Starset

Starset is an American alternative rock band that forms in Columbus, Ohio, in 2013. The group is led by Dustin Bates, who has previously been a member of Downplay, and the line-up also includes Ron DeChant, Brock Richards and Adam Gilbert. Bates handles lead vocals and also plays keyboards, piano, synths and guitars; DeChant plays bass, keyboards and backing vocals; Richards plays guitars and provides backing vocals; and Gilbert plays drums and percussion.

Style and concept

The band’s space-themed concept comes from Bates’ interest in astronomy, developed alongside his studies in electrical engineering at Ohio University and his research work for the US Air Force. Their sound is described as alternative rock and electronic rock, with space rock and symphonic elements also associated with the band.

Releases

Starset release their debut studio album, Transmissions, in 2014 on Razor & Tie. The album includes earlier Downplay recordings of “Down with the Fallen” and “Dark on Me”, and it enters the Billboard 200 at number 49. The album is preceded by the single “My Demons”, which peaks at number 5 on the Billboard mainstream rock songs chart in 2014 and spends 41 weeks on that chart. It is followed by the singles “Carnivore” and “Halo”.

The band’s second album, Vessels, appears in 2017. After signing with Fearless Records in 2018, they release Divisions in 2019 and HORIZONS in 2020. The band is also working on a fifth studio album.

Members

Starset’s current line-up consists of Dustin Bates, Ron DeChant, Brock Richards and Adam Gilbert. Bates performs from 2013 onwards, DeChant from 2013 onwards, Richards from 2013 onwards, and Gilbert from 2013 onwards.