Starflyer 59 is an American alternative rock band that has been around since 1993. The band was founded by Jason Martin, who is also the lead vocalist and guitarist. Since its inception, Starflyer 59 has been associated with Christian music, and this has led to some confusion about whether they are a Christian band or not.
While Starflyer 59 is not explicitly a Christian band, their music often contains Christian themes and references. Martin has said that he is a Christian and that his faith influences his songwriting. However, the band’s music is not limited to Christian themes, and they have explored a wide range of subjects over the years. This has led to some debate among fans about whether the band should be classified as a Christian band or not.
Key Takeaways
- Starflyer 59 is an alternative rock band that has been associated with Christian music since its inception.
- While the band’s music often contains Christian themes and references, they are not explicitly a Christian band.
- The band’s music is not limited to Christian themes, and they have explored a wide range of subjects over the years.
Band Origins and History
Starflyer 59 is an alternative rock band from Riverside, California, founded in 1993 by Jason Martin, brother of Ronnie Martin of Joy Electric. The band’s debut album, “Silver,” was released in 1994 and was one of the first albums released on Tooth and Nail Records, a Christian record label that specialized in alternative music.
Formation and Early Years
The band’s formation and early years were marked by their association with the Christian music scene. Tooth and Nail Records, the band’s label, was founded by Brandon Ebel, a Christian who wanted to provide a platform for alternative Christian music. Starflyer 59’s early music was characterized by its Christian themes and lyrics, which were often overt and unambiguous.
Despite their Christian roots, the band’s music was also influenced by secular alternative rock bands such as The Smiths and The Cure. This combination of Christian themes and alternative rock sensibilities helped the band appeal to a wide audience, both within and outside of the Christian music scene.
Evolution of Sound
Over the years, Starflyer 59’s sound has evolved considerably. While their early music was characterized by its Christian themes and alternative rock sound, the band’s later music has been more experimental and less overtly Christian.
Despite this evolution, the band’s Christian roots have remained an important part of their identity. Jason Martin, the band’s founder, has described himself as a Christian and has said that his faith continues to inform his music. However, the band’s later music has been less overtly Christian, with lyrics that are often more ambiguous and open to interpretation.
In conclusion, Starflyer 59 is a band with deep roots in the Christian music scene, but whose music has evolved considerably over the years. Their early music was characterized by its Christian themes and alternative rock sound, while their later music has been more experimental and less overtly Christian. Despite this evolution, the band’s Christian roots have remained an important part of their identity, and their music continues to appeal to a wide audience, both within and outside of the Christian music scene.
Musical Style and Influence
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HX5C4K62PCI&embed=true
Starflyer 59 is an alternative rock band from Riverside, California, founded in 1993 by Jason Martin. The band has undergone a number of changes in its musical style and influences over the years, starting with a shoegaze and dream pop sound before shifting to Americana and alternative rock.
Shoegaze and Dream Pop Roots
Starflyer 59’s early sound was heavily influenced by shoegaze and dream pop bands like My Bloody Valentine, The Smiths, and New Order. Their debut album, “Silver,” released in 1994, featured a dense, swirling guitar sound and introspective lyrics that were characteristic of the shoegaze genre. The album was well-received by critics and fans alike, and it helped to establish Starflyer 59 as one of the leading bands in the Christian alternative music scene.
Shifts to Americana and Alternative Rock
In the years that followed, Starflyer 59 began to shift away from its shoegaze and dream pop roots, experimenting with different musical styles and influences. The band’s sound became more stripped-down and focused on Americana and alternative rock, with acoustic guitars, harmonicas, and slide guitars becoming more prominent in their songs.
Despite these changes, Starflyer 59 has remained true to its Christian roots, with many of their songs featuring spiritual and religious themes. Their music has been described as “honest, introspective, and deeply personal,” and their lyrics often deal with issues of faith, doubt, and redemption.
In conclusion, while Starflyer 59’s musical style and influences have evolved over the years, the band has remained true to its Christian roots and its commitment to creating honest, introspective music that speaks to the human experience.
