Los Angeles rock outfit Starcrawler have made their debut on Big Machine with the punk-flavored single “Roadkill.” It’s available now on all digital platforms and comes with a suitably larger-than-life music video. The band’s arrival at Big Machine Label Group was announced in March.
The band, fronted by Arrow de Wilde, also feature guitarist Henri Cash, bassist Tim Franco, Henri’s brother Bill Cash on pedal steel and guitar, and Seth Carolina on drums. They were previously signed to Rough Trade, making their name with a 2018 debut album produced by Ryan Adams.
That set reached No.15 on Billboard’s Heatseekers chart and was followed by 2019’s Devour You, produced by Nick Launay. It hit No.14 on the same chart and also made No.25 on Top Alternative Albums. Last year, they contributed the song “Goodtime Girl” to the Dark Nights: Death Metal soundtrack.
The new deal with Big Machine signals a more punk direction, with a 1990s alternative edge, than Starcrawler’s previous glam rock-leaning sound. De Wilde says of the new song: “‘Roadkill’ is about anyone that tries to dig their heels in the ground and stand in your way. We’ve all had people try to tear us down, and sometimes you just have to run right through them.”
The band are due to support My Chemical Romance on their European tour from this weekend, beginning at Stadium MK in Milton Keynes, England on May 22. Their UK profile has included airplay on Radio 1 and a performance on Later With Jools Holland, while Zane Lowe also interviewed Starcrawler for his Apple Music 1 show.
The band then stay in Europe for shows of their own in Italy and Germany before returning home, then travel to Australia for three shows in July. A busy summer also includes a support slot with Jack White when his Supply Issues Tour reaches Minneapolis on August 13.
Buy or stream Starcrawler’s “Roadkill.”