No, they aren't going anywhere! The tour title can be a bit misleading, but Starset is in fact working on new music and has an upcoming European leg of their tour starting back up this fall. Led by the visionary Dustin Bates, Startset has captivated audiences with their ethereal melodies, immersive storytelling, and cosmic aesthetic. Since their inception in 2013, Starset has embarked on a cosmic journey through sound, inviting listeners to explore the depths of space and the complexities of the human experience through their music.
At the core of Starset's allure lies their ability to blend genres seamlessly, creating a sonic landscape that is both familiar and otherworldly. Their debut album, "Transmissions" (2014), served as a portal into their atmospheric universe, introducing audiences to anthemic tracks like "My Demons" and "Carnivore" that resonated with listeners on a profound level. With each subsequent release, from "Vessels" (2017) to "Divisions" (2019), Starset has continued to push the boundaries of their sound, incorporating elements of electronic, symphonic, and hard rock to create a sonic tapestry unlike any other.
But Starset's impact extends far beyond their music. Through their collaborations with scientific organizations like NASA and the XPRIZE Foundation, they have sought to bridge the gap between art and innovation, inspiring listeners to contemplate the wonders of the universe. Their commitment to scientific exploration and curiosity is reflected not only in their music but also in their outreach efforts.
One of the greatest aspects of Starset's artistry is their live performances. Each show is an immersive experience, with visual effects and cinematic interludes, combined with an amazing sound to create an experience that transports audiences to distant galaxies and dystopian landscapes.
Starset brought their "Immersion" tour to GLC Live in Grand Rapids, Michigan, recently, and seeing the band's ability to captivate audiences with their raw emotion and palpable energy in person was definitely a show to see. The last time I caught one of their shows was at Upheaval Festival '21, and although they sounded amazing, the atmosphere did them no justice. It was sunny, yet raining. And a short set list due to being the opener that day only gave a short glimpse of what they are capable of. Fast forward to April '24 and it was a scene on another level! On the way out, I overheard several people say it was one of the best visual concerts they've attended, and I don't disagree! Notably, the band opted for a unique approach with no opening act. I thought this was great, as there were no distractions from the experience. The show opened with "Unbecoming", and covered all of the well knowns like "Trials", "Carnivore", and "My Demons".
In addition to their musical endeavors, Starset is also known for their thematic exploration of existential questions and the human condition. Each song acts as a chapter in a larger narrative—a narrative that delves into themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning in an ever-changing world. Through their music, Starset invites listeners to contemplate their place in the universe and embrace the unknown with open arms.
Starset continues to push the boundaries of their cosmic journey with the release of their latest single, "Brave New World," on May 3rd. Furthermore, the band has a few dates left on their US leg of the tour, with dates including:
May 10, 2024: Welcome to Rockville at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, FL
May 11, 2024: The Eastern in Atlanta, GA
May 13, 2024: XL Live in Harrisburg, PA
May 14, 2024: Big Night Live in Boston, MA
May 16, 2024: Concord Music Hall in Chicago, IL
May 18, 2024: Sonic Temple in Columbus, OH