Starseed

Starseed is a UK-based hard rock band from Johannesburg, United Kingdom, active since 2000. The band line-up includes Andrew Spence, and it appears in listings alongside other acts with the same name, including a German atmospheric death metal band and the DJ alias of psytrance producer Jeremy Barnes.

Hard rock band

The band performs melodic hard rock with a riff-led sound and strong emphasis on melody and live energy. Its material draws on post-grunge and hard rock influences, with comparisons made to early Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, Soil, Stone Sour and Alter Bridge.

At one stage the line-up includes Russell Spence on vocals and guitars, Gerald Gill on guitar and vocals, Peter Wicker on guitar, Murray McChlery on bass and vocals, and Andrew Spence on drums and vocals.

Starseed releases the EP Love’s War, which leads to a period of wider attention and live activity. The band then records and releases the album Peace Machine, produced by Jason Wilcock of Stakeout Studios, who also works with Reuben, Fightstar and The Ghost Of A Thousand.

Peace Machine receives praise from Kerrang! Magazine, including a description of it as a collection of 12 rock tracks. The album launch takes place at the IndigO2 at The O2 and is followed by a full-page feature in Kerrang!, national radio play, a BBC Introducing interview, a TotalRock Radio takeover feature and a headline UK tour.

The single “Shine” is directed by Ben Thornley of Sitcom Soldiers, whose credits include Therapy? and Fightstar. The video is accepted for rotation on Scuzz TV, while the track appears on Ian Camfield’s Rock Show on XFM, Bruce Dickinson’s Rock Show on BBC Radio 6 and Alex Baker’s New Music Show on Kerrang Radio. It also receives airplay on BBC Radio 6, XFM, Planet Rock, Music Choice and Totalrock Radio, where it reaches A-list status.

Live appearances include Download Festival in 2007 and on the Jägermeister Stage at Download Festival, support slots with 80’s Matchbox B-Line Disaster and Senser, Kick Out The Jams Festival 2010, Hard Rock Hell IV alongside Skid Row, Uriah Heep and UFO, and Maesteg Metal Fest in Wales. The band is also nominated for Best Live Band at the Indy Music Awards 2008.

Starseed is endorsed by Blackstar Amps, Tama Drums, Roland, Sabian, Rotosound Strings, Protection Racket and TC Electronic.