The Hollywood Stars Shine Again with ‘Starstruck’: A Comeback Story
The Hollywood Stars are no longer just a legendary name from the past. After many years of silence, they released “Starstruck” last month, which was promptly voted the best Power Pop album of 2024 so far by Shindig. This accolade is well-deserved, as the eleven new songs are vibrant and high-quality, reflecting the class of a distinguished band.
George Keller, who joined as the lead guitarist in the spring of 2023, shared with the Sweet Sweet Music blog how “Starstruck” came to be.
You can find ‘Can’t Do It Right’ showcased on the Best Power Pop of 2024 Spotify Playlist.
Could you share the journey of bringing this record to life? How did all the pieces come together to create the final product?
It involved a bit of magic and a lot of hard work. I joined the band in early 2023, and at that point, about half of the material for our new ‘Starstruck’ album was in place. Everybody in the band gets a songwriting credit on ‘Starstruck.’ I worked on a track called “Walking With an Angel.” We recorded the album in two marathon sessions, the first in March 2023 and the second in November. We recorded at Kitten Robot Studios in Los Angeles, and the album was produced by the band, our manager Loren Molinare, and longtime L.A. producer/musician Paul Roessler. We’re all very pleased with how it turned out and the reception from press and radio has been great.
Was there a particular moment or experience that struck you, signaling that you were onto something special with this project?
Yes, during the recording of “Shortage of Love.” The track was recorded live and we didn’t have an ending. We played what we thought might be the ending, and then Loren, who also played some guitar on the album, kept playing and we all followed his lead. The song ended up becoming this anthem-like extravaganza that none of us had envisioned.
The decision to seek opinions on your new songs is intriguing. When did you realize that external perspectives could contribute to your creative process?
It’s always good to check the outside “temperature.” 🙂
Success can take on different meanings as time goes on. When envisioning success for this new record, what does that picture look like now?
Our goal is to get as many features and reviews, and on as many radio playlists, as possible. So far, we’re accomplishing that goal. Of course, we would also like to play more shows.
Within this collection, do you feel that the best song you’ve ever written finds its home? If not, what distinguishes this record’s essence from your prior work?
Every new endeavor has its highs, and my song “Walking With an Angel” comes as close to perfection as possible, with a great vocal by Scott Phares and wonderful interplay between the drums and guitar as the song fades.
As an artist, the act of baring your emotions to the world is profound. Does this vulnerability come naturally to you, or is it a constant journey of finding comfort?
Naturally, and as a lead guitarist, I can be a bit of a showoff.
Among the gigs you’ve performed, which one holds an indelible place in your memory and why does it stand out?
It’s in the thousands and spans many years. In June, we played an album release party at The Viper Room in Hollywood. The place was packed and there were many folks that we have known for decades in the audience. That show was very special and stands out to me right now.
Defining a song’s completion can be elusive. How do you determine when a composition has reached its final, ready-to-record form?
You have to stop before the energy dissipates. Three takes should be the maximum in my opinion. If you can’t get it in three takes, then it’s time to move on.
Striking a balance between experimental artistry and commercial appeal is a challenge. How do you navigate this dynamic within your music?
There is a formula but you have to be careful and not become cliched. It’s difficult to define so you have to “trust your feelings.”
Lyrics often carry profound meaning. Are there particular lines you hope listeners will always remember from your songs? If so, what’s the significance?
This question makes me think of our track “Shortage of Love,” which is both a title and a message to listeners.
Performing music before an audience holds a unique allure. What aspects of this experience contribute to the excitement and enjoyment for you?
Seeing the smiles on the audience’s faces and their bodies moving. It’s an immediate sign that the band is doing something right.
Among the compliments you’ve received, is there one that remains etched in your memory? If so, what made it particularly unforgettable?
Yes, a very well-known poet friend of mine said my performance was so captivating, he forgot he knew me.
Studio moments often hold a touch of magic. Could you recount an instance that stands out as the most enchanting during your creative process?
For ‘Starstruck,’ it was playing the lead guitar break to “Revenge” through a Marshall stack that was turned all the way up to the proverbial 11!
Where do you see yourself situated within the broader landscape of the music industry? How do you perceive your unique role and contribution?
The Hollywood Stars create energetic, melodic, and memorable tracks. The band name has been around since the early 1970s so a lot of people have fond memories of this group’s music over the years. In the band’s early days, they were hit by a succession of tough breaks that derailed their career momentum. At this point, decades later, I think that the attention, and having the chance to still be making great rock ‘n’ roll is a wonderful tonic for all of us, but most especially our three members from the 1970s: vocalist Scott Phares, drummer Terry Rae, and bassist Michael Rummans.
In the digital age, visual elements are intertwined with music. How did you approach the album’s visual aesthetics, such as album art and accompanying visuals? How do they complement the sonic experience you’ve crafted?
The cover photo was a happy accident and with a band called “The Hollywood Stars,” the name is synonymous with the film industry. Everything fits together nicely.
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