Dillan Dostál, known by his artist name Starliner, is based in Houston, Texas. As a member of The Drugstore Gypsies, Dillan has been featured in publications such as Rolling Stone. More recently, he launched his solo career with the single Never Satisfied, continuing with the follow-up “20/20”, and ending his year with the release of a new EP, 20/20.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Starliner about the music, the challenges, the technology and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)
I’m from around Houston. I would say the type of music I make is very melody-focused. I like any kind of music with a good melody and that’s the kind of music I like to make. I grew up on rock n roll, so you can definitely hear that in the EP. But the main focus for me is strong melodies.
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going?
Well, I’ve been playing in bands non-stop since I was 10, so it’s all I really know how to do. But mainly, it’s what I love to do and I obsess over it. So I couldn’t stop if I tried. I really don’t need any motivation other than my love for music.
How is the album, 20/20, different than previous projects you have worked on? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific?
Most of the stuff I’ve done before Starliner, I would consider pretty much straight-up rock n roll. My new album, 20/20, definitely has some pop influences which I’ve always liked and wanted to incorporate into my music. With this EP, I really wanted to blur the lines between concept albums and pop albums. I wanted it to be very thematic while still maintaining the catchy pop songs.
Name one or two challenges you face as a pop-rock musician in this oversaturated, digital music age? How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)?
Well, one of the answers is in the question. It is oversaturated. Which makes it hard because I think it makes a lot of people unwilling to check out new music because it’s most likely crap, to be frank. But the digital age definitely has its advantages. For instance, I’m still able to release music and do interviews like this even though everything’s closed down and stuff.
What was the last song you listened to?
Honestly, I was working on some new music before this. But before that, I think it was “Red Barchetta” by Rush. Love me some Rush.
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
I really do like Vinyl. I think it makes listening to an album more of an event. Like for me, when I listen to Pink Floyd or something, it’s almost like watching a movie. I like it to be the main focus. But I also like putting on a playlist for parties and stuff. I guess it all depends on what kind of music it is.
How about this one… Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
I guess Spotify, just because that’s the one that’s on my phone, haha!
Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music?
Instagram or Facebook! You’ll definitely hear it there first when more music is released!
Anything else before we sign off?
Thanks for having me! I plan on releasing as much music as I can and as often as I can, so stay tuned! Thanks for the interview and have a good one!
