Biography

Contact info:
David Starr
davidstarrmusic@gmail.com
970.640.8088

For more information, please contact:
Kate Richardson, Richlynn Group
kate@richlynngroup.com
615.970.7474


Click here to go to David Starr Catalog


"Gotta Serve Somebody"(Bob Dylan): "Starr and company capture the restrained sultry groove of the song impeccably here. It feels like the restraint of 2020 building up and waiting to rock out into next year, in this case, with the rest of the Touchstones album too." ~ Melissa Clarke, Americana Highways

"Someone Like You" (Van Morrison): "'Someone Like You' proves to be a perfect fit for Starr's expressive boy-next-door voice and sympathetic arranging skills...The result is an excellent addition to Touchstones, as Starr establishes a welcoming tone ahead of his album's wider release." ~ Preston Frazier, Something Else Reviews

"Angel From Montgomery" (John Prine): "Collectively, Starr and his talented collaborators make well-known and much-loved song sound new, which is a genuine achievement." ~ Andrew Frolish, Americana UK

Overall Project: "David Starr’s compelling voice has been honed not only by touring nationally and internationally with top performers, but by choosing songs by artists whose audible and philosophical voices are legendary. Touchstones, Starr’s new project, features John Prine’s “Angel From Montgomery,” Jackson Browne’s “These Days,” Dylan’s “Gotta Serve Somebody” and nine other classics." ~ Elmore Magazine

"Magnolia": "This version of JJ Cale’s Magnolia; which features the legendary John Oates too, really took my breath away; most especially his vocals; breathing new life into this beautiful classic." ~ The Rocking Magpie



First Single Release Date: November 2020

Touchstones, featured a new digital single release each month for one year beginning November 2020 - October 2021.

During a year where COVID-19 stopped the world in its tracks, Starr took time to reflect on and experience anew the music that shaped his own. Many of the songs he chose to record he describes as "musical comfort food".

“Some of the songs I cover were lyrically inspiring,” explains David Starr. “Some were songs I’d played in bands over the years. Some just felt good to sing and play. Others brought back fond memories or a kind of familiar melancholy.”

Producers: David Starr and Mark Prentice,
Co-Production: David Kalmusky.
Recorded, Mixed, and Mastered; Addiction Sound Studios in Nashville by David Kalmusky along with Ethan Barrette and Alberto Sewald.
Music Videos: Directed by Jason Denton of Solar Cabin Studios
Photography: Jeff Fasano


SONGS IN ORDER OF RELEASE:

1. EVERY KINDA OF PEOPLE (Robert Palmer) (4:00)

Songwriter: Andy Fraser / Restless Music / Universal Music Group / BMI
ISRC: TCAFF2026868

Single Release Date: November 2020

Colorado-based Americana artist David Starr is proud to announce Touchstones. The new project from Starr will feature a new single release every month for one year. The first single, a cover of the 1978 Robert Palmer hit (written by Andy Fraser of Free) “Every Kind of People”, is available across all digital platforms.

“We gotta heal and work together right now,” says Starr on the message behind the song. “This year has brought out the best and worst in us. Time to look hard in the mirror. It takes us all to make it work.”

John Oates (Hall & Oates) and Michelle Prentice: Background Vocals
Mark Prentice: Bass and Keyboards
Dan Dugmore: Acoustic Guitar
John Prentice: Electric Guitar
Matt Bubel: Drums


2. GOTTA SERVE SOMEBODY (Bob Dylan) (5:21)

Songwriter: Bob Dylan / Universal Music Group / SESAC
ISRC: TCAFF2092391

Single Release Date: December 2020

David Starr has released the second single off his Touchstones project, a cover of Bob Dylan's "Gotta Serve Somebody".

David Starr: Lead Vocals, Background Vocals, Electric Guitar
Mark Prentice: Bass, Keyboards
Matt Bubell: Drums
Mark Prentice: Electric Guitars
Dan Dugmore: Lap Steel
Michelle Prentice: Background Vocals


3. THESE DAYS (Jackson Browne) (3:39)

Songwriter: Jackson Browne / Universal Music Publishing Group / ASCAP
ISRC: TCAFH2029925

Single Release Date: January 2021

David Starr covers Jackson Browne with “These Days” from his ongoing Touchstones project.

"When I began putting together my list for the Touchstones project, I knew right away that Jackson Browne's "These Days" would make the final cut. The song has been part of my soundtrack for as long as I can remember. Plaintive lyrics and a simple, beautiful melody take me away every time I sing it. Timeless depth from one of our most prolific American artists." ~ David Starr

David Starr: Lead Vocals, Acoustic Guitar
Mark Prentice: Bass, Piano
Matt Bubel: Drums
John Prentice: Electric Guitars
Dan Dugmore: Pedal Steel
Jim Mattingly: Violin
Michelle Prentice: Background Vocals.



