The Starry Skies formed in 2012 and included former members of the Moondials and the Ducks. The line up has evolved over the years with everyone playing a crucial part in helping develop the sound of the band.
As the songwriter of the group, I have ended up being the main organiser and although it can be hard work I love doing it.
I have been playing music since I was 12 years old when I formed my first band The Revs. Ten years later I set up a record company to release my songs and ended up helping friends by arranging gigs and releasing their records too.
I love making music, sharing songs and bringing people together.
Through doing this, lots of new friends have been made and I am proud to have played a part in organising hundreds of fun musical nights.
Starry Skies have been my most successful musical endeavour and this is due to all of those who have been involved and contributed over the years.
Here are some of the kind things that people have said about our music:
- "Among the finest of the current crop” - Clash magazine
- "Full of upbeat and uplifting pop" - Rough Trade Records
- "UK Artist of the Week" - The Vinyl Directory (Washington DC)
- "Timeless Sound" - Natasha Raskin Sharp - BBC Radio Scotland
- ‘Do It With Love’ has the energy of a steel mill with a heart of melodic gold" Justin Currie (Del Amitri)
The main reason for this praise is because Heather, John, Jen, Adam, Sophie and all those who have been involved are such amazing musicians.
It is not possible to talk about the friends who have played on our songs though without a special mention of the much loved and sorely missed Iain Stoddart.
They are all also lovely kind people who make music for the love of it. The care and love they all put into the records shine out and it is always a real pleasure playing music together.
Our previous album 'Do It With Love' was released last year to critical acclaim and widespread radio play. And it was only due to the support of our previous crowdfunding supporters that we were able to make the album at all.
Songs from the record were played by radio stations worldwide and feedback from the record has been amazing. Here's a quick promo film to give you a flavour.
'Do It With Love' was also 'Album of the Month' on a variety of radio shows and publications including the influential Manc Review:
"Transcending from the mystical muses of Syd Barrett, Love, Kaleidoscope, Starry Skies wanders through the folk fog of Simon and Garfunkel, Bob Dylan, Cat Stevens and Donovan, whilst lifted by the ghostly gospel-esque harmonies, and the country-twinged reverberation likened to Johnny Cash and John Martyn."
Full Review Here: Manc Review - Album of the Month
During the last year, I've written lots of new songs, and the Starry Skies are now ready to start rehearsing and go into the studio to record our fourth studio album.
It is going to be called 'Small Wonders and a theme running through many of the songs is an appreciation that the differences between us are not as important as all the things we have in common.
It sounds corny, but we are all just trying our best. Showing love and helping others even in small ways (hence the album title) can have a big impact. And it makes us feel good!
All money raised from our crowd funder will go towards pre-production and recording costs. This in turn will help support small local businesses like Maybank Studios where we will record the album.
The recording of Starry Skies' new album has been chosen as one of 20 creative projects in Scotland that have the opportunity to share £75,000 in match funding as part of the Creative Scotland Crowdmatch Programme.
However - it is a competitive fund and it's possible the funding will be allocated within days to those who hit certain milestones.
If we meet our target, then Adam, Heather, Jen, John, Mike, Sophie, myself and some other musician friends will start pre-production in early May and then record the album during June.
All those who support us will be kept fully up to date along the way and also get copies of each single two weeks before they get sent to radio and press.
You'll also get a digital copy as soon as it is mastered during summer and then physical copies very soon after. The t-shirts will be delivered in May with private concerts from June/July.
We really hope you can get involved and be a part of making Starry Skies - 'Small Wonders' a reality.
Thanks
Warren
