Atlanta born rock band, Starbenders, had been getting renown every where they have hit. This band has been taking on the world together and recently released a brand new album, Take Back The Night! BareBones Ent got the chance to sit down with Kimi of Starbenders to talk about the band, Take Back The Night, and live music. Take a look below and see what all we got in to!
BBE: I think you have a great sound. Kind of a modern take on 80s rock. How would you best describe your music to new listeners?
Kimi: Foundationally, we’re a rock n’ roll band. Our influences are very broad, from goth and metal to folk and world music. In the words of American bandstand, “it’s got a good beat and you can dance to it”.
BBE: Let’s fantasy book some. What would be your dream glam rock show including yourselves?
Kimi: We actually don’t self-identify as being “glam rock”, however we do have a seat at the table.
How about Tina Turner, The New York Dolls and Starbenders on one show. That’d be the best kind of fucked up.
BBE: You have steadily built a nice following. What has it been like for you to see your fanbase continue to grow?
Kimi: It’s forever inspirational and motivating.
BBE: There has been so much change in music promotion. What have you found to be an effective way to promote your music?
Kimi: I still feel that touring and playing live is where it’s at. Anyone can get a song up to millions of streams but the art form of live performance is the true test. I don’t know if it’s a bragging point though, it’s like competing against people on steroids with just your will and a prayer… but fuck it!
BBE: How has that changed or remained the same from what you started?
Kimi: I think what’s changed is TikTok and algorithmic based songwriting. We refuse to write for robots, so I guess we run the risk of being cast out into obscurity. Starbenders just floating through space and those that knew us shaking their fists at the heavens, “why couldn’t they just feed the machine?!” Haha!
BBE: You recently released your album Take Back The Night. How long had you been working on this album?
Kimi: I’d say over the course of a year, it was pretty quick from the creative side of things. It takes a really long time for the other side to come together… logistics, getting everything signed off on by the label, putting the visuals together etc.
BBE: Do you feel the album matched what you had initially set out creatively with it, or did it evolve over the creation process?
Kimi: I find it to be evolution. We’re honing in on whatever our little subgenre is.. I don’t know if it’s been fully classified yet.
BBE: How have fans reacted to the album?
Kimi: It seems like they’re diggin it!
BBE: What song on the album are you most excited to play live for fans and why?
Kimi: We’ve been playing these songs for a while now actually, so I’d say the most fun is “Sex” and “if You Need It”.
BBE: You have a decent number of shows set up throughout October. What can fans expect from this tour?
Kimi: Untuned, trackless, live music. Fingers on fret boards, mostly good but sometimes bad notes, your own energetic contribution coming through our wires and microphones. Fully live!
BBE: Do you have more shows planned for this year, or are you looking more at next year?
Kimi: Yeah there’s always another show, wink wink.
BBE: What is the best way for fans to stay up to date and connect with you?
Kimi: If you don’t know at this point I actually commend you haha! Instagram is always the best way.
BBE: Anything else you would like to add?
Kimi: General advice…I’d say, intuition is a dying language. Relearn and rewire your instincts… we’re all multi trillion dollar technology wrapped in flesh.