4. SOMEONE LIKE YOU (Van Morrison) (4:08)

Songwriter: Van Morrison / Barrule / BMI
ISRC: TCAFH2079598

Single Release Date: February 2021

Colorado-based, Americana crooner David Starr, has released a cover of a classic love song. “Someone Like You,” originally recorded by Van Morrison in 1987, is available across all digital platforms.

"I really wanted to include a Van Morrison track on this project and ‘Someone Like You’ seemed like a bit of musical fresh air after the year we've been through,” says David Starr. “Now is a good time to focus on those closest to us!"

David Starr: Vocals
Mark Prentice: Bass, Keyboards
Dan Dugmore: Pedal Steel
Matt Bubel: Drums
Michelle Prentice: Background Vocals
John Prentice: Electric Guitar.

“We built the track around Mark’s piano part, following his vision on this one, and it turned out really nice!” Starr adds. “Addiction Sound Studio has the most amazing Fazioli grand piano and it's such a treat to have it featured so prominently on this track.”


5. I’VE GOT TO USE MY IMAGINATION ( Gladys Knight) (3:57)

Songwriters: Gerald Goffin,Barry Joseph Goldberg / Sony/ATV Music Publishing, LLC / BMI
ISRC: TCAFK2163779

Single Release Date: March 2021

Americana singer/songwriter David Starr continues to move through his critically acclaimed Touchstones project with his latest single “I’ve Got To Use My Imagination.” Honoring Gladys Knight, the Empress of Soul, Starr gives a gritty twist to the classic with his signature emotional vocal delivery and punchy electric guitars.

On selecting songs for the Touchstones project, David Starr shares that “I’ve Got To Use My Imagination” was an obvious choice, "I played this song in cover bands for many years. It quickly came to mind when the Touchstones project began to take shape. I always liked the fact that it was just a great blues-based tune. Easy to learn, easy to just drop into a set when someone sits in, etc. The sentiment is also the essence of the blues; someone leaves, and you have to go on in spite of the heartache."

Celebrating Women’s History Month, this is the first cover from Touchstones from a female artist. "I think a song is a song unless it is so gender-specific that it just HAS to be sung by a man or woman for it to make sense,” notes David Starr. “This song feels really universal to me. We've all had to work through heartache and use every ounce of imagination to keep the show going."


6. ANGEL FROM MONTGOMER (John Prine) (4:08)

Songwriter: John E. Prine / Walden Music Inc / Sour Grapes Music Inc / BMI
ISRC: TCAFK2165035

Single Release Date: April 2021

Americana singer/songwriter David Starr honors the late John Prine with a cover of “Angel From Montgomery'' as part of his ongoing Touchstones project. The classic song gets a fresh take with a rootsy approach of mandolin, fiddle, pedal steel, and Starr’s signature emotive vocals. To commemorate the passing of the prolific songwriter and artist on April 7, 2020.

“John’s writing has inspired me and countless others over the years to be better at our craft. So, when I decided to record my Touchstones album of cover songs in 2020, ‘Angel From Montgomery’ was always on the short list of songs for the record,” David Starr notes. “I’ve played it for years all over the US and in the UK. The response is universally warm; as if it belongs to us all. That seems to be the magic and legacy of John’s songs. And I am profoundly grateful for the gift of his music.”

David Starr" Vocals, Acoustic Guitar
Irene Kelly: Background Vocals
Mark Prentice: Bass, Keyboards
Dan Dugmore: Pedal Steel
Martha Ditto: Cello
Matt Bubel: Drums
Erik Stucky: Mandolin
John Prentice: Electric Guitar.


7. DRIVE (The Cars) (4:08)

Songwriter: Richard T Otcasek / Universal Music Publishing Group / SESAC
ISRC: TCAFM2173210

Single Release Date: May 2021

Americana artist, David Starr, releases his cover of “Drive” by The Cars, marking the 7th single from his ongoing Touchstones album project. The poignant 80’s ballad gets a fresh arrangement with acoustic guitar, pedal steel, and mandolin. The result is a beautifully organic track centered around Starr’s signature emotive vocal.

