Starbenders

Formed in 2013 in the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia, Starbenders was built around Kimi Shelter (vocals and guitar) and bassist Aaron Lecesne, later joined by guitarist Kriss Tokaji and, in the current lineup, drummer Qi Wei. The American quartet develops a glam-leaning rock sound, fed by hard rock and power pop, with an aesthetic rooted in the 1970s, very direct melodies and crisp guitars. After a self-titled EP in 2014, Starbenders released Heavy Petting in 2016, the JULIAN EP in 2018 and Japanese Rooms in 2019. That same year they signed with Sumerian Records and proceeded to tour the US and internationally, appearing alongside Palaye Royale, Alice in Chains, Counterfeit and Danny Worsnop. Love Potions arrived in 2020 and further established their blend of glam rock, pop choruses and harder edges, a style extended by Take Back the Night in 2023. Starbenders’ history is also marked by several drummer changes: Emily Moon left the band in 2024 before Qi Wei joined.