Star2 – Thinkin Bout You

By starrymag | March 16, 2022

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) I’m a melodic hip hop artist who raps. I use a fusion of hip hop, R&B and pop. I write and sing romantic ballads and break-up songs…but also upbeat dance tunes and traditional rap songs, like “Real Life” that I just recorded with Lil Poppa. I like all kinds of music and like to experiment with different genres. I went to a summer camp in the San Diego mountains that was heavy on John Denver – we had sing-alongs at night at the campfire.  I even find myself recalling some of his country songs when I’m coming up with melodies.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) Justin Bieber was a huge influence. Growing up I sang his songs over and over. I grew my hair to look him, sang in front of a mirror and began writing my own songs.

I also loved Tyga, Lil Wayne, Akon, The Young Money Crew – and Bruno Mars for ballads. Juice Wrld tapped into my deep emotions and still speaks to me like no one else.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Thinkin Bout You.”

A) I came up with the idea for the song when I was online dating! I wanted to capture the rush you get when someone texts you back and you find that spark and start obsessing about the person. My imagination is powerful, and I began to see the girl appearing before me and interacting with me throughout my day – then poof – seeing her disappear.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

A) Everyone can relate to the beginning butterfly stage of a romance. There is nothing like crushing on someone and having them like you back. I think, at heart, everyone is a romantic!

 

Q) The concept for the video is super cute! How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

A) When I started planning the video for the song, I tried to play out how to show our long-distance relationship. I thought about picking her up at the airport and then for some reason imagined myself as her Uber or Lyft driver. I always wonder about beautiful girls I see in cars. Suddenly, the video materialized into me falling for a beautiful girl I picked up in a Lyft – who then happened to be the online girl I had been texting.

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

A) Sometimes lyrics come to me first. I write verses on my phone and pull them out months later for a beat I’m using or a song I’m writing. Sometimes I dream about a song and hum it into my phone when I wake up and write the lyrics after the music.

 

Q) How much of hand do you have in the production of your music?

A) My producer, Chico Bennett, is a master. I’ve learned a lot being around him. He is very collaborative and involves me in every step of the process.  We usually write and record together. He later sends me the mix and the final master.  If something isn’t right, we do it again.  Little details matter and he has shown me so much about beat, timing and rhythm, but also adding instruments, ad libs and often something that I think at first is random but is actually brilliant.  He helped me set up a home studio in my apartment so I can record at home and learn even more.

 

Q) Will there be a full album or EP coming in the near future?

A) I’m dropping my EP, Real Life, at the end of April. After that, I have another EP ready and a full album that’s almost done. I spent a lot of time in the studio during COVID. I was very productive.

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

A) Like everyone, I haven’t had the chance to perform much lately. Before COVID, I performed at school, churches in San Diego and Oakland, California and at a summer program at San Diego State.

I also received a scholarship and performed at the LA College of Music.  I still have a lot of friends from that program: “Rap and Hip Hop: Change the World.”  The program included writing lyrics, making beats, writing melodies and vocal performance.  Dr. Luke, the famous producer, was a guest teacher. The foundation that gave the scholarships wanted us to rap without cussing.  It was hella hard!

I also sing for family and friends.  I have a small gig coming up in the spring and am filming a rooftop acoustic concert of some of my songs this month in LA.

 

Q) You’ve worked with Lil Poppa and Luh Kel on tracks before. Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

A) I have collabs coming up with $tupid Young, Soulja Boy and Scorey; two more songs with Lil Poppa. I have a perfect song for Kid Laroi – and I would love to work with Justin Bieber! I would also love to collab with Polo G – another dream.

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

A) I’m hella feelin Lil Poppa and Polo G! Lil Poppa is very unique; he has a flow that is different from anyone else’s. He also hella taps into your feelings…he is very talented. Polo G is at the very top. He is the GOAT.  His albums get better and getter.  He is an incredible artist.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

A) Everyone connects on social media. I try to respond to everyone and post on as many platforms as I can. I also have a vlog on YouTube called “The Adventures of Star2.”  It shows behind-the-scenes footage from my music videos and adventures with my friends.  We recently learned the trapeze; I’m going to use the skill in a music video (also might be shot out of a cannon…stay tuned!).  We backpacked for twelve days in Alaska and recorded it.  I hope it shares a bit of my life with my fans.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) To all my fans and supporters I say thank you from the bottom of my heart! The support means so much. A lot of artists quit.  It’s a long road and I know I have to keep grinding and be patient.  There are also haters and I’m developing a thicker skin.  The love from fans and supporters is so, so sweet!  I appreciate it so much.

To my Ka-ren fans – I am especially thankful.  I am trying to bring awareness to the suffering our people have experienced from the Burmese Army in Myanmar and from their genocide campaign to wipe us out.  As refugees in Thai camps and countries throughout the world, we continue to struggle.  Stay strong. We will make it!