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Starset

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Band Timeline

2013

Formation of Starset

Starset was formed in 2013 by Dustin Bates, formerly the vocalist of Downplay. Bates, who has a background in electrical engineering and research for the US Air Force, created a unique conceptual backstory for the band involving the 'Starset Society' and a mysterious message from space. This fictional narrative became the thematic core for their multimedia approach, blending music with storytelling to create an immersive experience.
2014

Release of debut album 'Transmissions'

On July 8, 2014, Starset released their debut album 'Transmissions' which quickly garnered attention, debuting at number 49 on the US Billboard 200. The album featured three singles: 'My Demons', 'Carnivore', and 'Halo', achieving notable success on the Billboard Mainstream Rock charts. The album's innovative blend of rock with a science fiction narrative distinguished the band. Alongside the music, they released a novel, 'The Prox Transmissions', expanding upon their fictional story.
2016

Recording and promotion for second album 'Vessels' begins

In early 2016, Starset began work on their second album with producer Rob Graves. The band announced European tour dates supporting Breaking Benjamin, expanding their reach. They also created a graphic novel in collaboration with Marvel Comics tied to their album's narrative. The first single 'Monster' was released by the end of the year, signaling a broader stylistic range from metal to pop for the upcoming album.
2017

Release and success of 'Vessels'

Starset released their second album 'Vessels' on January 20, 2017. The album debuted at number 11 on the Billboard 200 and included the hit single 'Monster', which peaked at number 2 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart. The band embarked on extensive touring throughout 2017, including appearances at events like the 'Rise Above Fest.' Their second single 'Satellite' also charted successfully, solidifying Starset's status in the rock scene.
2019

Release of third album 'Divisions'

On September 13, 2019, Starset released their third studio album 'Divisions', featuring session drummer Luke Holland. The album continued the band's conceptual storytelling, this time depicting a dystopian world controlled by technology. Singles like 'Manifest' and 'Trials' performed well on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart. The album was recognized by Loudwire as one of the 50 best rock albums of 2019, highlighting its critical success.
2021

Release of fourth album 'Horizons'

Starset released their fourth studio album 'Horizons' on October 22, 2021. The album received positive critical acclaim, praised for its orchestration and emotional depth. Highlights from the album included tracks like 'Otherworldly', 'Icarus', and 'Symbiotic.' Critics noted that 'Horizons' represented a step forward for the band, blending their signature sound with new ideas and further exploring human vulnerability and emotions within their sci-fi themed narrative.

Albums

starset_1st_album
Transmissions
13 tracks
2014
starset_2nd_album
Vessels
15 tracks
2017
starset_3rd_album
DIVISIONS
13 tracks
2019
starset_4th_album
HORIZONS
16 tracks
2021
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Brock Richards

N/A

Guitar

Ron DeChant

N/A

Background vocals

Ron DeChant

N/A

Keyboard

Brock Richards

N/A

Background vocals

Adam Gilbert

N/A

Drums (drum set)

Adam Gilbert

N/A

Percussion

Ron DeChant

N/A

Bass

Dustin Bates

2013

Keyboard

Lead vocals

Story of Starset

Starset, the Columbus, Ohio-based rock band, exploded onto the scene in 2013, the brainchild of Dustin Bates. Their debut album, Transmissions (2014), marked the beginning of their unique approach – crafting concept albums and expanding their narrative through innovative multimedia strategies. This savvy use of social media and YouTube generated significant revenue, exceeding $230,000 in YouTube ad revenue alone by November 2016, a testament to their engaged fanbase. Their breakout single, "My Demons," amassed over 280 million YouTube views during the same period.

The bands ascent continued with *Vessels* (2017), featuring the commercially successful track "Monster," which climbed to #2 on the US Billboard Mainstream Rock chart in May 2017. Further solidifying their position in the rock landscape, they released *Divisions* in 2019 and *Horizons* in 2021, consistently building upon their signature blend of cinematic soundscapes and intricate storytelling. Bates, the bands lead vocalist, songwriter, and keyboardist, draws inspiration from his background in electrical engineering, research for the US Air Force, teaching at the International Space University, and a fascination with astronomy, all woven into the rich fictional lore that underpins Starset`s musical universe.

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