With Civility we welcome another great singer-songwriter on board of our highly talented featured artist forge. His across-the-board sensitive, magnificently composed indie songs go straight to the ear and heart, which is due in no small part to his outstanding unobtrusive voice and composition skills. He doesn't belong to artists with a particularly high output rate, but when he delivers, it's always to the point and shows powerful emotional depth. Don't miss out on exploring his music.

Interview:

About Justin Starks aka CIVILITY

I’m originally from New York but currently reside in Florida for school. I’ve been with audiotool for Six years and my favorite style definitely has to be dream pop or indie pop.

Describe the style of music you produce

The style of music that I create is inspired a lot by the 80s and 90s. It derives from both acid rock and synth-pop as well. I just love the sounds of the 80s and 90s. I’ve also identified with artists like Beach House and Animal Collective. Music that sounds very dream like or omnipresent. I wanted my music to be an experience and unique but still catchy and fun every time to replay it.

What is your musical background and when did you start making music?

I’ve been singing and performing since I was born. I come from a musical family that always encouraged me to be creative and sing. I taught myself how to produce and record after my grandfather who wrote songs for the likes of Jennifer Hudson and worked at Motown gave me this old apple laptop that had Garage Band on it when I was like 10 and ever since then music has been my lifeline and my comfort.

What is your favorite Audiotool device and why?

My favorite Audiotool device has to be the delay because the amount variety it gives you not only for vocal recordings but chords as well construction as well. And I think that it’s a valuable tool to use when you want different sounds or a different vibe for your music.

What is your favorite trick in AT/What technique do you always use?

Always use the Metronome! It’s a simple thing to say, and people probably are like “that’s definitely not a trick.” it may sound obvious, but having an understanding of the pace can allow you to really challenge to think outside the box. It really makes me think and be more creative.

Have you ever had a writer's block? If so, how did you deal with it and what do you recommend to your colleagues?

Usually when I have writer’s block I take a step back and allow myself time to reflect and not force myself to create. There is no rush to put music out there you know? Work at your own pace and allow yourself to work at a speed that will benefit you.

What has helped you the most on Audiotool to improve and widen your musical horizon?

The community actually helps me get better and become a better artist. Just by seeing the feedback from other well established users really help me reevaluate and improve upon my skill. It’s truly wonderful how much I’ve learned from others on this platform and the people I’ve met have been so nice and supportive and it makes me really happy.

What do you like most about Audiotool? Is there anything you would like to suggest?

I love how community based Audiotool is. having people who do what you do interact with your art and engage with you is such an amazing thing and that’s what Makes audiotool audiotool. I don’t have anything to suggest right now because I think the state in which audiotool is currently at is a good place and yes things could be better but I see improvements all the time so I’m content!

Your message to the community:

Always be yourself no matter what people say. Your creativity is what makes you valuable on this planet and don’t let other people or on peoples negative worldview or comments, affect your creativity. You find people who understand who you are and understand why you love to do the things that you do and those are the people that are going to always have your back!

Social/Music Links

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/c.vlty/

You should be able to find the music I've released on most streaming platforms if you just search for 'Amp7070' !!!

Edition Audiotool: Civility

Track #1:

figment by nico

I really love how he make this track, everything about this song is perfected and the vibe is great. Nico has an amazing voice!

[[EMBED:https://www.audiotool.com/track/f4mc0vo1ykn5/]]

Track #2:

Held by owtlet

Even though I’m not much of a listener of Hip-Hop, I really enjoy what Owlet did here. It stood out to me compared to what was in the Hip-hop genre during the time

[[EMBED:https://www.audiotool.com/track/x02vtvzwu7d/]]

Track #3:

reflexive matters by hurakan

I think Hurakan [aka struggle.] is such an underrated artist and this song just shows how talented and detail oriented Hurakan is as an artist.

[[EMBED:https://www.audiotool.com/track/lx3qvkocvqpq/]]

Track #4:

Sim ALWAYS hits! This song has me jamming out every time I play it. Seb was a perfect addition to this song, I just love it so much

[[EMBED:https://www.audiotool.com/track/vpj1idzcfv/]]

Track #5:

Body, Soul by Wightfall

This song is such a masterpiece. The feelings that I feel when I listen to this song are almost overwhelming. Wightfall is an artist that I recently found but he’s truly a great artist!

[[EMBED:https://www.audiotool.com/track/qjocor0ugp5/]]

Track #6:

Over My Head by CIVILITY

This was truly my favorite song to make. This song represents a new era for me and a departure away from my other more synth heavy works!

[[EMBED:https://www.audiotool.com/track/aipw7n56z1tb/]]

Full Album

Edition Audiotool: Civility

• a-records

18

about 11 months ago

1		figment nico	nico	1861
2		Held owtlet	owtlet	710
3		reflexive matters hurakan	hurakan	1455
4		don't need it w/ seb sim seb	sim seb	1710
5		Body, Soul Wightfall	Wightfall	207
6		Over My Head CIVILITY	CIVILITY	428