Stars Go Dim Talks New Album, Hometown And More
Words by Glenn Sargeant
What is your earliest musical memory?
Oh wow – probably singing in church with my family. We were always there and music was always around.
When did you begin songwriting?
I wrote my first song around 10 years old.
You have your new album ‘Roses’ out now. How did you want to approach the making of the album?
It actually took me a bit to figure out what this album was going to be but I knew it needed to be a shift from anything I had done before. Over time I think I found something that turns out is the most authentic music I’ve probably ever made. It’s soulful, funky, poppy, and real!
Once I had the vibe – I knew I had to produce it and so I did. I painstakingly controlled every aspect of this album sonically, lyrically, and visually. However I couldn’t have done it without an incredible group of collaborators. It was really special experience.
Where did you record the album and who produced it?
We recorded the majority of the album in Nashville at various studios & I produced it! I also had quite a few co-producers who helped along the way, but this is the first album I’ve produced myself, so it was really special.
Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the album’s recording sessions?
I think the best part of making this album was doing it with all of the incredible producers, writers, musicians, and singers that lent their talents to these songs. Every day was a masterclass of some kind with some of the best musicians in the world doing what they do… it was really incredible and the only way I’ll ever make music from now on.
Who were the musicians who performed on the album with you?
Too many to count – but they’re all in the credits so please check that out. I don’t want to leave anyone out here – but we literally had the BEST musicians in the world on this album.
Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?
Yes, we used only real instruments on this album – no virtual anything, really.
So we had real orchestras and horn sections, etc – I have an extensive vintage keys collection and was able to play most of those.
One of my favorite instruments for the album I used was my uncle’s 1969 Gibson Eds 1275 (double neck SG). I used the 12 string on God In Real Life and it sounded incredible!
We also used a sonyC800 for my vocals on a few of the songs and I loved it so much I had to go buy one of my own!
Which of your new album tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?
I think each song is a reflection of a different emotion for me. From the pure joy of “Mama Don’t Lie”, to the craziness of life and its ups and downs, in “God In Real Life”,and the emotion of “A little Light” they all meet us in places that are real for everyone.
Does the title have a specific meaning/significance?
Yes. I think so many times in life we rush past these seemingly insignificant moments that just seem
Unimportant or normal – but that’s where the good stuff is! That’s where God is actually moving the most… Roses is about taking the time to slow down and really be present in those moments.
One of the tracks is the single ‘Mama Don’t Lie (Alright).’ What was the story/inspiration behind the track?
I wanted to have a song that existed for the sole purpose of bringing people joy! That’s why I wrote it and I hope that’s what it does for you when you listen to it.
Was it a difficult album to write?
No – once I found the direction and vibe – it probably took 2 weeks.
Who designed the album artwork?
All of the visuals were part of an incredibly detailed plan that I came up with while I was making the music. I wanted the visuals to match the music as best we could so we created a world that would take you back into that time.
We partnered with some wonderful creatives in Albuquerque, Nm who shot videos for every song and photos for all the promo. Then my wonderful team at curb helped put it all together into what you see now.
Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?
Franklin, Tn – but used to be Tulsa, Oklahoma.
“The best place for us”
How do you look after your voice?
Like any muscle, I try and work it out and give it the things it needs to be healthy. I try and warm up, not always though, lol – but I’ve learned over many years how to do this and how much attention my voice may need by how I’m feeling. So I try and stay in tune with that, as well as my whole bodies physical health
Do you have any live dates planned in the UK/Europe in 2025/2026?
I’m working on it! Stay tuned.
What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?
I hope I’ve been a good husband and dad.
Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?
My favorite instrument is piano – give me a piano and any microphone and I’m good to go.
You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?
Oh man, trying to think of the last novel I read – I’m into other genres so I’d have to ask my kids what the best ones would be, haha! We are in the middle of Harry Potter right now, so I’ll just say that…
Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?
Too many! Anything 70’s soulful, funk, R&B – from the Eagles, Chicago, Earth Wind and Fire, Stevie Wonder, Hall & Oates… the list goes on and on
What two pieces of advice do you have for a novice songwriter?
Just write all the time. It’s like anything else, the more you do it, the better you’ll become.
& collaborate. It’s wonderful to make music with other people.
What makes Stars Go Dim happy and what makes you unhappy?
Happy – being around people I love!
Unhappy – wasting my time or money
Stars Go Dim’s new album ‘Roses’ is out now.
You can find the album and his socials here: https://starsgodim.set.bio/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaftwP1x2M4tNJYVKSq1iuTxtYCw_2GMdwPQ9aENEJ0SkJyGSGzq0PwCfMq-hA_aem_GkYwf1FOp_i955F2Glel9Q
