It’s not a stretch to say that David Starr lives and breathes music. When he isn’t writing, recording, producing or touring, either as a solo artist or with his band, he runs Starr Guitars in his adopted hometown of Cedaredge, Colorado– a store that’s become such an institution, the town proclaimed the musician’s birthday as David Starr Day in 2016.

Used to self-producing his records, Starr made a slight gear switch for his upcoming EP, The Head and Heart, relinquishing producing and arranging duties to none other than his old pal and tour-mate, John Oates. Oates also guests on the album, and is generous in his praise, saying, “David Starr has a voice you will never forget. His music is authentic, his songs are honest, full of emotion and truth.”

Recorded at Addiction Sound in Nashville, The Head and Heart is set to be released on April 28th. It features five David Starr originals plus a cover of the 1960s classic, “California Dreamin’.”

Today, Elmore is premiering the video of the EP’s sweet but wistful title track, “The Head and Heart.” The tune, Starr shared, “is inspired by that inner conflict we all feel from time to time. John Oates’ tasteful production and arranging took this song to a new level.”

The video cuts between shots of Starr performing the song in studio to candid black and white clips of the recording process—Starr and Oates collaborating and footage of the backing band. The simple yet elegant video echoes the song—simple yet elegant, its lyrics ringing of the eternal push and pull between logic and emotion in the trails of love. “The heart knows there’s a price that must be paid, the head knows that decisions must be made,” Starr sings with his rich baritone. His vocals shine, supported but not overwhelmed by vocal harmonies, the twang of pedal steel and the lush hum of cello.

Starr wants to draw you near with his strong voice and thoughtful lyrics; “Whether I’m at home in Colorado or touring abroad,” he confesses, “I love playing small listening venues where I can share this intimate material.”

Follow Starr on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and pre-order a digital or physical copy of The Head and Heart. Check out April tour dates and watch Starr’s performance of “The Head and Heart” below.

April Tour Dates
4/14: Julien, CA @ Wynola Pizza & Bistro (The Red Barn)
4/19: Orange, CA @ Music Muse at Starbucks
4/20: Altadena, CA @ Coffee Gallery Backstage
4/23: Paso Robles, CA @ Sculpterra Winery
4/29: Cedaredge, CO @ 4B’s Brewery