Interview with Judd Starr

You may not have heard of Judd Starr yet. I had not heard of him until a few days ago. I found the video "Firefly" and it caught my attention so much that I was immediately interested in finding out more about Judd Star. I wanted to share this music with more people.

Here is some background information about Judd Starr before we get to the interview. Judd Starr writes, plays all the instruments, mixed and recorded each song on his CD "Luminescent". Judd has recorded music that has appeared on MTV and NBC television shows as well as movies and more. Judd's fans or supporters, (which is what he prefers to call them), support him completely. One such supporter said something to me that I think sums up perfectly what his supporters think of Judd Starr, as a musician and how he treats those who support him. I am sure she does not mind me quoting her; Debbie said this about Judd "This man is VERY devoted; he knows each of us and is grateful for the support and friendship. I love him, so many of my friends are now his friends and fans and many have become Judd addicts and have purchased his album. By the way, it is VERY good; He is truly a music genius."

When did you get started with music?

Judd - Probably 9 or 10 years old, I remember teaching myself the piano (we had a really beaten-up piano with broken keys), figuring-out which keys sounded good together, etc. Then at about 11 years old, I took 2 tape recorders, which were lying around the house, taped myself playing the piano on one, then recorded myself singing on the other, back and forth....so I was laying tracks without even knowing it. My mom and dad were pretty shocked when they heard it. I still remember the song. That eventually led to my first professional recording at 14.

What inspires you to write your songs?

Judd - Knowing there are people interested in listening to what I do. That inspires me.

Which song on Luminescent is your favorite?

Judd - Aside from "Firefly" I think "Anything" or "The Letter".

I read that you not only sing but you play all the instruments on the album. Plus you recorded and mixed it by yourself. How do you manage to do all this by yourself?

Judd - It's actually easier for me. I write and perform best without feeling like I'm being analyzed or watched by someone else. Besides, it's really difficult to convey what I want to another person....it's easier for me to just do it myself.

You have done a great job with the CD and I think it is amazing you handle it all by yourself; do you ever see your self having a band to play some of the instruments? Or will you continue to do it all?

Judd - For the recording process, I prefer to keep handling it myself at this stage. However, it's obviously a necessity to have other musicians when playing live. That's actually a really difficult task though. Not as easy as it sounds.

You are working on a new CD now, correct?

Judd - I barely have started. I'm just beginning to record the first song now.

When is it expected to be complete?

Judd - Probably, not for about 4 months, so probably not until spring or summer 2008. I have the luxury of not having a huge corporation breathing down my neck and rushing me. I think that's why there have been so many albums that we've all listened to and thought they sounded rushed.

When you do a show do you get nervous?

Judd - I do get nervous. As I begin performing, the nervousness partially goes away. It's always in there a little bit.

Which television shows and movies has your music appeared on?

Judd - MTV's The Real World / Road Rules, The Inferno, The Little Talent Show, 's Starting Over (not on this year) and the Indie films Hotties and Fairway to Heaven, also various DVDs.NBC

What were your thoughts when you were approached to let them play your music?

Judd - I wasn't so excited about the first videos I did, but I was really excited about the MTV stuff. (I did that before ) It was a lot of fun to talk on the phone with the music supervisors and Producers and customize music for their shows. I had always wanted to do that.NBC

What were your thoughts when you first heard a song of yours being played?

Judd - Of course I TIVOed it. It was really exciting at first, but like many things in life, I got use to it and after a while I stopped listening for it.

Which artists do you admire?

Judd - I admire artists that are tenacious and don't stop moving forward. They inspire me. I also appreciate innovators. So within those two groups are musical artists such as Green Day, , Linkin Park, , , and tons of others.Elton JohnThe BeatlesPink FloydDuran Duran

Do you have any advice to someone starting out in the business?

Judd - Don't rely on anyone. No one else is ever going to care more about your music and goals than you. So instead of feeling overwhelmed, just focus on what you can do....and do it. Hopefully that includes writing, playing, etc. Always try to move forward and just know that there is no "end" and that you don't need someone else to whisk you up and 'discover' you.

Getting Personal with Judd Starr

What is one thing about you, people might not know that you want them to know about you?

Judd - I'm shy and actually don't like being the center of attention. In my daily life, someone who doesn't already know what I do with music would never guess I'd do something so public. I'm really guarded / private.

What are your greatest hopes?

Judd - To accomplish my goals and dreams.

What are your greatest fears?

Judd - That in the next decade, every graduate in America will become a Lawyer.

If you had a magic lamp given to you and were given three wishes, what would they be?

Judd - Health, Love and accomplishing my goals.

What is your favorite smell?

Judd - I actually have a really weak sense of smell. I've heard

I'm missing out.....but more times than not, I'm guessing it's probably a blessing! Ha ha ha. If I really make the effort to try and smell something though, I basically can.....and baked cookies are a pretty good one.

What is your favorite food?

Judd - I'm really open to all types. I think we all agree that there's no such thing as a bad pizza....some are just better than others. So pizza is way up there. I really enjoy Chinese, Sushi and Indian too. Now I'm hungry.

What is your fondest memory?

Judd - Spending summer vacations with my family in San Diego as a kid. According to my mother, my first words weren't 'mommy' or 'daddy' they were...'mmmbaacabbywabby.....san diego!'

What is your idea of a perfect romantic date?

Judd - I know women would probably want to hear I like a walk on the beach, moonlight, candles and feeding each other fondue.....but I don't think any of that matters. It's the person you're with that makes it romantic or not. With the right person, doing almost anything together is great.

Do you want to say anything to your supporters (fans)?

Judd - Without supporters I wouldn't have any confirmation that what I'm doing is appreciated or enjoyed by anyone else. That's what makes the entire struggle worthwhile. It takes a great devotion of time and energy to write, perform and promote and the 'fans' are the fuel that powers all of that....so I have tremendous thanks for them!

Check out Judd Starr at his website and his Myspace. View the video for "Firefly" here.