GRAMMY®-winning record label Quarto Valley Records is proud to announce their latest signing, David Starr, a Colorado-based Blues/Americana artist, for the release of his forthcoming album, Must Be Blue. Set to be unveiled in 2025, Starr’s new record promises to captivate listeners with his soulful vocals, gritty guitar work, masterful songwriting, and inventive takes on classic blues covers. With Must Be Blue, Starr blends his deep-rooted blues heritage with a fresh Americana approach, creating an album primed for the charts.
Originally from Fayetteville, AR, Starr’s musical journey began early, playing drums in clubs by age 14 and learning the emotive power of the 12-bar blues. Surrounded by accomplished guitarists, he established a strong foundation in rock and blues, honing his craft through various bands and experiences, including opening his own store, Starr’s Guitars, in Little Rock. A significant period in Aspen led Starr to Colorado, where the acoustic guitar became a centerpiece of his songwriting process. Over time, Starr emerged as a respected figure in the Americana genre, collaborating with notable artists such as John Oates, Steve Cropper, John McEuen, Jim Lauderdale, Wild Ponies, Irene Kelley, and Dana Cooper. Despite leaning into folk with his lyrics and finger-picking style, Starr’s blues roots were ever-present, resulting in songs on each record that harkened back to his early influences.
The consistent success of those blues-inspired tracks, featured on Spotify’s “Got Blues” playlist and celebrated by critics, ultimately sparked the idea for Must Be Blue. Starr reflects, “Maybe it has to do with the timeless themes of love and loss, struggle and strife, the loud electrics, the way people can't help but tap their feet when they hear it. Whatever the reason, playing blues-influenced songs always centers me in a way that no other music does. This album is my version of a blues record, what you might call 'Bluesicana'—the grooves and electrics are there, but so is a mandolin. I am excited and honored to have found a home at Quarto Valley Records to properly introduce it to the world.”
Bruce Quarto, CEO of Quarto Valley Records, expressed his enthusiasm: “We’re delighted to welcome David Starr to the Quarto Valley Records family. David’s artistry and dedication to his craft resonate deeply with the authentic voices in music that QVR strives to promote. We’re very much looking forward to working together to take his music to a broader audience.”
Must Be Blue is slated for release in 2025, with the first single, “Hole In The Page,” set to drop on January 24th.
For more information on David Starr, visit: www.DavidStarrMusic.com.
