Unsigned Spotlight: Cosmonaut Radio
Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.
Freddy Millan = lead vocals
Russell Castiglione = guitar/backing vocals/producer
Austin Deyo = drums/backing vocals
Michael Tamola = bass
Andrew Koehler = keys
Dan Blumenthal = sax
For starters, what bands were you part of prior to this project? How long has this project been around?
Formerly knows as “The Cosmonauts”, Cosmonaut Radio has existed in various forms since around 2010. All of the current members have been in various bands both before and concurrently with Cosmonaut Radio. Of special note, however, is The Georgettes circa 2014, a band whose lineup changes led to the initial meeting of Russell, Austin, and Freddy. Freddy would eventually leave The Georgettes to join Cosmonaut Radio as their new frontman full-time. It was at that point that Cosmonaut Radio started to solidify into what it is now.
What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?
We try to cover a wide range of topics in our music, but our main themes, especially on this newest EP, are acceptance and understanding. We always want our music to be fun and engaging, but we also don't want to shy away from some of the darker aspects of our subject matter and the current state of the world. Though we try to make every song different both stylistically and thematically, the underlying subtext of unity and the pursuit of truth and justice will probably always remain.
What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?
All of the members pull inspiration from very different sources. Freddy is a huge fan of bombastic bands like Queen and Yes and expert vocalists like Mariah Carey, but also gets a large amount of inspiration from the musical stylings of film, theater, and video games. While they agree on Led Zeppelin and Steely Dan, Russell tends to prefer the more ambient and esoteric stylings of Radiohead and Beach House, while Austin will usually go for the smooth sounds of Luther Vandross or Sade.
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?
For Freddy, it was a combination of Fall Out Boy's From Under the Cork Tree album in high school and Failure's Fantastic Planet album in college that spurred him to take a hiatus from his then planned acting career to start pursuing creating his own music with a band. For Russell, it was watching The Song Remains The Same footage of Led Zeppelin in high school.
What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, etc …
Freddy usually does vocal exercises while staring in the bathroom mirror, freaking out, and contemplating existence. Russell usually goes on a run the day of a show and does guitar/vocal warmups during the day and right before hitting the stage.
What has been the biggest highlight of you music career so far?
So far, the twin highlights of Cosmonaut Radio's career have been our Best Coast Tour and our performance at the 2017's Brooklyn Music Festival. The Best Coast Tour was a two-week trip through the west coast, starting in Seattle, ending in San Diego, and hitting up pretty much every major city in between on the way down. The Brooklyn Music Festival, on the other hand, is the biggest local show that we've played, and stands as probably the most fun and energetic audience we've ever had. (Maybe mention MiNI Fest?)
If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
For Freddy, it would definitely be Queen so that he could meet his frontman idol Freddie Mercury. For Russell, it would be Led Zeppelin so that he could meet his inspiration to start playing guitar, Jimmy Page, as well as have a guaranteed amazing road experience.
Is there anything else you would like to add?