Celeste Benzschawel Launches Crowdfunding Effort for Debut EP

After 15 years of singing and playing guitar, former Peninsula Pulse writer Celeste Benzschawel is aiming to take her musical career to the next level by professionally recording a five-song debut EP, inspired by her time in Door County. She launched a 30-day, all-or-nothing Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign for her project Jan. 20.

Benzschawel began taking guitar lessons at age 10. By 13, she was sharpening her skills at school functions and open mics, and eventually she started gigging at coffee shops, bars and festivals. While finishing her bachelor’s degree at UW-Madison, she interned with the Peninsula Pulse before joining the team full time.

Living on the peninsula was a huge musical inspiration. Benzschawel drew from Door County nights, the Sherwood Point Lighthouse, bonfires, sunsets, hiking, adventures with friends, and more to create the songs on the EP.

Now pursuing journalism and music in Denver, she’s looking for donors to support her project. Backers can participate at various levels and receive fun items, including handmade postcards, stickers with art by Pulse Creative Director Ryan Miller, handmade screenprinted bandannas by Lucy Hodkiewicz of The Lightbox, and more.

To back the project, visit kickstarter.com and search for “Celeste Rose’s Debut EP.” Learn more about Benzschawel and her music at celesterosemusic.com.