Discography Highlights
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRdZS9j5atY&embed=true
Starflyer 59 is a California-based alternative rock band founded in 1993 by Jason Martin. Known for their dream pop, indie rock, shoegaze, and slowcore sound, the band has released several albums throughout their career. Here are some highlights from their discography:
Early Releases
Starflyer 59’s debut album, “Silver,” was released in 1994. The album, which was recorded and released within a year of the band’s formation, features a mix of shoegaze and slowcore influences. “Gold” followed in 1995, and “Old” was released in 1996. Both albums continued to showcase the band’s early sound.
Mid-Career Albums
In 1998, Starflyer 59 released “Leave Here a Stranger,” which marked a departure from their earlier sound. The album features a more polished, alternative rock sound, with catchy hooks and upbeat rhythms. “I Am the Portuguese Blues” followed in 2000, and “Dial M” was released in 2001. Both albums continued to showcase the band’s evolving sound.
Recent Projects
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Starflyer 59’s most recent album, “Ghosts of the Future,” was released in 2019. The album features a mix of dream pop, indie rock, and shoegaze influences, with a more stripped-down sound than some of the band’s earlier work. Other recent projects include “The Changing of the Guard” (2014) and “Everybody Makes Mistakes” (2019).
Overall, while Starflyer 59 is often associated with the Christian music scene, the band’s music does not always contain overtly religious themes. Instead, their music often explores themes of love, loss, and self-reflection, with a focus on introspective lyrics and dreamy, atmospheric soundscapes.
Christian Identity and Themes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mCJhqM6Kiw&embed=true
Starflyer 59 is an alternative rock band that has been associated with the Christian music industry since their inception in 1993. While the band has never explicitly labeled themselves as a “Christian band,” their music has been noted for its religious undertones and themes.
Religious Undertones in Lyrics
Starflyer 59’s lyrics often contain references to Christian themes such as redemption, faith, and salvation. For example, in their song “Goodbyes Are Sad,” lead singer Jason Martin sings, “I’ve been waiting for a sign / To show me where to go / I’ve been praying for a light / To lead me through the night.” These lyrics suggest a sense of spiritual yearning and a desire for guidance.
Similarly, in “The Zenith,” Martin sings, “All of us are looking for a savior / Someone who can take us higher.” These lyrics suggest a belief in the need for a higher power to guide and save us.
Association with Christian Music Industry
Starflyer 59 has been associated with Tooth & Nail Records, a record label that has been known for promoting Christian rock and alternative music. Tooth & Nail Records has released many of Starflyer 59’s albums, including their debut album “Silver” in 1994.
While Tooth & Nail Records has been known for promoting Christian music, they have also released music from non-religious bands. This has led to some controversy over whether or not Tooth & Nail Records is a Christian label.
In conclusion, while Starflyer 59 has never explicitly labeled themselves as a “Christian band,” their music has been noted for its religious undertones and themes. Additionally, their association with Tooth & Nail Records, a record label that has been known for promoting Christian music, has contributed to their association with the Christian music industry.
Band Members and Collaborations
Core Members
Starflyer 59 was founded in 1993 by Jason Martin, who has been the primary songwriter and vocalist for the band. Martin’s brother, Ronnie Martin of Joy Electric, has also contributed to the band’s recordings. Jeff Cloud, who played bass guitar for the band, has been a long-time collaborator and has also contributed to the band’s songwriting. Other core members of the band have included Frank Lenz on drums, Gene Eugene on production, Steven Dail on bass guitar, Eric Campuzano on bass guitar, and Wayne Everett on guitar.
Contributing Artists
Over the years, Starflyer 59 has worked with many contributing artists. Richard Swift, who passed away in 2018, played keyboards and bass guitar for the band and also produced several of their albums. Terry Scott Taylor of Daniel Amos has also contributed to the band’s recordings. Damien Jurado, an American singer-songwriter, has collaborated with the band on several occasions, including on their 2013 album “IAMACEO”.
