Industry Weekly

[Emerge]

Glam-punk band Starcrawler stands on the verge

Image
Starcrawler set to play November’s Emerge conference.
Photo: Autumn De Wilde
Ian Caramanzana

In this weekly series, we spotlight the performers and other participants who will combine for the Emerge Music + Impact Conference on the Las Vegas Strip November 16-18. Tickets are available now at emergelv.com.

Arrow de Wilde was the coolest person at her high school. She didn’t earn that title for her startling popularity or for pulling a meticulous prank that went viral. She’s the charismatic frontwoman of Starcrawler—an LA-based glam-punk quartet that has received praise from My Chemical Romance frontman Gerard Way, Beats 1 Radio host Zane Lowe and Sir Elton John. That was before De Wilde graduated in June, but the most impressive part of this story: Starcrawler did it without even releasing an album.

Several factors have contributed to the group’s rapid ascent, but one can boil it down to the music, and how it’s interpreted in a live setting. Starcrawler’s sun-soaked rock ’n’ roll rests in the middle ground between extremely raunchy and fairly accessible. The group’s fuzzy single “Ants” thrives in its playful syncopation and stylish swagger. The B-side, “Used to Know,” is equal parts Joan Jett groove and X swing. In live performances, the band takes on a different persona with de Wilde at the helm. Her performances often consist of fake blood and erratic maneuvers, Iggy Pop-style, that have garnered some controversy. “People get so shocked and scared at our shows. I didn’t know that was still possible,” de Wilde told LA Weekly. “They get angry. I like it.”

Starcrawler recently finished its debut album, set for release on Rough Trade Records next year. The project was produced by fabled singer-songwriter Ryan Adams, who, according to de Wilde, essentially played the sixth member of the band. “He’s super-energetic, and he likes throwing these crazy ideas around. It ends up being a lot of fun.”

For now, the only way to get a taste of the new material is by seeing the band live. Starcrawler will hit the road this fall, which includes a date at November’s Emerge Music + Impact Conference in Las Vegas.

Share
  • Because who can watch the Super Bowl without a 3-liter bottle of Dom?

  • “It’s always been a dream to reach this level.”

  • The mantra is “handmade with love, from scratch, daily,” and you can taste it in every bite.

  • Get More Industry Weekly Stories
Top of Story