder Festival (Denmark)...Falcon Ridge Folk Festival (NY)...Kerrville Folk Festival (TX)...Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival (TN)...Philadelphia Folk Festival (PA)...Woody Guthrie Folk Festival (OK)...Musikfest (PA)...Club Passim Campfire Festival (MA)... Pleasantville Music Festival (NY)...Huntington Folk Festival (NY).DylanFest (NY)...
THEATRES & PERFORMING ARTS CENTERS:
The Public Theater (NYC)...The Town Hall (NYC)...Bergen Performing Arts Center (NJ)...Amazing Things Arts Center (MA)... Tarrytown Music Hall (NY)...Paramount Center for the Arts (NY)...The Emelin Theater (NY)...Landmark on Main Street (NY)... Riverspace Arts in Nyack (NY)...The Walton Theater (NY)...Westchester Broadway Theater (NY)...Irvington Town Hall Theater (NY)...Pioneer Arts Center of Easthampton (MA)...
CONCERT & COFFEEHOUSE SERIES:
Outpost in the Burbs (NJ)...Sanctuary Concerts (NJ)...Walkabout Clearwater Coffeehouse (NY)...Common Ground Coffeehouse (NY)...Concerts at the Crossing (NJ)...Me & Thee Coffeehouse (MA)...Philadelphia Folksong Society (PA)...Folk Music Society of Huntington (NY)...Madison Square Park (NY)...The Mansion (NY)...Minstrel Coffeehouse (NJ)...Golden Apple Coffeehouse (NY)... Coffee with Conscience (NJ)...Eclectic Café (NY)...Acoustic Long Island (NY)...South Salem Library (NY)...
CLUBS, CAFES, LISTENING ROOMS & COFFEEHOUSES:
Postcrypt Coffeehouse (NY)...Joe's Pub (NYC)...12th & Porter (Nashville)...Club Passim (MA)...The Living Room (NYC)...Iron Horse Music Hall (MA)...Godfrey Daniels (PA)...Bluebird Cafe (Nashville)...Rockwood Music Hall (NYC)...ArtsWestchester / The Arts Exchange (NY)...Chaplin's The Music Café (PA)...Caffe Lena (NY)...Bodle's Opera House (NY)...Watercolor Cafe (NY)...The Turning Point (NY)...Towne Crier Café (NY)...Peekskill Coffeehouse (NY)...
COLLEGES:
Columbia University / Postcrypt Coffeehouse (NY)...Sarah Lawrence College / SpringFling (NY)...SUNY Rockland (NY)...SUNY Stony Brook / University Café (NY)...Western New England College / WNECpalooza (MA)...
ROCKHALLS, BARS & HONKY TONKS:
Tootsie's Orchid Lounge (TN)...The Knitting Factory (NY)...The Burren (MA)...Crash Mansion (NY)...The Paramount Hotel (NY)... Banjo Jim's (NY)...The Bell in Hand Tavern (MA)...
HOUSE CONCERTS:
Fox Run (MA)...Pleasure Hill (CT)...Rosie's (NJ)...Harris Creek (VA)...Court House Concerts (NY)...
SHOWCASES:
International Folk Alliance Conference: Feature Showcase with Kathy Mattea/2009; Formal Showcases/2008, 2007; Panelist, 2008
Northeast Regional Folk Alliance Conference: Formal Showcase/2008; TriCentric Showcase/2007
Nashville Songwriters Association International/Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival: (Formal Showcase/2007)
...and more
Opened for / Played with / Recorded with
OPENED FOR:
Loretta Lynn
Dan Bern
Red Molly
Steve Forbert
Graham Parker
Chad & Jeremy
Susan Werner
Livingston Taylor
Anais Mitchell
Tim & Mollie O'Brien
Cheryl Wheeler
Erin McKeown
The Wailin' Jennys
Gandalf Murphy &
The Slambovian Circus of Dreams
Antje Duvekot
...and more
PLAYED WITH:
Pete Seeger
Red Molly
Bela Fleck
Kathy Mattea
Sarah Lee Guthrie & Johnny Irion
Tim O'Brien
Jonathan Byrd
Amy Speace
Anais Mitchell
Jonathan Edwards
Joe Crookston
Folk Brothers
(David Massengill + Jack Hardy)
Madison Violet
The Kennedys
Jake Shimabukuro
Hope Machine
(Fred Gillen, Jr + Steve Kirkman)
...and more
RECORDED WITH:
Red Molly (on Anthony's "Quality Time")
Abbie Gardner (on Anthony's "Typical American Tragedy"
& Abbie & Anthony's "Bad Nights, Better Days")
Amy Speace (on Amy's "Killer In Me")
Lindsay Mac (on Lindsay's "Stop Thinking")
...and more
