Scottish five-piece Starry Skies will make their return with sophomore album Be Kind on October 12, 2018 via Fox Star Records, and so in anticipation, we caught up with the band's brilliant Heather Phillips...
Heather Phillips of Starry Skies chats to Female First
For those who may be new to your music, how best would you describe your sound?
It’s quite a difficult thing to pin down, but whether intentionally or not, our new Starry Skies album Be Kind draws its sound from a range of elements such as; Americana, Indie Rock, Blues, folk and Psychedelica.
What challenges have you faced in the music industry so far?
As yet I have only felt hugely lucky, supported and encouraged in my making music in Glasgow; however, I have never been the front person in a band managing the process of trying to get support from labels, contacting venues and radio stations trying to get airtime and gig slots, combating a growing culture of ‘pay to play’, then managing what to do with funds and tax if you actually get paid. It’s a tough and confusing industry at times.
How difficult would you say this career path is in terms of making a name for yourself?
I can’t lie. It seems pretty tricky. Give me another 20 years and if I get there I will let you know.
How important is it for you to have creative control over the work you produce?
It’s extremely important and a great privilege to be involved in the whole process from the initial development of songs, to recording, to trying to work out artwork for albums etc. I love being involved in every stage.
Where do you draw influence and inspiration from for your work?
The inspiration for this Starry Skies album is literally as the title suggests, the need to 'Be Kind' in life. Warren decided to create this album to send a simple and straight forward message about trying to live life in a positive, caring and outward looking way.
If you could collaborate with anybody going forward, who would you choose and why?
I am a bit of a tart when it comes to collaborating and want to play with everyone. I feel extremely lucky to already be playing with so many brilliant, talented people - maybe that's enough on my plate for now.
Tell us a random, funny fact about you that not many people know.
I have a phobia of whistling. Not all whistling, just the high, warbling, tuneful type.
Do you have definitive aims or goals for your career?
To get better and do more stuff... And maybe to learn the Keytar at some point.
Where do you hope to be this time next year?
Based here in Glasgow and travelling the world with the Starry Skies, playing, gigging and recording.
What should we expect from you in the coming weeks and months?
Starry Skies are launching our Album Be Kind, on the 6th October at CCA. Tickets are available from http://test.tickets-scotland.com