Canadian indie stalwarts Stars roll into the world famous Asbury Lanes on Saturday June 21 as a part of the multi-week North to Shore Festival taking place in Newark, Red Bank and Asbury Park, New Jersey.
We caught up with Torquil Campbell, the co-lead singer and songwriter of the band, to discuss the 20th Anniversary of the band’s album Set Yourself on Fire, new music and the secret of the sauce of the band’s longevity.
Your album Set Yourself on Fire celebrated its 20th Anniversary in 2024. Can you reflect on this album for us? How do you view this album as a work in your catalog 20 years after its release? Has it changed since you released it in 2004? Is there new appreciation for it?
It changed our lives, but like a lot of things that change your life, you maybe don’t recognize it as having done so until much later. I think it’s our fifth best record. Having said that, the four in front of it are really, really, really good.
Have you found that this album has found a new audience as it ages — especially with the evolution of streaming platforms?
Amazingly, we have found that. There are kids coming to these shows who literally were not alive when we made it.
You’ve had a number of songs featured in mainstream television shows in Canada and America. Can you talk about the feeling you get when you hear something you created involved in another form of media?
I get the feeling that I just made some money. Finally.
Your last release, From Capelton Hill, was released in 2023. Can we expect new music soon and will any of the new songs be played when you hit Asbury Lanes this weekend?
we will be playing some tunes off From Capelton Hill for sure! As for new music, we are starting to think about it. when you’ve been around as long as we have, each next step has to be right.
Stars has been a band since 2000 — what is the secret sauce that has kept the band together for all these years?
Love. Forgiveness. And top notch stand up comedy.
In the same vein – what do you love about being in Stars, right now?
My friends I do it with.
What are five things you are excited about in 2025 for STARS?
- Not living in america
- Amy [Millan]’s solo album.
- My band, Total Fucking Darkness
- Being the first band since the E-Street to play Asbury Park 3 times in a year (I’m not sure if this is factual, but who cares about facts anymore, amirite?)
- Playing Set Yourself on Fire a few more times before moving back in to the present.
