Velvet Starlings
Velvet Starlings is a 60s infused garage rock ‘n’ roll band hailing from Los Angeles and the beach cities of Southern California. Velvet Starlings is becoming a staple in the blossoming neo psychedelic garage rock scene on the West Coast, with several tours under their belt, internationally and across the country. The band was founded by young lead singer, guitarist & organ player Christian Gisborne who is known for his dynamic live stage performance, concert attendance record and impressive Lego collection. Velvet Starlings is rounded out by brothers drummer Foster Poling and bassist Hudson Polling.
HUDSON
POLING
FOSTER
POLING
CHRISTIAN GISBORNE
Name:
Christian Gisborne
Location: Venice
Code Name:
ChristianGizzborne
Skills:
Can recite most of the words
to “what does the fox say?”
Musical influences:
The Doors, Sleater Kinney,
Thee Oh Sees, Kula Shaker
Weapon of Choice: Guitar, Organ
Fave Colour:
Cotton candy (blue and pink)
Food:
Macarons (the sushi of dessert)
De-classified:
Owns nearly 1/3 of all Lego in California
Favorite game:
Minecraft (pre-horse update)
Favorite quote:
“When I go Subway I ask for a water glass and I always fill it with Fresca because i'm a mondster, sir" - Anders Holmvik
Name:
Hudson Poling
Location:
San Clemente
Code Name:
Thunder Fingers
Skills:
Able to play the stand up bass as well as electric bass
Musical Influences:
Queen, The Who, The Rolling Stones, Royal Blood
Weapon of Choice:
Bass
Favorite Color:
Purple
Food: Medium:
Rare Steak
Declassified:
Better than the average mountain biker
Favorite Game:
Team Fortress 2
Favorite Quote:
“If your not first,
then your last”
Name:
Foster Poling
Location:
San Clemente
Code Name:
Elfosto
Skills:
Can do “the” stick trick
Musical Influences:
The Who, The Stones, Humble Pie, Jack White
Weapon of choice:
Drums
Favorite Color:
Red
Food:
amen
De-Classified:
Avidly collects Pez Dispensers
Favorite game:
Settlers of Catan
Favorite quote:
“Hey bud, let’s party!”
ASHTON
MINNICH
Name:
Ashton Minnich
Location:
San Clemente
Code Name:
Ash
Skills:
Guitar, surfing, Barista
Musical Influences:
Led Zeppelin, Jimmy Hendrix, Iron Maiden, Dick Dale
Weapon Of Choice: Gibson
Les Paul
Fave Colour:
Red
Food:
Burritos
De-classified:
I’m a Game of Thrones
fanatics
Favorite GAME:
Definitely Pictionary
Favorite quote:
“Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.”
Respected Insights
RODNEY BINGENHEIMER
Underground Garage/Sirius XM
“So amazing! My mind is blown! See them live. It's like going to the Cavern Club in the 60s.”
BILLY SLOAN
BBC Radio
“At last, America has a great, exciting, relevant new guitar band. Who’d have thought it would be lead by a 16-year-old musical dynamo. The star Starling - Christian Gisborne - is the real deal. Six weeks ago, I had never heard of Velvet
Starlings... now they’re my new favorite American Band. I defy you to listen and not be blown away. This band are for me the most exciting thing I've seen
in the past couple years...they're led by an absolute powerhouse. He's one of the finest musical experts from America who I have seen in a long, long time."
SHEPARD FAIREY
Artist, Activist, and Founder of OBEY Clothing and Artwork
“I love the music and the message... Christian is channeling the greats... Dylan, Marley, Strummer, etc. with his powers as a musician and songwriter... I am especially inspired by his ability to appeal emotionally and provoke intellectually... "
KEVIN BRONSON
Buzzbands LA
“Velvet Starlings offers exuberant anthems for any youth interested in guitar bands..., with a bell-bottomed seven songs EP that’ll bring a smile to fans... of legendary artists from the 60s era.”
EARMILK
The Latest Music Updates
"Velvet Starlings' hooky melodies and powerful lyrics are filled with passion that pulls you in right away making the song a standout hit.”
DAVID SILBAUGH
Talent Buyer/Summerfest
"VS Delivered live in Sweden...Christian Gisborne is poised to be one of the torch bearers for Rock & Roll into the next decade."
PETER ASTEDT
Founder of Live at Heart Festival Sweden
“I saw VS live at Gibson Showroom in LA and was blown away."
BRIAN LUCEY
Grammy Award Winning Mastering Engineer for Cage the Elephant, Royal Blood, The Black Keys
“Authentic and fresh... reminds me of the great classic bands. Christian is the real deal.”
GRIMY GOODS
LA's Premiere Lifestyle and Music Guide
“Although the band’s sound is heavily rooted in the past, its youthful band members give the classic rock genre new life.”
Tyler Russell
KX 93.5 Laguna Beach Program Director
"Christian is a young consummate rocker...a 15 year old phenom."
Tim Pyles
91X San Diego
"When I first received Velvet Starlings music, the photo on the cover of the CD led me to think two things, first, that they were from the UK and secondly, that the front man was in his early 20s. Wrong on both accounts! First off, the band is from LA and secondly, the front man Christian is 15 years old!?! The kid is mature beyond his years, an old rock n roll soul rebirthed. Great songs, great attitude and a torch bearer for keeping rock n roll music alive! Let's rock!"