The band’s collaborations with these artists have helped to shape their sound and have contributed to their success over the years.
Record Label and Production
Starflyer 59 has had a long and productive career as a band, with many different stages and styles. One of the most important factors in their success has been their relationship with record labels and their ability to produce high-quality music.
Tooth & Nail Era
One of the most significant periods in Starflyer 59’s history was their time with Tooth & Nail Records. Tooth & Nail was an independent Christian record label that was founded in 1993. The label was known for signing Christian punk and alternative bands, and Starflyer 59 was one of their earliest and most successful signings.
Tooth & Nail released Starflyer 59’s first album, “Silver,” in 1994. The album was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to establish the band’s sound and style. Over the next several years, Starflyer 59 released several more albums with Tooth & Nail, including “Gold” and “Americana.”
During their time with Tooth & Nail, Starflyer 59 was able to build a strong fan base and establish themselves as one of the most important bands in the Christian alternative scene. Tooth & Nail provided the band with the resources they needed to produce high-quality music and reach a wider audience.
Independent Releases
In the early 2000s, Starflyer 59 began to release music independently. This allowed the band to have more creative control over their music and to experiment with different styles and sounds.
One of the most significant independent releases by Starflyer 59 was their album “Talking Voice vs. Singing Voice,” which was released on Velvet Blue Music in 2005. The album was a departure from the band’s earlier sound, and it featured more electronic and experimental elements.
Since then, Starflyer 59 has continued to release music independently, and they have continued to experiment with different styles and sounds. While their relationship with Tooth & Nail was important in establishing the band’s sound and style, their independent releases have allowed them to explore new musical territories and reach new audiences.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Influence on Other Bands
Starflyer 59 has had a significant impact on the Christian alternative rock scene and beyond. The band’s dreamy, lush sound with pop-friendly hooks and shoegazer influences has influenced many other bands. Starflyer 59’s music has been described as “a cross between The Beatles and My Bloody Valentine” by Cross Rhythms, and their influence can be heard in bands like Pedro the Lion, Copeland, and Coldplay.
Reception and Critique
Starflyer 59 has received critical acclaim for their music. Their early albums, Silver and Gold and Gold, are considered classics in the Christian alternative rock scene. The band’s later albums, such as The Changing of the Guard and The Fashion Focus, received mixed reviews due to their departure from the shoegazer sound and incorporation of indie pop elements.
Despite the mixed reception to some of their later work, Starflyer 59 has remained a beloved band in the Christian alternative rock scene. Their influence on the genre cannot be overstated, and their legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians.
Side Projects and Related Bands
Starflyer 59’s Jason Martin has been involved in several side projects and related bands throughout his career.
The Brothers Martin
One of Jason Martin’s most notable side projects was The Brothers Martin, a collaboration with his brother Ronnie Martin of Joy Electric. The duo released one album, “The Brothers Martin,” in 2007. The album featured a more electronic sound than Starflyer 59’s music, with lyrics that were often spiritual in nature.
Other Musical Ventures
Martin has also been involved in other musical ventures, including Bon Voyage, The Prayer Chain, and Dance House Children. Bon Voyage was a short-lived project that featured Martin and Richard Swift, and released one album, “The Right Amount,” in 1999. The Prayer Chain was a Christian alternative rock band that Martin played guitar for in the early 90s. Dance House Children was an experimental rock band that Martin formed in the late 80s.
Despite his involvement in these various projects, Martin has always remained committed to Starflyer 59. While some of his side projects have explored different musical styles and themes, Starflyer 59 has remained his primary musical outlet for over two decades.
Fan Base and Community
Starflyer 59 has a dedicated fan base that has been with them since the beginning. The band’s unique blend of shoegaze and alternative rock has attracted fans from both the Christian and secular music scenes. This has led to a diverse and loyal fan base that continues to grow.
Engagement and Loyalty
One of the reasons for Starflyer 59’s success is their engagement with their fans. The band regularly interacts with their fans through social media and other channels. This has helped to create a sense of community among their followers.
