STARBENDERS … Interview with the incredible frontwoman Kimi Shelter!

Sept. 13, 2024 in ATHENS-GREECE, at Temple!

We can say it out loud now…
In today’s era when Rock-n-Roll is now so boring, safe and vanilla, the American Starbenders (based in Atlanta, Georgia) make the difference.

And they do it with this incredible combination of 70’s Glam, Punk, New Wave, Alternative Rock, Hard Rock & Rock n Roll compositions, imposing image, attitude and catchy chorus – whether you want it or not – you sing softly afterwards by yourself…

And you don’t forget… STARBENDERS- Sept. 13, 2024 in ATHENS- GREECE, at Temple!

INTERVIEW WITH THE INCREDIBLE FRONTWOMAN KIMI SHELTER.

Athenscalling.gr:I think that it is something great,to have an interview with the incredible frontwoman Kimi Shelter!My dear Kimi welcome in Athenscalling.gr!

Kimi Shelter(STARBENDERS): I am honored!

Athenscalling.gr:First of all, I will tell you that your album in the year 2023”Take Back The Night” I believe that it is an album-apotheosis for rock n’ roll!… Do you agree?

Kimi Shelter(STARBENDERS):We’re very proud of this record.
We aimed to explore every facet of our inspiration, and I believe we succeeded.
Your use of the word ‘apotheosis’ is intriguing.
If we think of a body of work as a mountain, not everyone may reach the peak to fully grasp the entire landscape. We’re truly grateful to everyone who has made the journey and shown love for this record—it means a lot to us.

Athenscalling.gr: How long did it take to create it? And Why this choice… I mean about the title?

Kimi Shelter(STARBENDERS):Over the course of a year, most of the songs were written and recorded. In the aftermath of the pandemic, many of the songs were composed in isolation, with the fear of losing our livelihood hanging over us.
That’s why we chose the name ‘Take Back the Night’—it reflects that struggle.

Athenscalling.gr: And about the lyrics of the 13 songs…On what occasion were they created?

Kimi Shelter(STARBENDERS): I always write my lyrics at the time of composition. They’re intrinsic to one another.

Athenscalling.gr: Do you have any best from 13?

Kimi Shelter(STARBENDERS):I love all of the songs; it’s like asking, ‘Do you prefer the beginning, middle, or end?’. They’re all part of the same story, so as a writer, I don’t usually separate them.
That said, sometimes my writing feels especially inspired.
I felt that magic on songs like ‘Seven White Horses’ and ‘If You Need It’.

Athenscalling.gr:Lets talk now about your band…
The years active 2013 – present and if you want please tell us about your best and your bad time … in your career with the band.

Kimi Shelter(STARBENDERS):Our band has reached the 10-year milestone, a testament to our dedication and resilience.
Aaron has been with me from the very start, and Kriss joined about a year after our inception.
Together, we’ve weathered the highs and lows of the music industry and the heartaches that come with rock ‘n’ roll. We’ve experienced loss and life changes in our personal journeys, but also countless beautiful moments of true blessings.
The inevitable shift of band members are just another reality that a band that’s been around as long as we have has to face. Not everyone remains in Never-Never Land.
We choose to focus on the gift of survival. With the addition of our newest member, Qi Wei, we’re grateful for the chance to keep spreading the gospel of Rock n’ Roll.

Athenscalling.gr: Please allow me now… to tell you that you are a very beautiful and sexy woman. This has really affected your career?

Kimi Shelter(STARBENDERS):Why, thank you! I suppose it’s all part of the rock ‘n’ roll package, isn’t it?
But in the end, it’s the music that does the real seducing. I just happen to be along for the ride.

Athenscalling.gr:O.k!… Living in the past … some questions for you…
Do you remember your first teacher in music?

Kimi Shelter(STARBENDERS):Yes, I do. I can’t remember her name though. She was a very sweet and gentle woman who taught me violin.

Athenscalling.gr: And your first album in your bag?

Kimi Shelter(STARBENDERS):Van Halen self titled!

Athenscalling.gr:A lot is happening around us all over the planet … Really, what is it that bothers you the most today?

Kimi Shelter(STARBENDERS): Honestly, I’m so overwhelmed by it all that I’m at a loss for words most days.
I just hope that someday we can put an end to senseless suffering.

Athenscalling.gr:Let’s talk now about STARBENDERS big tour… how do you feel about it?

Kimi Shelter(STARBENDERS): We can’t wait! We’ve barely been able to introduce Wei as our new drummer and we can’t wait to take this new lineup to the world stage.

Athenscalling.gr: STARBENDERS big tour… And Sep. 13, 2024 in ATHENS-GREECE, at Temple! What do you have to tell the Greeks fans?

Kimi Shelter(STARBENDERS): I’m so excited to be back with our Greek family.
We have a really special show planned and will be ready for some serious OPA.

Athenscalling.gr: See you Sep.13 at Temple … Thank you about the interview my dear Lady!

Kimi Shelter(STARBENDERS):Thank you so much, see you !

ABOUT STARBENDERS …

Starbenders are an American rock band from the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia.
The group was formed in 2013 lead singer and guitarist Kimi Shelter and Aaron Lecesne.
After adding guitarist Kriss Tokaji and drummer Emily Moon, Starbenders were signed to Nico Constantine’s label
Institution Records.
With Constantine as their producer, the band has released three EPs, one full-length, one 7-inch, and six singles on Institution Records and two singles and two full-lengths on Sumerian Records.

Current members
Kimi Shelter- Lead vocals / Guitar ( 2013-present )
Aaron Lecesne- Bass ( 2013-present )
Kriss Tokaji- Guitar ( 2016- present )
Qi Wei-Drums ( 2024- present )

Studio Albums : Heavy Petting (2016), Love Potions (2020),Take Back the Night (2023).

EPs: Starbenders (2014), Julian (2018), Japanese Rooms (2019).

7- inch: Powder (2015).