"The Starlings vocal harmonies, acoustic goodness and sweet blend of folk and country set the stage for the band's storied original songwriting and the compelling presence of vocalist Joy Mills.” -KEXP.org

After their 6-month national tour in 2008, The Starlings returned to Seattle in 2009 and recorded an EP, Gravity, featuring 7 songs, 3 of which will appear on their 2010 full-length release. Consisting of founding members Joy Mills (guitar, banjo, vox), Tom Parker (guitar, harmonica, vox) and Aimee Zoe Tubbs (drums, vox), they feature a rotating cast of guest musicians.

The 2008 release of their sophomore album, Marveling the While spent 17 weeks on the Roots Music Report Chart, and debuted at #8 on the Euro-Americana chart. MTW followed their successful 2006 release of debut album Songbook. They've received accolades from notable sources as Maverick Magazine and Americana UK; spent eight weeks on John Richards' (KEXP) "Top Ten Northwest Bands"; and shared prominent performances with the likes of Todd Snider, The Avett Brothers, Eilen Jewell, The Wood Brothers, Shannon McNally, Hoots & Hellmouth and numerous regional artists.

After much touring and performing, they've come to be known for their wonder-spun refrains and harmonies. Their approach is contemporary and inventive, inspired by the
classics of country, folk and roots music. Guitar, banjo, harmonica, mandolin and drums take us through elemental themes that create The Starlings' solid repertoire. From a pin-dropping ballad to a foot-stomping barnburner, their images linger – empty boxcars,twilight on the prairie, divining rods, river beds, and the long drive home.

The Starlings are currently touring until early 2010, then will be releasing their 4th album (title TBA).

"The spirits of Mother Maybelle Carter, Woody Guthrie and John Steinbeck are alive and well in 'Songbook,' a spectacular Americana album by The Starlings. So rich are the harmonies, so honest is the songwriting, so organic is lead singer Joy Mills' timbre that you can practically feel the heat from the wood burning stove and smell the coffee brewing on top of it." -Michael Swanger, Des Moines City View

“Organic country…both delicate and edgy… For the lo-fi country enthusiast, the Starlings’ natural charm and raw potential, like the Starlings themselves, are a winning combination. Highly recommended.” – Maverick Magazine

"It's rootsy music with a simple beauty. It's a Seattle band with a small-town aura...Mills' timeless, gorgeous voice is the driving force behind the Starlings' twangy serenity. Her husband, singer-guitarist Tom Parker, is no slouch, either. When the two harmonize as a banjo gets plucked in the background, it's a truly wonderful blend." - Idaho Statesman

“Seattle’s Starlings second album is that 'ava raris,' a work that has the musical development so beloved of critics and reviewers, while retaining the sound and style of their debut to keep fans who know what they like happy...it is truly marvelous music.” – Americana UK