INTERVIEW:
Velvet Starlings
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I have been speaking with Velvet Starlings…
which is the moniker of fifteen-year-old Christian Gisborne. He has been talking about his musical rise and his band; what the story behind If Life Ain’t Getting You High and whether he will follow it with more material next year.
The teenager reveals whether it is daunting being in the industry at such a young age and which albums are important to him; if there are tour dates and which artist, if he had the chance, he would support.
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Hi, Velvet Starlings. How are you? How has your week been?
Pretty good. We had an incredible week playing our record release party at Madame Siam. It was pretty awesome having legendary DJ Rodney Bingenheimer of SiriusXMradio and Frank Infante from Blondie in attendance. We were invited to hang out with them at Canter’s Deli afterwards.
We also had our best Sofar Sounds LA show yet at the Hotel Erwin in Venice. And, to top it off, we were voted #3 on the KROQ locals only show! We could not be more grateful to our friends and fans we who have been requesting and voting for our music.
For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?
My name is Christian Gisborne and I am a singer/songwriter and the guitarist of Velvet Starlings - which is a '60s-influenced Indie Brit-Rock and Blues-based band. The name came from a period in time when I was listening to Cream (White Room’s reference to ‘tired starlings’) and Velvet Underground.
If Life Ain’t Getting You High is your new cut. Is there a story behind it?
If Life Ain’t Getting You High is a question…
I try to present some options. There are a lot out there right now addressing the impact of social media addiction and overload on people; including depression for some. So, the idea was to write a song about getting off your devices and living life beyond the tiny screen. Take a look around and you’ll see the big picture or at least another perspective. We spend so much time ‘wired in’ or stressing about a negative comment or not being noticed. Sometimes, a change of scenery could be the ticket.
We included lots of natural backdrops in the video to convey that idea. I seriously believe in the power of music; whether playing, writing; tracking, going to a concert or just listening. Music, literally, can tune you up spiritually.
You seem to be inspired by vintage guitar sounds and a classic edge. Were you influenced by particular artists/sounds when writing it?
Totally. I love The Beatles and all things '60s. I am a fan of Syd Barrett’s whimsical lyrics and I may have been inspired by Mick Jagger in my vocal phrasing on the chorus. The production and overall feel on the outro was clearly influenced by I Am the Walrus and Strawberry Fields straight off The Beatles’ Magical Mystery Tour.
Might we see an E.P. or more material next year?
Yes, definitely. We have another E.P. already in mix stages that we are excited about. We are also releasing another single, Sold Down the River, off this one and we will probably release a holiday number for fun.
Was your early life filled with music? Which artists did you follow when growing up?
My father is from Leicester (Kasabian country). In the '90s, before I was born, he headed up an Indie Brit-Rock band (Skylab and Plastiscene) and later ran a label and managed bands - and was out touring or making records so he was not around much. I loved his music and The Beatles and let’s just say I caught on real quick where his influences had come from.
At six; I also had a computer so I was downloading music off of the Internet, going deep into many artists’ catalogues - starting with The Beatles and everything evolved from there. I started experimenting on an old vintage organ and with some of my parents’ gear. The first songs I learned were by The Beatles, The Animals and The Kinks and then I switched to guitar. I was really into The Who, Cream; The Stones, The White Stripes; Cage the Elephant and Arctic Monkeys.
This record that is out now was recorded right before my fourteenth birthday. After that experience, I saved up my cash from busking at the farmers market and bought a computer and Pro Tools and started writing, producing and tracking the songs myself before I started high-school. As a result, I was admitted a year early into the recording arts program as a freshman.
As a fifteen-year-old; do you have to juggle studies and music?! Is it quite tough a balancing act?
Yes. It is very challenging. My teachers are upset that I have to miss school and make up homework because I have been traveling and playing so many shows. It is a grueling lifestyle. But, I have to put in the work to keep the grades in check.
What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?
Playing more shows. The end of 2018 is coming up fast. My second E.P. should be mixed and mastered. I would also like to finish off a few new songs I’ve had on the back burner. And, I hope to see Tenacious D!
Do you already have plans for 2019?
We have the new E.P. to release; lots more dates in Los Angeles, SXSW, Canadian Music Week and, as soon as school lets out; we are off to the U.K. to hopefully bring music to the masses.
Lots of amazing music and artists there so it’s a bit daunting. We will also be playing Milwaukee Summerfest as the booker and owner caught one of our showcases in Sweden last month and was impressed enough to offer us a slot.
Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music so far – the one that sticks in the mind?
We opened for Robbie Krieger and got to hear him play some of those classic Doors songs that I have been listening to since I was young. As far as live music experiences; probably seeing The Who, The Stones, Paul McCartney and Dylan live at Desert Trip - along with Jack White in Vegas and Cage the Elephant at the KROQ Weenie Roast.
Which three albums mean the most to you would you say (and why)?
The Beatles – ‘The White Album’
Greatest album ever. The diversity of genres, quality of songwriting; originality and production.
The White Stripes – Elephant
Best Jack White songwriting.
The Doors – The Doors
As it’s The Doors when they were bringing a new and darker tone to the sixties; a bit more mystery and poetic madness to the L.A. scene.
If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?
I’d like Jack White to come on stage and play a song with me and I’d also like ten Impossible burger sliders topped with Jack White’s special guacamole that he always has backstage. The recipe can be found on the Internet.
What advice would you give to new artists coming through?
If you love music, don’t ever quit. The main reason I do music is because I straight-up love music. I could not imagine my life without it. A song is magical. It can change your whole vibe and day and its proven to tune up your soul.
Do you have tour dates coming up? Where can we catch you play?
I think we have some Los Angeles shows coming up: The Mint and The Hotel Cafe and another Sofar Sounds event! We love those as, even though they are mainly acoustic, the audience always gets involved and makes the energy electric.
IN THIS IMAGE: Jack White
Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?
They might not be considered new but of newer bands: all things Jack White; Ty Segall; Arcade Fire; Gorillaz; Kaiser Chiefs.
IN THIS PHOTO: Arcade Fire/PHOTO CREDIT: Ellen Matthews
Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?
When I’m not doing music, I’m watching other bands play live or watching previously recorded concerts and music festivals. Old live footage from early shows is the best as it’s cool to see these legends we know today at their musical inceptions and in their prime.
Finally, and for being a good sport; you can choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).
All of Rattlesnake by King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard...haha! Just kidding! For real, though, this is a tough question. How about Oh My God by the Kaiser Chiefs or Instant Karma by John Lennon
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