Interview with: Brion Starr

In a world that is so often tainted with a dystopian grey wash and looming threats to everyday life some musicians refract this ominous backdrop and coat our immediate surroundings (and beyond) in a completely different spectrum of colour. That’s what Brion Starr does with his debut album Global Identity; by twisting our already bizarre world into something sardonically beautiful. It also helps that Starr is practically the flamboyance of the ‘70s reincarnated both in style and music, in doing so he gives his listeners something familiar and recognisable but also completely distinct and even uncanny. This use of sound, mixing old and new, only but lends itself to Starr’s reflection of the postmodern world: showing just how warped what we call “home” can truly become in such rapidly changing social climates.

This idea of a global identity is one I am sure many will feel an affinity with, given the ever-increasing stretch of globalisation. Through music Starr makes this connection a possibility, using it as a platform to examine the pros and cons of being interconnected with the globe and the possible diaspora that can come with it.

However, while the album may carry some serious overtones they largely come in conative form rather being shoved in your face which allows for the tracks to pleasure you rather than bum you out. Playing around with a mixture of genres, Brion Starr embodies a no-wave attitude while also assimilating quintessential punk motifs which he brings into 21^st century dolled up in a new sparkly, see-through jumpsuit. Following the release of Brion Starr’s debut album, Global Identity, Underground had the chance to chat to the man himself all about what inspired the tracks, why it was recorded in London and the importance of toothpaste…

Can you describe your style in three words?

Brion Starr: Wow, it’s great.

How do you feel now your first release has been freed into the world?

BS: I feel set free but there is so much more work to do.

What are your first memories of music, and wanting to be a musician?

BS: I heard some music through the wall, I had to go find it, when I did my body started moving, I wanted to know that secret language, I’ve never stopped since.

What was it that inspired you to write Global Identity? 

BS: Shock mostly. I wanted to make an album which was an amalgam of the insane world we are living in right now via smashing all the things I found interesting and insane together, this world is run by the criminally insane, isn’t it such pity… they will never be held accountable for their actions. At least we can still make beautiful things.

Sound wise, you have quite an eclectic mix from classic punk motifs to more experimental techniques. Are there any musicians who have heavily influenced your sound?

BS: I wouldn’t feel comfortable pairing it down to only a few. The Dream House has been a foundational place for me sonically. Perhaps it would be better to take this opportunity to thank La Monte and the Mela Foundation for their work.