Liz Hill’s group Starling Glow plays the Avalon May 3
Liz Hill’s group Starling Glow is setting up to release their next big single. They have a show coming up in Hollywood on May 3 at the Avalon Theater to kick off promotions of the new song.
Liz Hill is an Orange County native who was born and raised in Tustin. They recently scored a Top 20 Billboard Dance Hit with their single “We Are Infinite” (Dave Aude Remix). Grammy-nominated producer, songwriter and musician Billy Mohler also worked with Smashing Pumpkins, Macy Gray, Liz Phair, Kelly Clarkson produced the record.
OC Concert Guide recently asked Liz Hill about her music and the meaning behind the group’s name “Starling Glow.”
OCCG: I am listening to your song “We are Infinite” and thinking your genre is EDM with a touch of Indie Rock. How would you describe your music?
LH: We have two versions of the single out- we first released a remix of the “We Are Infinite” done by Dave Audé, which definitely has that EDM feel! The album version of We Are Infinite is just going to radio now, and I would describe it as edgy pop with a sprinkling of indie rock. Both my producer and I brought our history of playing in rock bands into the studio, and I think that gives our pop track a unique edge!
OCCG: Who or what influence your music?
LH: I grew up in a house where music was a second language- mom would be playing at the piano and singing, my dad would be in the garage cranking his Marshall stack, my sister learned piano, then pipe organ, then drums at an early age… And we all sing. I’d like to think that if I had grown up in a different household, I would still be a musician, but I can’t say that for certain! I came up listening to a little bit of everything (and still do)- classic rock, pop, R&B, country, jazz, indie and alternative rock, but a really formative time for me was in my late teens and early twenties. I was playing bass in a ska band (haha how much more OC can you get?) and it really gave me an understanding for song structure… but it wasn’t until my college years when I started listening to more top 40 radio that I gained a love and appreciation for pop and a great melody and lyric. I always admired artists that were able to have songs that crossed over from the alternative stations to the pop stations and vice versa.
OCCG: Any artist you would like to collaborate with?
LH: I have a not-so-secret love for Eminem’s music. I would die to cut a track with him on it.
OCCG: What is the meaning behind the name “Starling Glow”
LH: I’ve always had an affinity for birds, feathers, and wings. I collect feathers and even have several feather tattoos, my favorite song is called “Silver Wings” by Thrice (another OC local) and the first song I learned on bass was “Little Wing” by Hendrix. When we were trying to come up with a name and my producer’s wife suggested “Starling Glow” it just seemed fitting, and so we ran with it!
OCCG: What is the latest concert you’ve seen. What is the most memorable concert you’ve ever been?
LH: The last concert I went to was for the OCMA’s to watch my friends’ band perform, and I think the most memorable concert I’ve been to is a three-way toss up between Prince at the Coliseum, Stevie Wonder at the Bowl, and Sting and the Police at the Honda center… Although Paramore and No Doubt at the Verizon Amphitheater was pretty awesome… And Heart at the Pacific Amphitheater too!
OCCG: Do you play any musical instruments?
LH: I play bass, guitar, and just enough piano to make it apparent that I have no idea what I’m doing haha.
OCCG: What can we expect from your show?
LH: Our live show packs a punch- the band and I put a lot of energy into the performance and I think the audience gets a nice blend of feeling like they’re at a rock show and a dance party!
OCCG: I see you grew up in Orange County, Where are you based now?
LH: Born and raised in Tustin! I just recently moved to LA, but I make trips back to OC regularly to visit with family and friends. It will always be home to me.
OCCG: Will you be touring this summer?
LH: Most definitely! We already have some summer dates coming up, and folks can find all of the information and more on our website http://www.starlingglow.com!