“The Starlings, a band buoyed by shimmering vocalist Joy Mills.” – Seattle P.I.
“…fresh and full of brio…(Joy) Mills, one of the best songwriters in the Northwest (or anywhere)… an excellent, vital record.” – Victory Review
"…expertly blends folk and country, displaying top-notch musicianship at every turn." – Muses Muse
“The Starlings clearly have a deep appreciation for the classics but are by no means a retro act. Simply a terrific one.”
– Miles Of Music
“Seattle roots-country outfit releases authentic, inventive debut …a classic sound — good playing by all in the service of first-rate songs.” – CDReviews.com
The Starlings: Bio
New album available! EP of seven songs dubbed, "Gravity." This is a sneak peek of our full-length that's in the works right now, to be released in summer 2010.
Since forming in 2005, The Starlings have released three recordings, each showcasing the harmonies and lyrical melodies they are known for. The 2008 release of their sophomore album, "Marveling the While" followed their successful 2006 release of debut album "Songbook." Based out of Seattle, they've received accolades from notable sources as Maverick Magazine and Americana UK; appeared live on Seattle's Audioasis (KEXP); spent eight weeks on John Richards' (KEXP) "Top Ten Northwest Bands"; and shared prominent performances with the likes of Todd Snider, The Wood Brothers, The Avett Brothers, Eilen Jewell and numerous regional artists.
What matters to The Starlings, after much touring and performing, is their tried and true blend of voices and musicianship. The core of this sound emits from the founding members – Joy Mills, Tom Parker and Aimee Zoe Tubbs, and is enhanced by a rotating cast of guest musicians. Their approach is contemporary and inventive, inspired by a wide range of music genres. Guitar, banjo, harmonica, and drums take us through elemental themes that create The Starlings' solid repertoire. From a pin-dropping ballad to a foot-stomping barnburner, their images linger – empty boxcars,twilight on the prairie, divining rods, river beds, and the long drive home.
Notable venues and credits:
2008 - "MTW" named Notable Northwest release by KBCS Americana Music Director, Christine Linde.
2008- "Bluebird" (Marveling the While) on Best of 2008 from The Miller Tells Her Tale out of the UK.
2008 - Club Passim (Boston), Joshua Tree Roots Music Festival (Joshua Tree, CA), 6-month national tour in 31 states.
2005-2007 - Tractor Tavern, Sunset Tavern, Northwest Folklife Festival, Fremont Fair (WA); Mississippi Studios (OR)
2006 - Live appearance on KEXP's Audioasis show (WA)
2006 - Eight weeks on DJ John Richards' (KEXP) "Top Ten Northwest Bands"
Sweet Jams
Various and assorted awesome musicians we have the pleasure of playing with in town and on the road:
Moe Provencher (mandolin, bass)
Jack Quick (steel guitar, banjo, bass)
Julian Martlew (Dobro, guitar)
Mike McDermott (bass)
Chad Hinman (acoustic/electric gtr, clarinet, fiddle, etc.)
Joy Mills
Joy hails from the hinterlands of Iowa and moved to Seattle in 1999. She began performing live, joined forces with partner Tom Parker, and produced her first solo LP, Rabblerouser (out of print). Mills and Parker have been steadily gaining attention around Seattle for their harmonies and songwriting chops, which eventually led them to realize their next step up Mt. Fuji - bringing their work to a band format. Forming the Starlings in 2005 and working on their 4th release due out in summer 2010, she was last reported to confess that she loves it. She also pursues her other passion of writing, pen to paper, and is currently working on a neat-o project of a collection of writings about being a musician to be released with a companion CD.
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Tom Parker
Tom Parker is the One Who Can when it comes to blending and arranging harmonies, and blowing on that harp. Reared in the Pacific Northwest by various chorus backgrounds, he moved around among folk, classical, jazz and grunge incarnations. With chameleon-like perception, he sings real nice. He loves Roger Miller, and is arranging a tribute group called Miller's Ghost. His uncle used to love him, but she, you know...
Aimee Zoe Tubbs
Aimee is a drummer, musician and teacher. In search of good music, strong coffee and clean air, her personal journey has taken her from Iowa City to Seattle, via Boston. An accomplished percussionist, singer and pianist, she also dabbles in bass and saxophone. She draws on diverse influences that range from Julie Andrews to the Throwing Muses, and has played in a variety of alt-flavored bands, including Seattle Joan Jett tribute band, Jett City. Aimee's currently hitting the streets and festivals with the busking-acoustic-goodness MoZo, and offering drum styles to Moe Provencher and various other Seattle bands like My Favorite Girl, Pretty Pretty and Head Popped Off.