Phil Costello works for The Radio Network by day and moonlights as a muso by night. He manages NewstalksZB, Classic Hits, Coast and ZM radio stations throughout the Kāpiti-Horowhenua area and fills in for Justin duFresne as Talkback host on NewstalkZB host.
Phil says, “My mum says I’ve been talking endlessly all my life so I guess talkback is a good fit. It’s a great way to debate current affairs, chat to a wide range of people and, on occasions, ask the country’s leaders some probic questions. Besides, everyone says I have a “face for radio”…not quite sure what they’re trying to say.”.
Phil heads up the Wellington band, Phil Costello and the Five O’clock Shadows, which plays around various watering holes, currently the Cavern Club in Allen St in Courtney Place on Friday nights. It’s a Burt Bacharach, Tom Jones, Rat Pack style group, playing all your faves.
Phil says, “I’m primarily a saxophone player but no one ever pays any attention to the sidemen. So, in an unbridled act of “hey, look at me”, I started singing a few years back and it’s a gas. I get to show off all night, crack funnies, people get to laugh at me…it’s wonderful for the humilty.”.
Phil also MC’s events, including the recent Beer Festival fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House at Frontroom in Waikanae, the St John’s Ambulance funderaiser at Wellington Town Hall and the upcoming Kāpiti Sports Awards. He says he likes the challenge of MCing because the events can be a bit formal if you’re not careful. “Too often these functions can descend into something akin to a wake so I like the challenge of keeping the audience entertained. I often say, “hey, it’s not about me” but, frankly, that’s a lie. Humility be damned.”.
The Plug
As an addendum, Phil says if you need some live music for an upcoming occasion, inquire with him and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the competitive rates. “We play all kinds of functions: birthday parties, stag do’s, bar mitzvahs and we even offer a wedding/divorce package deal which is pretty sharp. “If it’s going to end in tears, let us put a smile back on your face”, we like to say.”.