Interview: CONSUELO VANDERBILT COSTIN Pop Musician

Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin, the noted pop singer, has recently released her latest CD, "I'm Just Me" that contains her latest hit single, "Losing My Mind." Her previous single, "Here We Go" was released in the U.S. on January 18, 2014, went to #1 on the Billboard chart and was a huge hit in Germany, Poland and the U.K. Consuelo's music can be described as a fusion of pop and rock with just the right tones of disco. Her songs are romantic, often enticing, always well performed and wonderfully produced.

Broadwayworld.com recently had the opportunity to interview Consuelo about her music and her career.

Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin is a seventh generation descendent of shipping and railroad tycoon, Cornelius Vanderbilt. Consuelo is quick to attribute her work ethic to her father and step-father. "The Vanderbilt family has big characters, and they have certainly had an influence on me." But once you chat with her, it is quickly revealed that has carved her own personal and artistic path of excellence.

One of the first things you notice about Consuelo is that she is completely genuine and thoughtful. She believes in authenticity, bringing like-minded artists together to collaborate in the arts like dancers and musicians. Her mother told her when she was a child, "Stay in your sneakers." It was in those sneakers that she would sing and dance for family members as early as the age of 5. And now as a glamorous young woman, her performing career has blossomed.

Consuelo's career transcends genres and international borders. After signing her first record deal she landed on stages including the Royal Albert Hall with Joe Cocker, and New York's Central Park with Mya and Vanessa Carlton. With her L.A. based pop-rock band, Costin, Consuelo rocked legendary Sunset Strip venues as The Whiskey A Go Go, The Roxy and The Key Club. Then when a top DJ remixed her single "Naked" into a dance track, a new sound was born and Consuelo became very noted in the pop-music world. "Naked" spent an unprecedented 16 weeks on the Billboard Dance Charts, climbing all the way to #11.

Her follow-up single, "Feel So Alive" earned Consuelo Billboard's #2 Breakout Artist honor, and the controversial video was banned in more than 10 countries. Her smash club hits tore up the dance floors from New York, Miami and L.A. to Ibiza, Paris and Berlin. She delighted hundreds of thousands of fans singing at Washington D.C.'s Capital Pride, and was seen by millions throughout Europe after performing on Germany's hit morning show for ZDF.

Consuelo is modest about her success and appreciates those who have mentored her career. She spoke about her singing teacher, Ron Anderson who is renowned for training singers such as Adam Levine and Alicia Keys. "He was a great inspiration to me and introduced me to the right people. He taught me to live and breathe as an artist."

She also expressed gratitude for first manager, Christian Seidal, who recognized her talent and helped her to launch her musical career.

Currently, much of Consuelo's fame has been Euro-centric. This is by no means a surprise. She spent a good deal of time living abroad and began singing in Italian night- clubs as a young adult.

While Consuelo's music is always performed in English, she said that international audiences are very excited about her work and "hook right into the melodies." Her eyes glisten with pride when she talks about her many fans. She commented that the German people she has met on her recent tours are filled with exuberance for life and have a real willingness to be engaged. Fluent in French and Italian, Consuelo is learning German so that she can communicate better with all of her overseas admirers. "I would like to nurture and care for the audiences that have taken care of me. I am very touched by my fans. It is always a thrill to sign photographs and to meet them personally." And as a native New Yorker she is anxious to be more active in the American music scene.

Consuelo's style is all her own but she does admire the musicianship of others. She commented that she likes Madonna because of her energetic style and the fact that she is a brilliant storyteller. She also enjoys the work of Annie Lennox and Tracey Chapman.

Consuelo feels she is completely on point with her current work. She said, "If it's the last thing I do, I will strive to do it perfectly."

Consuelo is building a reputation of her very own design that doesn't stop with her pop music success. She has a true entrepreneurial spirit and is currently launching SohoMuse.com, a professional media platform that will serve as a source for creativity. She will soon be launching a line of jewelry on HSN designed to pay homage to great grandmother's collection. She also serves on the board of the Ovarian Cancer Coalition in memory of her beloved mother.

Find learn more about Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin and to purchase her music, visit: http://costinmusic.com/.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin

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