Indie Shore: Starry Saints Interview

Determined to start a new venture after the success of earlier projects, Allen Davis and Clint Sargent formed Starry Saints in 2009. Their idea was to create a confluence of noise, pop and song craft; a sound big, yet not indulgent, always dynamic, touching on elements of both hi-fi and lo-fi. Here's the interview we conducted with Clint and Allen.

Members of Starry Saints

When did you form your band?

Clint: After seeing each others band play circa 1999, we decided to join forces in The High Violets. 

What inspired you to make music together? 

Clint: Allen came on board as the bassist and producer of the first release. He then moved to San Francisco, but we stayed in touch and decided to start this band two years ago, when he moved back up to Portland. 

Who writes your songs? 

Allen: It's really more about how the songs are written than whom. Some songs have been more collaborative than others especially lyrically, where others are ideas I've fleshed out and Clint comes up with guitar parts. 

Mastering the new album

What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs? 

Allen: The themes have definitely gravitated towards the melancholy nature of relationships, but they also tend to question the nature of relationships in general. 

Do you think these topics will change over time? 

Allen: I see myself staying focused on these kinds of themes, but I've been pushing into some other directions lately. 

Serenade, 2011

What do you think about the spread of your songs on the Internet? 

Allen: I'm all for the spread of music on the Internet, although it means making money doing it is now harder than ever. People can access your music easier than ever, and if they decide to do that legally, it means the money will follow a more direct route to artist, if they're not on a major label. 

Are you in favor of illegal downloading? 

Allen: I believe if you like an artist and are going to listen to their music more than a few times you should buy it. There definitely should be an easier way to hear a record and decide whether or not you want to keep it that's legal. 

What album influenced each of you the most? 

Clint: I can't speak for Allen, but I do know we generally agree on albums we like. Stone Roses first album was huge.

the Stone Roses, "Huge".

Where have you performed? 

Clint: Our first show believe it or not was opening for The Killers here in Portland at an arena. They chose us from a video contest we entered with our song "Go". After that we took road trips to Seattle and San. Francisco and up till lately played locally here in Portland.

Do you have any upcoming shows? 
Clint: Our next show undoubtedly will be in San Francisco.

Thank you very much for the interview, best of luck guys.

Thanks!

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