Starlings, TN


Starlings, TN - Theme Music

Steven Stubblefield: Vocals, Dulcimers, Mandolins, Guitars
Tim Bryan: Bowed Dulcimer
Bryan Robison: Electric and Acoustic Guitars, Epic Beard
Mitchell Vandenberg: Upright Bass, Backing Vocals

With their bowed dulcimer, droning echo, and mysterious psychedelic touches, Starlings, TN combines the otherworldliness of John Cale-era Velvet Underground with the tradition of string and bluegrass bands of the '20s and '30s. The Nashville group released its debut, The Leaper's Fork, on Chicken Ranch Records in 2002.

“It had always been a private thing for me,” says Starlings, TN leader Steven Stubblefield says of his songwriting process. “I haven’t collaborated since high school, but the desire to be better has pushed me to.”

Ex-punk rockers Steve Stubblefield (formerly of the Methadone Actors) and Tim Bryan (formerly of the Habitual Sex Offenders) founded the group in the late '90s. The two eventually hooked up with T.J. Larkin and Jose Lovato. (The latter would leave the group shortly after the debut album was completed.) Stubblefield, who had been exposed to gospel music in his Baptist minister grandfather's church, drew inspiration for the Starlings, TN from listening to the archival albums of renowned folk collector Alan Lomax and from meeting noted dulcimer player David Schnaufer (Johnny Cash, Emmylou Harris, Hank Williams Jr.). Stubblefield eventually came upon the sound he wanted for his new group when he bought a dulcimer and took lessons on the instrument from Schnaufer. The group's debut found them exploring tradition yet wrapping it in utterly forward-thinking arrangements and production.

"I was talking with Ali Hopson at a shoot and she was telling me about Z-End. I immediately mentioned I would be interested in contributing any way I could. I have had the pleasure to work with Ali several times in the last couple years and jumped to be a part. I love music, film, literature, photography and art. Only a fool would pass on an opportunity to be part of the union of all." ~ Tim Bryan

 

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This project is funded and supported in part by a grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts and in part by the City of Austin Economic Development Department/Cultural Arts Division believing an investment in the Arts is an investment in Austin’s future.  Visit Austin at  NowPlayingAustin.com.