The Cars “Drive” was at the top of his list of songs to include on Touchstones. “I have wanted to cover this song for years - the dreamy synths and simple but emotional lyrics have always been a standout from the decade,” notes David Starr. “I had my own personal experience with ‘Drive’ since I first heard it in Aspen, CO. At the time I was running with a crowd that maybe partied a little too hard; I knew my fair share of folks that needed to be driven home on a given night, and some nights, myself included. I am really proud of the way this one came out and the new acoustic direction it took.”

David Starr: Vocals, Acoustic Guitar
Michelle Prentice: Background Vocals
Mark Prentice: Bass, Keyboards
Dan Dugmore: Pedal Steel
Matt Bubel: Drums
Erik Stucky: Mandolin
John Prentice: Electric Guitar.


8. Cabo SanLucas (David Starr Original) (3:54)

Songwriter, Publishing, PRO: David Starr / David Starr Music / ASCAP
ISRC: TCAFO2187340

Single Release Date: June 2021 - David Starr Original Song

"Cabo San Lucas": - the only original on the project - "The song is guitar-centric with a beachy tale of two lovers ultimately washed away. Starr delivers the lyric in a soulful vocal, taking the listener on a journey to an exotic landscape. Written by himself in the height of quarantine, you can hear how writing the song could have been an escape itself and almost a vacation in a way.

Having spent time in Cabo San Lucas in the past, Starr drew upon his own personal experiences to craft the song, 'My family had a house down in Cabo years ago. I used to spend some time down there in my slightly wilder days. The idea for the song came from the notion that a romantic or exotic locale can be the thing that breaks your heart. Of course, there have to be people in the picture, but the location is the star of this song.'" ~ American Songwriter


9. MAGNOLIA (JJ Cale) (4:18)

Songwriter, Publisher, PRO: JJ Cale / Warner/Chappell Music, Inc. / (BMI)
ISRC: TCAFQ2186921

Single Release Date: July 2021

"This version of JJ Cale’s Magnolia; which features the legendary John Oates too, really took my breath away; most especially his vocals; breathing new life into this beautiful classic." ~ The Rocking Magpie

Colorado-based Americana singer/songwriter David Starr continues to move through his critically acclaimed Touchstones project with his latest single "Magnolia" featuring platinum-selling artist and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer John Oates (Hall & Oates). Written by J.J. Cale, and made famous by Poco and others, the classic is reimagined with dreamy guitar tones, soulful vocals, and a laid-back groove, perfect for a sunset summer evening. The video was directed by Jason Lee Denton of Solar Cabin Studios and features Southern swampy landscapes and New Orleans imagery along with Starr playing his signature "Rise Up Again" Breedlove acoustic guitar.

When selecting songs for the Touchstones project Starr stuck with his favorites. "Magnolia" is no exception. "My first recollection of this song was during my days playing in bars in my hometown of Fayetteville, Arkansas. There was a band that played the song really well and it just stuck with me. I immediately became familiar with Poco's version and have loved it ever since," Starr shares.
"The song just feels like a hot summer night to me. Hot, lazy, sensual and full of longing. I've played it for years and really wanted to cover it for Touchstones. John Oates was in the studio to sing on another track during an overdub session. I asked if he'd sing on 'Magnolia' and he said, 'I'm gonna put some Philly soul on this one, okay?' It made all the difference and I'm glad he put his mark on this one!"


10. STATESBORO (The Allman Brothers) )3:14)

Songwriter, Publisher, PRO: Blind Willie McTell / Peermusic Publishing / ASCAP
ISRC: TCAFS2126801

Single Release Date: August 2021

"With his brand new single, David Starr turns in an absolutely joyous and personal version of Blind Willie McTell's eternal classic 'Statesboro Blues' that will infuse your day with the shuffle you need to survive. Starr eschews the often-quoted Allman Brothers cover and takes the song to his own place and time, breathing new life into one of America’s greatest popular songs. His vocals are compelling and expressive and his guitar work is a veritable clinic on phrasing and tone. Setting the track to a lyric video was a brilliant idea, as this keeps us focused on the story, not the soloing. Starr clearly understands that this is vocal music first and his guitar is the response and never the call. This is a pristine new take on one of everybody’s favorite songs and reminds us of everything we love about the blues." ~ Rock And Blues Muse

"I have always loved this standard since I first heard the Allman Brothers version in the 70’s and knew it had to be a part of the Touchstones project. I’ve played it in virtually every bar band I've ever been in and wanted to take a straight ahead gritty blues approach. It is so fun to play and sing and I wanted to bring that live energy to the recording. I think you can hear that we’re having a good time!" David Starr


11. FEELS LIKE RAIN (John Hiatt) (5:10)


Songwriter, Publisher, PRO: John Hiatt / Peermusic / BMI
ISRC: TCAFS2197174

Single Release Date: September 2021

Americana artist David Starr closes in on his year-long Touchstones project with the 11th release, a cover of John Hiatt's "Feels Like Rain." The romantic laid-back tune takes on a different tone as its backdrop, the city of New Orleans, continues to deal with the effects of Hurricane Ida and the present Tropical Storm Nicholas. Inspiring songwriters for hundreds of years, rain has enamored many and served as an idyllic picture, including Hiatt. A love song at its core, Starr’s soulful vocals come to life on "Feels Like Rain" emoting the passion and rawness of the lyric. Premiering on The Sound Cafe the video is directed by Jason Lee Denton and the single is available on all streaming platforms now.

