Checking in with Starky

Thu 20th Jul, 2006 in Features

Starky have come a long way. Line up and label changes, recording their second album in Wales and a new sound that has been described by the local press as mature and evocative. It feels like a long time since we’ve last heard from the band, however the Starky boys have been busy. Fresh from a successful tour with Gerling, the band are back home in Sydney to talk about their eagerly awaited second LP and what they’ve really been up to all this time.

Their self-titled album showcases a band that has become confident with their own sound. Opener ‘Me Michelle’ is a fitting choice, with urgent guitar parts complementing frontman Beau Cassidy’s yearning vocals that constantly command attention. Other tracks on the album allude to the band’s ability to understand the idea of crafting a perfect pop rock song. Put simply, the album is stunning.

Cassidy explains how the band ended up on the other side of the world for the upcoming record. “We got to write a list of people we wanted to work with, like a wish list. It just happened that this guy was from the UK and we clicked immediately. Within the first five minutes we were cracking jokes.”

The recording process for the band’s self titled album was truly “a once in a lifetime experience” Beau describes. He further explains “It was pretty cool, we were in the middle of nowhere, no television, no telephone, no contact with the outside world in this big stone mansion – it wasn’t even made out of brick. It was bits of stones stuck together. It was awesome.”

The band spent three weeks in Wales with producer Dave Eringa (Idlewild, Manic Street Preachers, Suede) laying tracks and recording songs. It wasn’t until after the recording process that Jonny (guitar) completed the line up, joining the band as guitarist.

However, both Nick (bass) and Beau confirm that Jonny’s involvement with the band has been important in the evolution of their sound. Nick explains that Johny has known the band for a long time and even rejected the offer the first time he was asked to join the group.

It is evident now that the initial testing period - when relationships are formed and boundaries are settled is well and truly over and the three of them are able to joke about their relationship over beers in an inner city pub. Jonny offers “Sometimes it’s hard being in a band. You spend so much time with people that they kind of become your life. These guys are like my brothers now. It’s good we work well together.” he smiles.

Starky are gearing up for support slot for Snow Patrol, playing generous sized venues such as the Metro Nightclub in Melbourne and The Enmore in Sydney. The band is currently confirming dates for a single tour in September, followed by a few headlining shows in New Zealand and possible UK tour.

Check out Starky supporting Snow Patrol July 24th and 25th
Hey Bang Bang is released August 5th and LP Starky is scheduled for an August 12th release.