- Artist Name: David Starling
- Hometown: Tallahassee, FL
What project(s) are you currently working on?
I’ve been working on my first solo album, getting ready to release it at the end of the year. I’ll be dropping my first single “Cowards” on June 20th so I’m super excited about that.
What inspired you to pursue a career in music and when did you know?
I’ve always loved playing music, so when I was getting burned out from my career – I decided to pursue it harder. Eventually I lost my job, and consequently got started doing music full-time. Luckily I’d been gigging hard with my band Slow Low Crow for almost two years at that point in time.
If you weren’t pursuing a career in music, what would you be doing for a living?
I’d probably be working at the local music shop, or even better – the record store. Music is without doubt the center of my life.
What is your favorite downtime activity?
Grilling, and no cheating either. No gas grills. No Lighter Fluid. Charcoal-in-the-chimney, keep-feeding-the-grill-more-charcoal Saturdays are the best.
Who is your biggest celebrity crush?
I don’t really have one? Probably the closest one would be Kate McKinnon. The way she’s so fearless and goofy on SNL is admirable.
Who is your favorite sports team(s)?
Remember sports? I don’t. (See: COVID-19)
What is the last movie that you watched?
Crossfire Hurricane, the documentary about the Rolling Stones, if that counts. Always a great watch.
What is the last album you listened to?
“Gram Parsons & The Fallen Angels: Live 1973”. They were a tight band on this recording, and it shines on “California Cotton Fields” and “Big Mouth Blues”. Plus you can’t go wrong with EmmyLou Harris harmonizing with Gram. It’s one of the few albums I will listen to front-to-back.
If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be?
“Grace” by Jeff Buckley. Start to finish, it’s an amazing album – everything is recorded and arranged with tremendous care and purpose. It’s THE album I keep coming back to after over a decade of listening, and for good reason: His talent and abilities were mind-blowing. He used dynamics in a way that lulled you into complacency, then he’d pull out all the stops and build into the climax in each song. Gives me chills every single time I listen.
What is the greatest country song of all time?
I’m a sucker for Buck Owens, so I’d have to go with “Together Again”. The live versions where Don Rich sings the harmonies are so beautifully done. That’s the kind of song that makes you want to slow dance with the person you love.
What has been your favorite city/town that you’ve visited out on the road?
Denver was pretty stellar, not going to lie. I’m really glad I was flat broke while I was there because they’ve got amazing guitar shops and I could have blown the entirety of my savings.
What is your favorite meal?
It’s hard to narrow down, but my bandmate recently pointed out that I’m a fan of Goulash-type meals. I guess we don’t see our patterns until they’re laid out in front of us, huh?
Who is your dream duet partner?
Cat Power. Recently discovered her cover of “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long”, after listening to her music here and there. I admire her voice, it’s just breathy & raspy enough to give you chills.
Who would you like to go on tour with?
Remember tours?
What is your ultimate career goal(s)?
At the base level, it’s all about being proud of what I’m working on. Since I started performing and writing, I feel like I’ve finally started making good on that goal. Outside of that, remain grateful. I’ve spent far too many years forgetting about how good I have things.