Don’t sleep on David Starling’s impassioned roots rock. Starling is deeply influenced by all the Americana greats, of course, but his new song “Gas Gauge” adds a sense of pop grandiosity to the mix. Similar to Jessye deSilva, Starling’s delivery is as much Elton John as Tom Petty, an unabashed vulnerability and confidence; intense and in control. Pair that with the exquisite storytelling in the lyrics, and you’ve got yourself a damn good song.
Who are some of your musical influences?
Jason Isbell, Gillian Welch, Jeff (and Tim) Buckley, Emmylou Harris, Gram Parsons, Lori McKenna, Elvis Costello.
Name a perfect song and tell us why you feel that way.
In my opinion, “$1000 Wedding” by Gram Parsons is perfect top to bottom. As a songwriter, I’m amazed at the details in the story that bring it to life. You’re suddenly left alone at the altar, then you’re feeling the gut-twisting shame, guilt and mourning of the song’s character. It’s so real to me the way it’s presented.
Explain the title of your album.
“Mondegreen” is a term for a misheard lyric that changes the context of the song. I used to play most of the songs in a different band, but we weren’t a country band and it always felt incomplete to me. This is my effort to put them back in their original context and define them how I’d originally conceived them. The title is an important reference to the ethos of this album.
Does your album have an overarching theme?
With one or two exceptions, the songs on this album are true stories from my life. Some are embellished, names have been changed. But the core meanings of these songs remain untouched. Life, love and loss. Learning to accept life on life’s terms.
Do you start off with the music or lyrics first? Why?
Most of the time, it begins with the music. I’ll find something pleasing to play that hooks me. The words don’t always come immediately, so sometimes it has to stew in the pot. Eventually a phrase comes to mind for the lyrics and locks itself into place – then I’ll chase down the rest.