Starnes&Shah

Starnes&Shah is a vocal duo comprised of Zilpha Starnes (keyboards and vocals) and Dania Abu-Shaheen (guitar and vocals). The group was formed in Astoria NY in 2005. Dania (Shah) writes the music and Zilpha (Starnes) sings the harmony. The songs reflect Dania's interest in rock'n'roll, poetry, and storytelling and Zilpha's harmonies add elements of exchange and sometimes tension to make Starnes&Shah what it is: An unlikely pairing of a formally trained choir girl from Dallas, Texas and a self taught Lebanese rabble rouser. Described as psychedelic folk, the music ranges from paired down acoustic ditties to rock anthems complete with choral arrangements and layered guitar effects. As a live act, Starnes&Shah believe that it only gets better with time and experience. They have played shows in Northeastern cities including Burlington, Portland, Boston, Philadelphia, and their current home city, New York. Starnes&Shah released an acoustic EP titled Here Again on the Island (2006) and two full length albums Summer in the Woodshed (2007) and Pink White Blue Green (2009) featuring full band arrangements. Starnes&Shah continue to play regular shows in New England and New York. They are currently in the studio recording their third album, Red Brick Tide, which will be released in the Fall of 2011.