By: Karen Steinberg
Q) We last chatted in 2024 about your song “Learn About Love.” How have you grown as an artist since that time?
A) “Learn About Love” was a song that was pitched to me written by Jason Mater, Jayden Michaels and Molly Reed. It was a song I really wasn’t a part of, but at the time it was kinda my anthem. I think we go through ebbs and flows, so I’ve been experimenting with my sound and honing my craft. I love writing now more than ever. Two years ago it was a growing pain to write with others so I’d say, I’ve grown in my songwriting so much. I get excited meeting new people to write with.
Q) Where did the concept for “Other Side” come from?
A) I did not actually want to write this song, but it ended up happening after a deep conversation with my writing camp. I was trying to go in a completely different direction about how I love someone even when it’s hurting me because I don’t know how to give up on someone. Then, we got down to the core of it and it was a scab I had to pick to get the blood and words flowing. Once I tapped into my own experience of an abusive relationship, I just started writing. I wrote what I was thinking and if it wasn’t quite the right words, the camp would jump in. I co-wrote it with Jason Mater, Steve Fee, Jesse Slack and Jordan Gray. It was a great session actually. I cried a little and healed a lot.
Q) The song touches on a lot of unspoken moments by those who have suffered domestic violence. What kind of response did you receive to it from fans?
A) When you sing about something so relatable and real, it’s tough. It’s a catch-22 because it needs to be said. We all need that one song so we don’t feel alone. When I share my story on stage, once I get into my meet and greet line, the stories start coming! Sometimes the weight of it is a lot to carry. I have my own trauma that I’ve experienced and then I kind of shoulder some of these stories from my show-goers. There are so many people trying to get out and they don’t know how or they have gotten out and they are hoping for answers in the healing process. It’s a whirlwind of emotions to navigate when you’re an empath, ya know? But I am glad I’m giving a little hope to a lot of people.
Q) Writing this with Jesse Slack, Jordan Gray, Steve Fee and Jason Mater, did you find it difficult to open up about your own past trauma with this subject?
A) Yes. It was tough, but I knew it was going to make an incredible song so I leaned into it. The best songs are from the heart.
Q) What advice would you offer those that find themselves in a similar position?
A) I didn’t ask around or look to someone for help when it came to figuring out how to get out. I literally Googled resources and once I was able to get that restraining order filed, I called all the troops. My ex had alienated me from everyone I knew and loved. Thankfully, as soon as I said, “I promise I’m done and I need help getting out of there,” they all came to my rescue. Even if you think you are alone, you’re not. If you ask for help, they will come. However, no matter what, you absolutely need to be safe because only one and four make it out safely from abusive relationships. That number is extremely low. It’s heartbreaking and that statistic is not lost on me.
Q) With “‘Til the Gas Runs Out” and “Other Side” out now, have you been back in the studio already working on some new music?
A) Yes. I still have four songs I haven’t released from my last writing camp and I just recorded five new songs last week. It’s been a blast creating and recording all these songs!
Q) When we last spoke your dream collab was Chris Stapleton. Who are some artists you have in mind now that you would like to team up with for some new music?
A) I have a duet song that has a male verse in it and I would love to hear Tucker Wetmore sing it. I also would absolutely melt into the abyss if Stevie Nicks or Wynonna [Judd] ripped one with me.
Q) You are often described as a country artist. Is there a genre of music that you would love to explore in the future?
A) I’m already kind of exploring it. I have some sync songs and pop/rock songs that I will probably never release, but I’m exploring nonetheless. [smiles]
Q) What would you like to say to fans and supporters of the incredible music you make?
A) Thank you for every comment, like and share. Slowly but surely we are on an uphill and I can’t thank you enough for that. You guys keep me motivated to stick with it with your words of encouragement. I read them and they move me. So, thank you 🙏🏻
Finally, I know you guys follow my socials but please make sure to follow me on my music accounts too like Spotify and Apple Music.
Thank you for this follow up Starry!!