Stars [rank: 50] based on users subscribed

"Stars is a Canadian indie pop band. Originally formed in Toronto by vocalist Torquil Campbell and keyboardist Chris Seligman, the band relocated to New York City and then subsequently to Montreal. Their music has been described as 'beautiful, eloquent indie pop', characterized by lush instrumentation, nimble production and mixing, narrative lyrics, and soft but nuanced vocals. The band's style has evolved from an electronic-pop sound as heard on Nightsongs (released on the Le Grand Magistery record label) to more rock-based instrumentation on their last two full-length albums, reflecting the permanent additions of singer-guitarist Amy Millan and bassist Evan Cranley on Heart (released on Paper Bag Records), and eventually drummer Pat McGee on Set Yourself on Fire.

The band's breakthrough single was 'Ageless Beauty', from their 2004 album Set Yourself on Fire. While released to minimal fanfare in Canada in October of 2004, Set Yourself on Fire slowly gained a strong following and critical praise soon after its 8 March 2005 U.S. release. Millan, Cranley and Campbell are also members of the indie band Broken Social Scene, with whom they currently share a record label, Arts & Crafts. Millan released a solo album in 2006."

[reproduced or excerpted from the Wikipedia article "Stars (band)" and its use is thus licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License]

Bandega Interview with Torquil Campbell of Stars (September 2008)

Stars shine through the fucking darkness in our lives.

Q: How have your shows changed over the years? Has your perspective on performing live changed?
A: No, it's still simultaneously embarrassing and invigorating.

Q: Describe the most memorable live show you've played.
A: We just played a show in Halifax in the pouring rain on Citadel Hill. The kids stayed for two hours and then wouldn't let us go home. I'm telling you man, sometimes rock shows make you feel very optimistic.

Q: What venue do you consider to be your "home", where you feel most comfortable, with the crowd and the place itself?
A: I guess I'd have to say the Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver.

Q: Describe the most enjoyable show you've ever experienced as a fan.
A: I think I'd have to say Massive Attack at the Hammerstein Ballroom in 1994.

Q: Evan has spoken about the band's obsession with the pop song and the way it can "...touch someone's life and encapsulate a feeling within 3 minutes". How much is your music about creating emotional connections with your fans?
A: We are incredibly lucky to find ourselves involved through the music with peoples' most emotional and important experiences...this aspect of what we do never ceases to blow my mind. Music helps people through the real fucking darkness in our lives. We feel honoured to be there in the form of a song.

Q: What can fans expect from this upcoming SF show (at The Fillmore)?
A: Robots! Flowers! Good lights! Stoned people! Old songs! People in their thirties doing the best they can!

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