OSM: Hi, for readers who aren't aware - where are Velvet Starlings from and who is in the band?
Velvet Starlings are from Los Angeles California. Currently comprised of Christian Gisborne on vocals, guitar and keys, Poling brothers Foster and Hudson on drums and bass, and Alex Thornton on guitar.
OSM: Your new single ‘HG Wells’, is out now. What was the general songwriting process and are there any interesting stories around the recording of the song?
It’s a sci-fi-delic garage rock song about going back in time and change the past. Written in 2019 pre-Avengers Endgame. Our recording process was sort of done in two parts. I made a demo over six months perfecting all of the weird alien noises and outside production that we’d later use when we recorded the guitar, vocals, bass and drums with Joel Jerome at his psychedelic thrift store.
OSM: From your point of view, what is the single about, what is its message?
This song is from the point of view of a person living in 2019 looking at the world in disappointment. Coming to the conclusion that all they need to fix everything is Doctor Brown’s time machine. I suppose the message is somewhat bleak because in reality none of us have one… but it’s fun to imagine what we could do if we did!
OSM: You are shortly playing various festivals and several dates in Scotland. Are there any shows you are particularly looking forward to playing and what can fans expect from your live show?
Yes! We’re playing in Dunfermline, Edinburgh and Glasgow and we’re excited about all three! I’ve played in Glasgow and Edinburgh twice each before but I’m so stoked to come back. I’d say they can expect something very different from the last time. Our show has changed quite a lot.
Current single 'HG WELLS' is out now and is sure to go down a storm at upcoming live shows
OSM: What challenges have you faced since launching your career?
Well when I started one thing that was hard was trying to find adults who would take a 16 year old seriously. But I’m 19 now which has made it a lot easier. Obviously 2020 was harsh because we had a lot planned that never happened. It completely messed up our releases and we ended up putting out our 2nd album before we put out our first album haha.
OSM: What are the plans for the year ahead for yourselves?
We will be touring the US and releasing our 2nd album Pacific Standard Time!
OSM: If you could change anything about the industry what would it be?
The government would get tighter grips on services like Spotify and Apple Music, and make intellectual property worth something again. Artists used to have financial incentive to record and release music, but streaming has completely taken that aspect of music away, which doesn’t just lead to bad or formulaic art. But it makes great art worth nothing to consumers. Streaming is basically government approved piracy and has made books, movies and albums worthless.
OSM: If you could share the stage with another band or performer who would it be?
King Gizzard and the Lizard wizard? They seem like they’re just about the most fun collection of people who make music around right now.
OSM: Who are some of the main influences of your music?
Jack white, Thee Oh Sees, Sleater Kinney, The Doors and The Beatles
OSM: What songs are on your playlist right now, which songs are you into at the moment?
Into the Twilight - Jack White
Ratboy - The Paranoyds
Cracker Drool - Goat Girl
Human Touch - Pond
Sweet Tooth - Destroy Boys
10 Day Miracle Challenge - Death Valley Girls
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