"Although this release was scheduled before anyone knew of the oncoming storm it would be remiss not to bring some sensitivity to the folks going through the effects of these natural disasters. Rain is an element that mystifies and entrances many of us with its power and also its beauty. I have always heard this song and thought of New Orleans and hope that others hear it and remember this great city we all love. The thing about rain is that it always clears, so here’s to some sunshine up ahead." David Starr


12. ONE (U2) (5:16)

Songwriter, Publisher, PRO:
Dave Evans / Universal Music Publishing Group / BMI
Paul David Hewson / Universal Music Publishing Group / BMI
Adam Clayton / Universal Music Publishing Group / BMI
Larry Mullen Jr. / Universal Music Publishing Group / BMI
ISRC: TCAFU2115226

Single Release Date: October 2021

Video Coming Soon

"Wrapping up the Touchstones project I wanted to save this one for last. It is everything I love in a song - powerful lyrics, inspiring chord changes; it comes from a place of real emotion and passion. For me the ultimate bar is to write a song like it someday. From what I understand, it was written during a time when U2 was going through some dysfunction, and maybe almost splitting up, but they came together. I think we could all use a message like it right now. We are not all the same, but we are one." ~ David Starr



David Starr possesses “a compelling voice, something truly special, both accessible and passionate” (Elmore), that has been honed releasing nine albums, touring internationally, and opening shows for esteemed artists such as John Oates (Hall & Oates), Karla Bonoff, The Steel Wheels, Survivor, and more.

Touchstones, the new project from Starr, will feature a new digital single release every month for one year. The first seven singles, “Drive” (The Cars), “Angel From Montgomery” (John Prine), “I’ve Got To Use My Imagination” (Gladys Knight), “Someone Like You” (Van Morrison), “These Days” (Jackson Browne), “Gotta Serve Somebody” (Bob Dylan), and “Every Kind of People” (Robert Palmer) are available across digital platforms now.

During a year where COVID-19 stopped the world in its tracks, Starr took time to reflect on and experience anew the music that shaped his own. Many of the songs he chose to record he describes as "musical comfort food".

“Some of the songs I cover were lyrically inspiring," explains Starr. "Some were songs I'd played in bands over the years. Some just felt good to sing and play. Others brought back fond memories or a kind of familiar melancholy."

The project was produced by David Starr and Mark Prentice, with co-production by David Kalmusky. All of the songs were recorded, mixed, and mastered at Addiction Sound Studios in Nashville by David Kalmusky along with Ethan Barrette and Alberto Sewald.

Touchstones follows Starr’s acclaimed February 2020 record, Beauty and Ruin. Produced and arranged by John Oates, the collection of songs was inspired by Of What Was, Nothing Is Left, a novel written by Starr’s grandfather in 1972. “It is like watching a movie,” says Oates. "The cinematic aural landscape visually evokes a classic tale of tragedy, love gone wrong, and an exploration of human nature and all its flaws." Beauty and Ruin and an updated edition of Of What Was, Nothing Is Left are available now at davidstarrmusic.com and across digital platforms.

“A collection of beautiful, poetic and somewhat sad songs with a warm and organic production that draws you in and wraps around your heart,” writes Americana Highways of Starr’s 2018 record, South and West. The record follows an acclaimed EP, The Head and Heart, also produced by John Oates, and the full-length Love and Sabotage with special guests like John Oates, Richie Furay, Dana Cooper, and Steve Cropper.

Starr’s prestige extends beyond the stage as well, having launched Starr’s Guitars in Little Rock in 1998, then relocating to Cedaredge in 2001. Today, the store is such an institution that Cedaredge proclaimed the musician’s birthday as David Starr Day in 2016. Starr was also instrumental in the 2018 opening of the Grand Mesa Arts Center, an intimate event space brought to fruition through strong community support in Cedaredge, CO. He helped design the space in order to attract musicians and visual artists to Southwestern Colorado.