If you haven’t heard Star Time, you are missing out. This 10-piece Afrobeat Jazz powerhouse debuted at the Wellington Jazz Festival last year with an unforgettable infectious energy.
They recently released two singles and are busy recording and performing to keep the audience satisfied. We caught up with guitarist Jamin Forlong (who also happens to be one of our very own Phantoms) to find out more.
For those who haven’t caught a Star Time show yet — how do you describe your music?
Our music channels the musical traditions of Afrobeat Jazz, which is a movement popularised in the 60's and 70's, fusing African percussion rhythms with American Jazz. We came together to put our own unique spin on this tradition, while also paying homage to the foundation that was laid down before us. We lean towards high energy, chaotic but also soothing sounds. The kind of stuff that not only gets a crowd moving from left to right and front to back, but also forces them to let go of all their worries, and escape the mundane world with us momentarily!
How long has the band been together, and how did that come about?
We started jamming as a group in mid-2023, mostly coming together at the Vic Uni NZ School of Music Jazz school. In 2024 during the jazz festival, we properly established ourselves as a band, and booked in a recording session soon after.
Where does the name Star Time come from?
Originally, it was intended as a reference to the song "Star Time" by Sun Ra, but it has since become a staple chant at our live shows - as our vocalist Francois Judah constantly reminds our attendees that when it is Star Time, we are not the stars, they are the stars.
You recently released two singles back-to-back - Moto Moto and Cannon - what were your release shows like? Any memorable moments you’d like to share?
Yes! These shows were absolutely the highlights of our career so far. We organised these shows entirely ourselves, which was a massive gamble, but turned out better than we could've ever hoped. The Moto Moto single release show was at a DIY venue at 13 Garrett Street - seeing the room fill out for our debut release was a moment we'll never forget for sure. Shout out 13 Garrett Street!!
Your shows are high-energy. What’s the secret for keeping the crowd moving all night?
A magician never reveals their secrets... but a wise man once said "hit the kick drum on every beat"
With eight people in the band, how do you write music together? What’s it like taking a jam session and turning it into a polished song?
10 people actually! We are blessed to have a number of amazing composers in the band, so the initial songwriting is shared between a few of us, and then polished off by us all collectively.
What’s coming up next for Star Time?
We are heading into the studio tomorrow to record our first full length project, which will be done by the time this article is released! Performance wise, we are playing at Great Sounds Great festival on the 6th of September, and the Wellington Jazz Festival on the 16th of October. Hope to see you there!
Instagram: @star_time_band
Listen on Spotify, Apple Music, and Bandcamp
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