Speedstar*

Speedstar* are a Brisbane-based band ready to do big things for Australian music. Having been signed to EMI Music last July after years of dedication and hard work, the band have now released their second EP titled "Wishing Your Life Away". Both this EP and their debut, "Fallen Star" enjoyed tremendous radio and video play throughout the country, and both debuted within the Top 20 Alternative singles in the country - almost unheard of for an unknown band. Playing to an appreciative crowd at last year's Livid Festival opened doors for them to tour with the likes of George, Alex Lloyd and Kasey Chambers throughout 2001, and they are finishing off their stellar year by performing at this year's Homebake in Sydney.

Their website www.speedstar.com.au is becoming a favourite among Australian music fans, as is their music, heartfelt lyrics and genius instrumentation. They are speedstar*.

Meet two of the guys from Speedstar*:

Alister Bell (singer):

Stage Name: Alister
Age: 24

Location: Brisbane

Music Genre: Guitar Pop

When did you realise that music was your passion? Age 7

List three musical influences: Beatles, Coldplay, U2

How many years have you been in this band? 7

Do you write your own material? If so, when writing lyrics, what do you draw upon for inspiration? Life experiences.

Have you found the Internet to be helpful/useful in fast-tracking your music career? Not really… it's still about the music we make, and the Internet hasn't really added to that for us.

In following your dream, who has helped you along the way? My parents by putting my first musical instrument in my hands and our manager James (along with his lovely assistant Mel)

Is there anything you wish you could change about the music industry? The music industry is (and probably will always be) focused toward making money. This means that there are a lot of good artists who don't seem to get a chance because they don't fit a certain "popular" mould.

What advice can you offer to other budding young artists? Stick in there, and believe in what you are doing. It's important to have a dream, and to think that you can achieve it.

Where do you envision yourself in 5 years time? Writing music, playing music, and recording music.

Where can people purchase/listen to your music? We have 2 EPs that are available in all good record stores. Our songs are also played on radio.

GIRL'S 60 SECOND QUIZ

Full Name: Alister Bell
Nickname(s): Al
Star Sign: Aquarius

Fave Food: Indian
Fave Film: Princess Bride
Fave Actor: Ewan McGregor
Fave Animal: Tiger

Describe Yourself In 3 Words: Like a tiger
Best Feature: Sense of Humour
Worst Feature: Sense of Humour
Person You Would Most Like To Meet: Bono (from U2)
Hobbies/Interests: Music and lots of it. Going to the movies, reading (have you guys read Harry Potter yet??) … and anything else that is fun.

First Job: Paper Boy.
A Talent You Wish You Had: I wish I could cook. (I mean really cook, not just make something that is edible).
The Best Advice Given To You: Make the most of every single day, 'cause who knows what the future holds.
What Can You Never Leave Home Without: Myself

If you were a cartoon character, which one would you be? (I'm loath to admit it but...) Dilbert
If you were told you had a minute to live, what would you do? Ring my Mum

Luke Sullivan (bass guitar)

Stage Name: Luke
Age: 24

Location: Brisbane

Music Genre: Atmospheric rock 'n roll

When did you realise that music was your passion? When I was seven.

List three musical influences: Rem, Radiohead and the Beatles.

How many years have you been in this band? 6 years.

Do you write your own material? If so, when writing lyrics, what do you draw upon for inspiration? Relationships or the lack there of, experiences in life which really move you, knowing that its ok to be sad when it rains.

Have you found the Internet to be helpful/useful in fast-tracking your music career? It's enabled us to show off our stuff to a much wider variety of people through our website (www.speedstar.com.au), and through links from other sites such as www.emimusic.com.au.

In following your dream, who has helped you along the way? A lot of people have been involved in one way or another and in this kind of career any help is a big help, but there are people who have given us great support. All of our families are really cool, certain people in the Brisbane music scene, the girls at The Zoo (venue in Fortitude Valley in Brisbane). James our manager has been there most of the way. But most importantly the support shown by the people who have come to our shows or bought our CDs is the most influential on us.

Is there anything you wish you could change about the music industry? There are a lot of chips on people's shoulders for some reason or another and that negativity can be really frustrating. It's also really difficult to establish yourself in the industry and a lot of great bands get lost and forgotten in the chaos of it all.

What advice can you offer to other budding young artists? Just stick at it. Make sure you're really proud of what you are doing, that's half the battle won.

Where do you envision yourself in 5 years time? Hopefully Wembley stadium, smiling out at a few people.

Where can people purchase/listen to your music? Any cool record store, and all the major ones as well. Also on our website and at our shows.

GIRL'S 60 SECOND QUIZ

Full Name: Luke David Sullivan
Nickname(s): Gung Fu
Star Sign: Aries

Fave Food: Thai
Fave Film: Never Ending Story
Fave Actor: Edward Norton
Fave Animal: My dog Kimba

Describe Yourself In 3 Words: Lazy, dreamy, forgetful.
Best Feature: My Hair
Worst Feature: My Hair
Person You Would Most Like To Meet: Michael Stipe
Hobbies/Interests: Following Aussies in sport, graphic design, going to see local bands.

First Job: worked at a bookstore
A Talent You Wish You Had: Raising one eyebrow
The Best Advice Given To You: Always wear pants
What Can You Never Leave Home Without: Pants

If you were a cartoon character, which one would you be? Penfold (Danger Mouse)
If you were told you had a minute to live, what would you do? Run around frantically trying to think of something to do in one minute.


N.B.: If you would like to nominate a Star of Tomorrow, email michelle@girl.com.au, include a brief biography of the person you are nominating and tell us why they are the next big thing!