- Words Notion Staff
Crystal Starr is redefining pop with her '80s-infused anthem 'DANNY' and a fearless DIY ethos. We talk independence, evolution, and the joy behind her music.
Crystal Starr is crafting a movement. With her latest single, ‘DANNY’, the Los Angeles-based artist delivers a neon-drenched, ’80s-inspired anthem that pulses with energy and attitude. But this track is more than just a throwback; it’s a statement of her independence. Inspired by a friend’s complicated love story, she channels raw emotion into an irresistible hook, “Danny, do you want me, do you want me, tell me what you want”, set against funk-driven guitar licks and shimmering synths.
What sets Crystal apart isn’t just her powerhouse vocals or her ability to write infectious melodies; it’s her unwavering commitment to doing things her way. The ‘DANNY’ music video, like much of her career, is a DIY triumph. When budgets fall through, she doesn’t accept no for an answer. What started as a workaround for an old music video turned into a creative ethos: if she can dream it, she can make it happen. With nothing but family, vision, and hustle, she took on nearly every role – producing, directing, styling, and performing – proving that your creativity thrives when you don’t take no for an answer.
With over 20 years in the business, Crystal has built a career free from external pressures, allowing her sound to evolve authentically. Whether crafting songs in home studios with close collaborators or leading her own one-woman record label, she finds balance by keeping God, family, and music at the core of everything she does. More than anything, she wants her music to spark joy, inviting listeners to dance, feel, and embrace the moment.
In this interview, Crystal Starr opens up about her creative process, her DIY journey, and why ‘DANNY’ is the beginning of a new chapter.
You’ve just released your latest single ‘Danny’. Can you tell us where the inspiration for the track came from?
‘DANNY’ was inspired by a situation one of my friends was going through.
Your creative process is very DIY. Where did this approach come from and what does it look like? How do you think this creative process impacts the work you produce?
I didn’t have a choice. When you do things independently, there’s usually little to no budget. I’m the type of person who never takes no for an answer. If someone says, “I can’t do it,” I’ll do it. This approach came from not having a budget for a video for my single ‘TOO LATE’. The budget fell through, so I asked a friend to film with me instead.
We’re loving ‘Part-Time Lover’ in the NOTION office! Can you tell us a story from the making process of the track?
Thank you so much. I’m blessed to be able to work with such amazing producers and friends. My friend Danny understood my style and we wrote and recorded it at his home studios.
Do you remember the moment you fell in love with music?
At the age of three, I knew music was for me. I remember lying in my parents’ bed and seeing an orchestra on TV. I remember my mum screaming when she walked in and saw me mimic the conductor on TV. I didn’t know what I was doing, but I felt so connected to music at such a young age. I guess music chose me.
Where do you draw inspiration and influence from?
God, friends and family.
The music video for ‘DANNY’ is self-made. What was the most rewarding part of that process?
The most rewarding part was seeing the edit and witnessing what we created. I never know what we have until I’m able to piece it all together. Watching the BTS from the day and seeing everyone happy was rewarding too. I like to create moments on set. Life is so short that if we aren’t enjoying the moment, then what are we even doing?
How do you feel like your work and sound has evolved over the years?
I’m so proud that I was able to grow musically free of anyone else’s opinion. It allowed me to make mistakes and learn from them in an environment that was free of toxic pressure. It lead me to where I am now, and for that I am happy. I’m really comfortable where I am now artistically.
You lead a very busy life and run your own one-woman record label. How do you find balance in your work and keep creative?
I try to balance my life as follows: God, family and music. When I follow that path, it always leads to joy. But when the path is different, I notice my habits and passions change. It keeps me balanced and in check.
What do you hope people take away from your music?
Joy. I hope everyone listens and dances around their living room free of judgment when they hear my music. That’s my only wish.
What’s next for Crystal Starr?
More music, more videos and more touring. I really want to tour soon, so I’m hoping that will be next.