Starflyer 59’s fans are also known for their loyalty. Many have been following the band for years and have remained dedicated despite changes in the music industry. This loyalty has helped to create a strong bond between the band and their fans.
Online Presence
Starflyer 59 has a strong online presence that has helped to connect them with their fans. The band has an active website where fans can purchase merchandise and get updates on upcoming shows and releases.
In addition to their website, Starflyer 59 has a presence on social media platforms such as Twitter and Instagram. This has allowed the band to connect with fans all over the world and has helped to create a sense of community among their followers.
The band’s online presence has also helped to attract new fans. Many fans have discovered Starflyer 59 through social media and other online channels. This has helped to expand the band’s reach and has led to a larger and more diverse fan base.
Overall, Starflyer 59’s engagement with their fans and strong online presence have helped to create a dedicated and loyal fan base. This has helped to establish the band as a fixture in the Christian alternative rock scene and has allowed them to continue making music for over two decades.
Future Directions
Musical Evolution
Starflyer 59 has been active for over two decades and has released more than 15 albums. Over the years, the band’s sound has evolved, and they have experimented with different genres and styles. For instance, their album “Talking Voice vs Singing Voice” features a more stripped-down sound with acoustic guitars and a more personal songwriting approach. On the other hand, their album “My Island” has a more polished sound with a focus on atmospheric textures and lush instrumentation.
It will be interesting to see where the band goes next in terms of their musical evolution. Will they continue to explore new genres and styles or will they stick to their signature sound? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure, Starflyer 59 has always been a band that is not afraid to take risks and push boundaries.
Potential Collaborations
Starflyer 59 has collaborated with various artists over the years, including Richard Swift, Frank Lenz, and Jason Martin’s brother Ronnie Martin of Joy Electric. However, there is always room for more collaborations, and it will be exciting to see who Starflyer 59 will work with in the future.
One potential collaboration that fans have been speculating about is a collaboration with The Longest Line, a band that shares a similar sound and aesthetic with Starflyer 59. Another potential collaboration could be with Le Vainqueur EP, a French band that has been gaining popularity in the shoegaze and dream pop scenes.
Overall, the future looks bright for Starflyer 59, and fans can’t wait to see what the band has in store for them next.
Frequently Asked Questions
What genre of music does Starflyer 59 typically play?
Starflyer 59 is an American alternative rock band from Riverside, California. The band’s sound was initially identified as an alternative rock, but it has evolved over the years to include elements of shoegaze, dream pop, and post-punk.
Are the members of Starflyer 59 affiliated with any religious beliefs?
Starflyer 59 was founded in 1993 by Jason Martin, who is a Christian. While the band has included a number of different musicians over the years, including Jeff Cloud, Frank Lenz, and Richard Swift, Jason Martin has written nearly all of Starflyer 59’s songs.
How does Starflyer 59’s music reflect their faith, if at all?
Starflyer 59’s music has been described as having a spiritual or religious undertone, but the band’s lyrics are often open to interpretation. According to an article on Christian Humanist, “Starflyer 59’s lyrics are often elliptical and mysterious, and while they occasionally reference God or faith, they are not overtly religious.”
Can Starflyer 59 be classified under Christian rock?
Starflyer 59 has been associated with the Christian music scene since its inception, but the band’s music is not overtly Christian. According to an article on Crosswalk, “Starflyer 59’s music is not preachy or overtly religious, but it is spiritually minded and often deals with themes of hope, love, and redemption.”
What are some popular songs by Starflyer 59 that might indicate their spiritual leanings?
Some popular songs by Starflyer 59 that might indicate their spiritual leanings include “I Like Your Photographs,” “No New Kinda Story,” “Majic,” and “The Zenith.”
Has Starflyer 59 been involved in the Christian music scene?
Starflyer 59 was signed to Tooth and Nail Records, a Christian record label, in the early 1990s. The band has played at Christian music festivals and has been associated with the Christian music scene throughout its career. However, the band’s music is not exclusively marketed to Christian audiences.
