layout by Amanda Vontobel
I first saw Garrison Starr as an opening act a few years ago, but I was quickly enthralled enough to catch her own shows. Garrison’s voice is soothing and sweet with the slightest bit of rasp. She sings with a real purpose full of honest emotion. Her lyrics are often uplifting and positive. According to an aol.com interview, this is intentional: “For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to inspire people,” confides singer-songwriter-guitarist Garrison Starr. “I want my music to reach people, and I want the experience to be positive. I want to show strength and offer hope, and address issues that provide answers - even if that means provoking people. If I try to do these things, maybe I can help someone in some way.”
The story in the song “Sing it Like a Victim” plays out like an anthem made to deal with all those trying times that life throws at us. Rather than wallow in self pity as a victim typically would, Garrison offers a positive edge to the lyrics, singing “in the shadows, I am born again…”
“Hey Girl” (From Airstreams and Satellites, and Live at Sun Studio) is a feel good song that I personally think should be played every morning before facing the day. The verses are a gentle reminder that we don’t have to always “carry the world on our shoulders” and judge ourselves harshly for any decisions we make, good or bad. And the chorus simply suggests we open our eyes while flying, a metaphor for enjoying the day and letting our problems go, if only for a little while. The message reminds me of The Beatles’ Dear Prudence, (won’t you come out to play, meet the brand new day…). Whether or not that is intentional is perhaps for Garrison to know and us to ponder on.
Below are two photos taken by Amanda Vontobel from the first time she saw Garrison at the Bowery Ballroom in NYC, May 2005.
And “Brightest Star” is along the same lines, a heartfelt song reminding us that there is always someone by our side to help us through the tough times. When played live, Garrison usually leads the crowd in a sing-a-long on the chorus, and try as you might to resist, you more than likely will find yourself singing along.
Garrison hails from Hernando, Mississippi, a suburb of Memphis, Tennessee but has been hanging in the NYC local indie scene for a few years now. She has seven full length albums and two EPs, as well as one live album. The live album is an accumulation of songs suggested by her fans, another testament to Garrison’s dedication to the DIY mentality and wanting to spread some good vibes through her tunes. She is also a founding member of Among The Oak & Ash with American songwriter Josh Joplin, which is a collection of songs in the vein of Appalachian Mountain songwriting. Another of Garrison’s releases (and my personal favorite) is “Live at Sun Studio” with Jay Nash. The CD is exactly as the title suggests, very stripped down and bare. They each perform their songs with the other adding backing vocals and guitar. The result is so perfect, it almost feels like you’re in the studio with them.
Garrison has co-written with various other artists over the years, such as a few songs with Antigone Rising. Also, she wrote a song called “Sit With Me Tonight” with Nini Camps, which was featured on two popular hit shows, Army Wives and Life Unexpected. Other songs have made it to TV as well, notably in 1999 her song Superhero was played during ABC-TV’s coverage of the Women’s World Cup Soccer. She also contributed to the new CD Cho Dependent by comedian Margaret Cho, and spent some time with Cho on the road promoting the CD.
This coming Saturday, we will be heading out to see Garrison at Rockwood Music Hall in NYC. It’s pretty clear to us that Garrison’s intent to inspire people and put out a positive message is coming through loud and clear. We can’t wait to be there again to experience it all first hand, and soak in the rays of such a bright star.
