Astrella Celeste Visits U.S.
Donovan'’s middle daughter kicks off U.S. visit in New York City as pair of major televised performances set for broadcast, starting with: The Donovan Concert: Live in L.A. (PBS) The ‘60s Love Child with the 21st Century Spirit” Takes Euro-buzz Global with June 4 digital release of U.K. hit single, “Dream.”
A powerful statement of intent from the girl, something that will and has put her on the map the world over.” – The Talk Magazine
MALLORCA, Spain - As her Euro-buzz crests with a high profile performance slot at the prestigious 2007 Isle of Wight Festival and a surge of oversees radio airplay, pop-jazz chanteuse Astrella Celeste is heading to New York City to kick off the June 4, 2007 digital release of her U.K. hit single, “Dream” and promote her guest appearance with her father on his upcoming PBS television special. The Donovan Concert: Live in L.A, will start airing nationally the same week “Dream” goes on cyber-sale and will be featured on the iTunes home page. (Check local listings for airdates and times.)
Born to rock royalty as the middle daughter of Donovan and embraced throughout Europe as “The ‘60s Love Child with the 21st Century Spirit,” Astrella is scheduled to arrive June 25 in New York City for several days of industry meetings, showcases and media activity while re-acquainting herself with the country where she spent much of her unusually blessed childhood and a portion of her adult life.
“I was born in America and have lived here half my life,” says Astrella. “It feels like home. I can’t wait to come back.”
“Dream” is currently in radio rotation throughout the United Kingdom and is spreading throughout Europe, gaining steady spins in France, Spain, Italy and Germany amid significant European press coverage in the Sunday Times Magazine, Hello and the Daily Mail, among others. In the U.S., Astrella was seen last month performing a duet rendition of “Dream” with her father when the PBS special first aired exclusively on Long Island’s WLIW-TV in a concert benefiting the David Lynch Foundation for Consciousness-Based Education and World Peace. The Donovan Concert: Live in L.A. was taped in January at Hollywood’s esteemed Kodak Theater (home of the Oscars).
Also in support of her single release, Astrella will be seen singing “Dream” by a global TV audience, as her Isle of Wight main stage performance – along with those of the Rolling Stones and many other legends – is being recorded for worldwide telecast (and airing live on BBC4). Astrella makes her Isle of Wight Festival debut on June, the weekend immediately following the digital release of “Dream.”
“Dream” is a driving fusion of jazz, pop and country showcasing Astrella as a songwriter who creates exceptionally personal, soulful and sensitive music with a sweet, almost innocent quality. She alternately recalls such icons as Liz Phair, Shania Twain and Natalie Merchant while capturing the lyrical and relaxing spirit of Donovan’s psychedelic folk-rock classics.
“Dream” is the first track from Astrella’s upcoming 6-song EP Blue Star, due in the fall. (Its title is the Spanish translation of Astrella-Celeste.) "Dream" was written by Kevin Hunter (of Sheryl Crow’s Tuesday Night Music Club), Astrella’s writing partner on the rest of Blue Star. It’s produced by Yoad Nevo (Sugababes, Goldfrapp) with string arrangements by the legendary John Cameron (Les Miserables, Jose Carreras). Astrella’s core band is Rat Scabies on drums, Andy Hobson (Pretenders) on bass and Carmen Squire (daughter of Yes keyboardist Chris Squire) sharing backing vocals with Astrella.
As beautiful as she is talented, Astrella's career has been richly developed through collaborations in the studio, on stage and in home jams with David Gilmour, Brian Setzer, Graham Nash and the Happy Mondays, to name but a few. Astrella’s easygoing style is a reflection of the charmed life she’s led since childhood. She released her first single in Italy at age 8, which led to the Pope asking to meet her, and spent her youth in acting schools and dance troupes before working with her father providing backing vocals and touring with him.
"My dad will always be my biggest influence,” says Astrella, “but I also love Chet Baker, Nina Simone, Sade, Tori Amos, The Cardigans ... I could go on and on."
www.myspace.com/astrellaceleste
