Sub-Brain

Present yourself to the readers

Hello everyone, I’m Ellen Starski.
My Bio.

What’s the story for “The days when peonies prayed for the ants ?

The story regarding the album ‘The Days when Peonies Prayed for the Ants is one that hatched slowly over the years. I found myself in remarkable places @ certain times throughout these years leading up to this album that stand as the inspiration and backdrop for this material. The inspiration came in many different forms…lost love, disappointments, closure, and traveling all played major roles in the songs development.

Are you or night ?

I’d say I’m definitely a night person. You can find me writing material with guitar in one hand & a glass of wine in the other.

Why did you choose this style of music ?

The style of the music was nothing I consciously thought about. When I was writing these ideas, their particular sound developed naturally and or innately. I guess I naturally drift to minor chords and fingerpicking to create most of my material.

What are your personal musical tastes and your influences ?

Organic pop, indie, folk, and good old rock n roll are my favorite musical genres, but I also have much respect for TOOL, Primus, and you could even catch me grooving to Tribe Called Quest, or Lauren Hill. When it comes right down to it my musical taste is very eclectic. Musical theatre is another one of my loves.

What’s your top 5 albums of all time ?

1.) Bob Dylan, Desire
Emmylou Harris on back up vocals speaks to me on a spiritual level.
2.) Tori Amos, Little Earthquakes
She truly changed the way I listened to music.
3.) Glenn Miller, The Great Glenn Miller
My grandparents used to spin this record and jitterbug together in the living room growing up.
4.) The Beatles, Abby Road
This melody is one of the most incredible musical accomplishments my ears have most likely ever heard.
5.) Neli Young, Self Titled
This album takes me back to a place in my life where everything was simply beautiful.
I think I’d like to add Yann Tiersen for his Amelie soundtrack to the list of top albums. This is my favorite album to listen to while bathing

In the shower or in the bath, do you sing ? If yes, your songs or those of others ?

This is such an intimate question! While showering I’ve been known to sing for sure, and do sing my songs when I need to rehearse them, and right now I can remember myself belting out Jeff Buckleys, ‘Lover You should Have Come Over.’

What's your best live memory ? And why ?

My best live memories have occurred in a place of detachment. These moments are rare, but its almost like an out of body experience that transcends all the musicians on stage onto a plain of fluidity.

In studio, what was the ambiance for your new album ?...etc.…

The songs were recorded @ Joe McMahans, Wow & Flutter studio in East Nashville. The vibe in the studio was very chill, and the space he’s created for musicians is inspirational. Anne McCue was behind the helm as producer, and was lovely to work with. She controlled the energy in the room to a certain extent.

How does it work for the design of the CD ? and why this title ?

The albums title nods to the symbiotic relationship between the Peony flower and Ants. Without the ants craving the sweet nectar from the flowers buds the Peony could never fully blossom. These relationships have been so important in my life, so I guess it's a way of saying thank you to all those people who helped me blossom.

How was the shooting of the great clip MISSING YOU ? and why this choice ?

Working with S.T. Davis on the ‘Missing You’ video was a brilliant experience. His ideas were incredible, and I feel so fortunate to have worked beside this visionary man. S.T. was inspired by the world of Carrie Mae Weems, in particular her kitchen series. He always wondered what it would look like to expand upon the narrative presented in that work, and when he heard ‘Missing You’ he thought it was the right project to do that with.

Would you like to work with an artist ? If so who ?

Theres so many different artists I would love to work with. Right now I’m working on new material, and have a couple people in mind I’m going to pitch to…stay tuned!

What’s your biggest regret ?

Bottling up emotions, and hiding music I’ve written are probably my biggest regrets. Self doubt is a wretched thing.

What's your motto ?

My motto is... Focus on the good, but don’t forget the hardships that created the sturdy trunk that holds us up.

Website to remember

www.ellenstarski.com

What would you like to say to the readers ?

Thank you all for your support with the Peony album. What would the world do without the music lovers?!