Joshua Starmer

A native of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Joshua Starmer is a cellist, composer, and singer whose eclectic sound recalls the string-led pop of Andrew Bird and the quirky compositions of the Penguin Cafe Orchestra, both of whom he cites as influences. A cellist since the age of seven, Starmer eventually wove himself into the fabric of North Carolina's vibrant music scene, working with artists like the Rosebuds, the Love Language, Birds and Arrows, and the Big Star tribute ensemble Big Star's Third, which featured R.E.M.'s Michael Stipe and Mike Mills as well as the DB's' Chris Stamey and original Big Star drummer Jody Stephens. His own compositions have provided the soundtracks for several independent films, television commercials, and modern dance productions. In 2013, armed with his cello, ukulele, banjo, guitar, and assorted oddities, Starmer challenged himself to write and record one song a month for an entire year. The songs from this initial endeavor were compiled on his debut collection Postcards from Home, Vol. 1, which he released in 2014. Pleased with the results, he continued to record a song each month and released a follow-up album, Germany Zulu, in 2015.
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