Creating epic stories that combine instrumentation and electronica, EDM sound artist Star Goes Nova creates sonic landscapes that transcend the past and future, told through her 115 year old piano, power drums and deep bass music.
The artist just released a pair of singles, the downtempo and electronic “Plutonium” as the “A” side and the spiritual and ambient “Eye,” acting as the “B” side. While “Plutonium” depicts a planet’s long past and future apocalypse, “Eye” is a spiritual song about rebirth.
We caught up with Star Goes Nova about her newest releases, her career and what inspires her.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
What can you share with readers about your new project?
Star Goes Nova has taken on new meaning by melding visual and performing artists into a sonic galaxy with a release of 2 songs, “Plutonium” and “Eye” (in the tradition of an “A” and “B” side). The video for “Plutonium” includes abstractist Mark Tovar, the haunting photography of Attasalina and live music photographer Amanda Peacock. The collaboration with the stunning performing artist Sonic Butterfly in “Eye” brings dance amongst giant instrumentation. It is a deeply humbling experience to discover a shared truth – each artist a unique singularity orbiting the other, yet bound by the gravity of the human experience.
How does this project compare with your other projects you had in the past?
My past collaborations have been more sonic than visual , for example, my epic “The Apprentice” with Bad Apple’s vocalist Karen Eden and the ballad “Hazelwood Moon” with psychobilly singer Fuse of Hard Six). I also was including extraterrestrial sonics like Mars wind (from NASA Perseverance Rover) and galactic sonifications from the Chandra X-Ray Observatory. “Plutonium” and “Eye” are the star-bursting “nova” of Star Goes Nova and expand sonics into visual and performing arts. One of my favorite works was writing and performing the soundtrack for the play “El Viaje de Zazil” written and directed by the brilliant Tomas Joaquin Burkey Marambio for Day of the Dead in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico (https://on.soundcloud.com/RZnqx).
What about this project makes you most proud? Was there a specific goal you were trying to accomplish with this release?
My release included 2 songs, so the goal with “Plutonium” and “Eye” was to deliver a critical understanding in many modes, uniquely meaningful to anyone listening or viewing. “Plutonium’s” sizzling sun was inspired by the desolate photography of Attasalina, and depicts a planet’s long past and future apocalypse. Infinity is envisioned as dragons and electrons, chaotic, yet beautiful. The shared truth is that out of chaos and desolation can come beauty. “Eye” is a deeply spiritual composition and physical celebration of Solstice and is the genesis of an upcoming 2024 tour that will follow the migration of the Monarch butterfly – the greatest indicator of what our planets’ future will be (learn more at http://sonicbutterfly.com/).
What inspires you to create music? What motivates you to keep going?
After a truly epic journey through the loss of both parents, a fire and the pandemic, I have somehow created the most beautiful thing. I found in the deep darkness that saving myself meant shining fiercely bright. A shimmering jewel to honor my parents; or a healing sonic dream for those in need; or a powerful starburst of imagination for every one of us – Star Goes Nova is all those things.
If you could collaborate with anyone – dead or alive, famous or unknown – who would it be and why? If it’s an indie/DIY artist, please include a link so readers can check them out.
The epitome of a Star Goes Nova collaboration would be with Grimes (Claire Boucher). Claire is a self-made sonic genius with edgy, bold, powerful ideas that are above all melodic and beautiful. I can envision our collaboration as futuristic dance dream pop with influences from electronic music, lo-fi, trap, hip hop, and rock with science fiction themes.
What was the last song you listened to? Favorite all-time bands/artists?
I have to list 2 songs, because I play many songs at the same time(!) . I am into Horizon by Artbat because of the insane arpegiattor and the video with Anyma & Chris Avantgarde – Eternity [Live from Afterlife at Tulum, Mexico] – this video somehow, in its alien-ness, connects humans
I admit it, my favorite band of all-time is Pink Floyd – definitely the influence in the “lo-fi” aspects of my compositions. When I was young, I played this amazing turntable with a Pink Floyd “Wish You Were Here” vinyl album – I fell asleep with headphones on – so “Shine On You Crazy Diamond” was fused to my psyche. Years later, I would actually play with David Gilmour’s drummer in several gigs. Crazy serendipity!
Where is the best place to find you and stay connected?
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/star.goes.nova/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Star-Goes-Nova-120724219560113
Website: www.StarGoesNova.com
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCa9nnQZq8ZH9YpNl52G4SMg
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-435294988
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1NEdPTJuCbA5O0t1s1daLO
I really appreciate your time. Is there anything you’d like to share before we sign off?
I would give thanks to Martha Davis of The Motels, who gave me my first job as her bass player during her hiatus tour – she showed me the ropes of the business! My heart to the late Jan Kuehnemund (of Vixen) and the girls of her project Drawing Down The Moon who gave me the grandest of times playing Los Angeles clubs (drawingdownthemoon.net/biography.htm). A gigantic thank you to Grammy winning producer John Baffa (CalArts), mastering guru & Grammy winner Evren Goknar, engineering god Jeff Evans of Colourbox, and all my love to my manager and sister, Cynthia Lanning.
