I’m back with another interview, this time with the American rock musician Starliner. I interviewed him via email about his latest single “20/20”, his musical inspirations, and his newest EP. What is the most important thing that Starliner wants listeners to take away from his newest single? Find out below!
Make sure to check out Starliner’s newest single and album below and tell me what you think in the comments!
First of all, introduce yourself! How did you get into music and what has your musical career been like till now?
My name is Dillan, but you may know me as Starliner. I really can’t remember a time when I wasn’t into music, or at least drawn to it. I started playing guitar when I was about 10, and I joined my first band maybe a month or two later. I’ve been playing non-stop ever since and that’s really what my music career has been. Playing with a lot of different people, different kinds of music, and playing anywhere and everywhere I can.
You used to be in a band. How is it being a soloist compared to being a member of a band?
I really get the best of both worlds because I get the final say on everything, but I also get to take other opinions into account. Like me and my drummer Rey, we’ve been playing together for years and we kind of operate like a band as far as putting songs together and stuff like that. It doesn’t feel like I’m the boss or anything like that. At least I hope not!
You mention you have roots in rock music. Could you explain more about this? What are your rock inspirations?
Yeah, I grew up on rock ‘n’ roll, the ’70s and 80’s rock ‘n’ roll in particular. I had an AC/DC live DVD that I would watch 24/7 and play note for note. Other than AC/DC, I love Zeppelin, The Stones, Van Halen, and all the classic rock people. I know every song that plays on classic rock radio like the back of my hand. But I think it’s the melodies and strong hooks that drew me to that particular kind of rock, and that’s the kind of music that I try to make today.
Let’s talk about your latest release “20/20”. What is it about?
I would say the song 20/20 is about time. Looking back to the past while still living in the moment, and living in the moment while still being aware of the future. You know that you can’t change the past, but you can learn from it. And you know that you don’t know what the future holds, but you can learn from the past to influence the future. It’s kind of about the balancing between all that.
What sound or artist inspired you to write this song?
“Live and Let Die” by Paul McCartney and Wings. If you listen to that and “20/20” back to back
you might catch the similarities. I wanted the whole EP to sound as big as possible. And this
one definitely has big backing vocals, big drums, big guitars, and big everything. It has a real
epic kind of feel to it.
What was it like writing and producing the song? What was the easiest thing? And, how did the process go?
That song was actually written over a long period of time. That might be why there are so many
different parts, which is kind of unusual for my songs. I started writing that song a few years ago, and it started with the “hindsight is 20/20” saying. Then I thought it would be cool to release it in the year 2020, so I saved it, and it kind of morphed over the years to what it is now. With the year 2020 being what it was, it kind of gave the song a whole new meaning which is cool.
I recorded the EP in December of 2019, and obviously had no idea what 2020 was going to be like. However, that really speaks to what the song and the EP are about. You have no idea what’s going to happen tomorrow, so all you can do is take the information you have at any given time, and make the best decisions you can.
What do you want listeners to listen closely to in “20/20”?
There’s actually a little riff in the chorus, which is similar to one in the song “Wild World” by Cat Stevens. It’s funny, I know you asked me if there’s any other song that inspired the song, this would probably. But after I’m done writing or recording something, I tend to forget all about how the song was written and the inspiration behind it and stuff. I guess it’s because when I finish something, it feels like the job is done so I can wipe the slate clean, so to speak.
Quickly, let’s talk about your newest EP too. What was writing and recording like? What song would recommend from that EP?
Well, it’s my first EP, so I had a lot of songs written to choose from. I ended up choosing songs that kind of go together as far as what they’re about. The recording process was pretty much the same that it’s always been for me. I learned a lot from the producer of the last band I was in. It was just me, my drummer Rey, and my long-time friend John, and we just went in and pretty much made a rock record. And then the electronic stuff was added later. As far as a song I would recommend if you like hard rock you should check out “Vampire.” And if you’re more into pop, “Never Satisfied.”
What are your goals for 2021?
My number one goal for the year is to tour or at least get some shows together. There are obviously things out of my control that is holding me back on that end, but I’m staying pretty optimistic for the summer. Other than that, I definitely want to release some more music this year. I’ve been writing every day and can’t wait to put more stuff out!
Lastly, do you have any messages for the readers of ai love music?
Just thanks for reading and supporting the music you like. That means everything. And have a
good year!
About the Artist: Starliner
Dillan Dostál, known by his artist name “Starliner”, is based in Houston, Texas. From a young age, he’s been glued to the guitar, gravitating towards rock music in particular. He’s been touring in bands ever since. Most recently, he was a member of The Drugstore Gypsies, a touring rock band featured in publications such as Rolling Stone. This year, Starliner has several new music releases on the way, starting with the single “20/20.” Later this year, the rock musician also set to drop his first solo EP, 20/20.
Make sure to follow Starliner on the following sites:
Facebook | Instagram | Spotify | Twitter
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Being a current Houstonian, I’ve actually heard of this guy! But I hadn’t heard his music before. It’s crazy that he wrote the song he did with the name 20/20 and ended up really connecting with the way the year went.
Super interesting! I love to hear more behind the scenes stuff.
It’s nice to have his own perspectives. Thanks for sharing.
Super love the tune, wow!!! Thank you so much for sharing…
That awesome. Doing interviews with other singers and artists. First time knowing about him and seem good. Going to check his songs. Thank you for sharing!
I’m always game for learning about new artists in the music industry. Starliner’s sounds very interesting.