Starbenders

​Starbenders are an American rock band formed in 2013 in the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia. The lineup includes lead singer and guitarist Kimi Shelter, bassist Aaron Lecesne, lead guitarist Kriss Tokaji, and drummer Qi Wei, who joined the band in early 2024, bringing a fresh dynamic to their sound.​

The band’s origins trace back to Shelter’s collaboration with Lecesne, which led to the addition of Tokaji and the original drummer, Emily Moon. Their early work includes the 2014 self-titled debut EP, produced by Nico Constantine. They followed up with the full-length album Heavy Petting in 2016, also produced by Constantine. The track “Time Stops” from this album won “Best Music Video” at the 2016 Oregon Film Awards.​

In 2018, Starbenders released the EP JULIAN and toured extensively, including supporting Alice in Chains. They signed a distribution deal with Japan’s B.I.J Records and released the EP Japanese Rooms in 2019, accompanied by a tour in Japan. Later that year, they signed with Sumerian Records, releasing the single “London” and touring with Palaye Royale. Their debut full-length on Sumerian, Love Potions, was released in February 2020.​

After Moon’s departure in early 2024, the band introduced Qi Wei as the new drummer. They continued their momentum by releasing the single “Tokyo” in April 2024, with plans for a fourth studio album slated for early 2025.​

Starbenders’ music blends elements of glam rock, punk, and post-punk, drawing inspiration from artists like Joan Jett and David Bowie. Their energetic performances and evolving sound continue to captivate audiences worldwide.