Kasha Souter, Gitai Vinshtok, Erik Johnson, and Grace Rolek are the LA-based shoegaze band Starling. Their new record Forgive Me, just came out last month, and in honor of the release, they’ve put together a list of their favorite “songs that feel like a promise.” Don’t let them down — stream the playlist this weekend, and check out the new record!
— Annie Fell, Editor-in-chief, Talkhouse Music
Kasha Souter
“Song for Richard Callopy” — Sun Kil Moon
Whenever I listen to Sun Kil Moon (which is a lot) I feel better about the sorrow of living and more grateful for the joys. Mark mentions death from time to time in his work and this song promises that it is never something you expect. But it also promises the possibility of beauty out of tragedy.
“For You I Hold My Breath” — Lalleshwari (Katie Jane Garside)
She is whispering to me a promise that the heart is what rules. The juxtaposition of fear and god (truth) is a theme I write about a lot and I think she is also exploring this with a feeling.
Gitai Vinshtok
“I Don’t Wanna Grow Up” — Tom Waits
When I was a kid I’d wonder to myself, How did the adults lose the plot so badly? This song reminds me of the pact I made to myself: don’t let that part of you disappear.
“Down To You” — Joni Mitchell
No other song paints more vividly the journey of losing and finding yourself in love. Buzzed courting, pure elation, sobering tears — these are as endless and fleeting as seasons.
Erik Johnson
“Forgiven” — Todd Edwards
When the kick drum is in you, everything else is tuned out. That’s no promise, but it’s my truth.
“Swan Theme” — Tchaikovsky
No matter where you are, this becomes the aesthetic. And it’s a devastating one to live in.
Grace Rolek
“Get Up” — Xiu Xiu
This song from Xiu Xiu feels like a promise that you’ll love someone forever, even if it feels pathetic. Even if it is pathetic.
“A Children’s Crusade on Acid” — Margot & The Nuclear So And So’s
I’ve loved this song since I was 14. It promised me back then that all the grown-ups feel like confused children somewhere deep down. And as I’ve become an adult, the song has kept its promise.
