Stargasm & Star Off Machine
Diamonds In The Rough
By: Amanda Markell
Last updated August 24th , 2009

Every week, 101D.com will highlight two new bands in our exclusive Diamonds In The Rough Series. This week, we proudly present Stargasm and Star Off Machine; two bands that are looking to shoot down the stars and change their destiny.

Stargasm
Representin' Law Vegas, Nevada

Background Check: The stars might not have had an orgasm, but the music stylings of this quintet would suggest otherwise. After all, their name is Stargasm. "We wanted to have a name that described our music," they said. "Out of this world, very intense and beautiful." The project was created by Schmerz Meister as a result of experimentation with dance beats and guitar riffs. On September of 2006 it developed into a performing band. The endless entertainment in Vegas doesn't serve as a threat to the members of Stargasm. "We wish there were more Goth and Darkwave bands in Las Vegas," they said. "It's not hard to get noticed with our image and music."
 
The Goods: The band's upcoming album Cyber Lovers features songs a variety of pop songs and heavy metal. "Some call it astro-porno metal. We prefer dance metal," they said. "It's a combination of dance beats mixed with heavy guitars and catchy melodies." Their singles "Easy" and "Rock Star" validate that and their innovative production style. "We usually start with a few melodies or riffs and decide which one is going to be the chorus, which one's the verse, etc.," they explained. "Then we add all the bells and whistles along with lyrics."
 
Look At Our Sexy Costumes: Taking lessons from bands like KISS, Stargasm can be found performing in the Vegas valley with costumes, props and a lot of make up. "We unload fast heavy songs first with Schmerz Meister on lead vocals, and then get romantic, sexy, and a little silly with Princesse DeGlace towards the end," they said. With true performer names like Princesse DeGlace and Gunblade Knight, the band has named "Rock Star" as one of their strongest performances. "It relates to me in a crazy sexual way, and I love to perform on my terms," said Princesse DeGlace.

To listen to some Stargasm, click here.




Star Off Machine
Representin' Huntington Beach, California

Background Check: From Southern California to Chicago and back again, the future members of Star Off Machine would separately do their musical thing, hang out when the fates allowed, and eventually base their unified talents in Huntington Beach.  Vocalist Erik Holloway says there were many twists, turns and individual tastes that led Robin Charlet(guitar) and Tut(Drums), Jeremy (bass) and himself to create "An aggressive but melodic form of active rock."  He further describes their award-winning sound (Best Hard Rock Band – OCMA) as "Very energetic at its core.  The stories are often derived from true life struggles that we all face." 
 
The Goods: The band considers the vibe on current release, Burn This, "An in-your-face approach that features each members individual talents combined into a cohesive and grinding rock record."  The 2007 album also comes chock full of heavy hitting producers, including Tom Tatman(Stone Sour, Craig Erickson, Living Sacrifice), Tommy D(Tupac Shakur, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg) and percussion extraordinaire Stephen Perkins(Jane's Addiction, Porno For Pyros, Panic Channel).  "Currently," Holloway says, "we are actively playing shows in the Southern California area with plans of a tour in the making. Also, Star Off Machine has a solid catalogue of new material that we are fleshing out for a follow-up album to Burn This."  

Grounded For Life:  Holloway proudly speaks of the band's high – if not extraordinary – regard for the fanbase that keeps them going. "We love to 'kick it' with our following," he says.  "When we travel, we often book two or three charter busses so that our fans can safely travel to and from our shows."  Not exactly 'typical' behavior for a band, but he explains - "No matter how many successes we experience we stay level and grounded and don't forget that the fans are the ones that helped us get there." - Christian Cipollini

To listen to Star Off Machine or to purchase their effort Burn This, click here.

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