Pretty Little Liars: An Interview with guest musician Anthony Starble

As I was watching "Under the Gun" on Pretty Little Liars a few weeks ago, casually dismissing the insane mistakes Hanna always seems to make, I heard Anthony's voice and was instantly left wanting more. I took to Google to find out who this mystery man was, and was pleased to find that the catchy tune on PLL is called "We Need To Be Loved", by Anthony Starble.

On set of Pretty Little Liars

How did you wind up on PLL?
I'm actually good friends with one of the writers on the show, Lijah Barasz,
and when a part came up for a piano playing singer in The Brew, she submitted my info to the producers.
  
Did you have this song in mind to perform? Or was it chosen beforehand?
I was booked on the show before we decided on the song. The producers wanted something uplifting that was just piano and voice, and I thought of this song because th
e hook can be internalized as both a positive or negative reaction to the idea of needing to be loved, and I think that makes it very relatable. I sent the producers a demo, since the song hadn't been released yet, and they loved it.

What was that day like on set? Did you get to meet any of the PLL cast?
Well I certainly felt like I was living life like a glamorous actor!  They really spoiled me by giving me my own trailer and escorting me to and from set. Filming the scene made me a little nervous, since everyone in the room was watching me sing my song over and over and over again. We had to do a lot of takes for the different camera angles. All in all we probably did somewhere between 15- 20 takes. I got such positive feedback from the actors and the camera crew that my nerves quickly settled. I did get to meet some of the cast and chat with them a little bit between takes.

That's awesome! Who'd you meet?

Anthony and writer of the ep. Lijah Barasz

I got to meet Troian who plays Spencer,  Lucy (Aria), and Shay (Emily). They were all very nice considering they had probably been on set since 5AM. I definitely hit it off with Lucy, since she also has a music career. We chatted a little about the music business. The highlight was probably talking with Shay, who couldn't stop gushing over my song.

Was this your first television appearance?
This was my first big television appearance on a series. Getting the opportunity to sing an original song on a major network show was a dream come true. 

I read you've done some theater in the past, what was your favorite play that you've been in, and who did you play?
I grew up doing musical theater in school and was always involved in regional productions as well. I'd say my favorite show was Spring Awakening. I played the part of Ernst. I love the musical sensibility and raw emotion of that show!

About your music...the piano completely struck me along with the jazzy tones in your voice. It's difficult for me to describe. How would you describe your music?
 I definitely write pretty melodies and catchy hooks, so at its core my music is pop, but I take a lot of influence from neo-soul vocalists and folk songwriters, so I usually describe my music as a hybrid of pop, folk, and soul.

Your lyrics for "We Need To Be Loved" are equally as stunning. What kind of place emotionally do you have to be in when you write, and what is your process like?
 My process usually begins with a musical idea on the piano, which then sparks a lyric idea. Once I have the initial lyric idea, I come up with possible themes that relate to the lyric and base the rest of the song around which theme  I decide to go with. I definitely indulge in a sense of heightened emotionality when I write, letting the feeling of the song kind of take control. It feels like I'm in a another world sometimes.

I can tell, that song has been added to my Summer playlist for sure. The lyrics just ring so true.
So glad you liked the song Lindsay!
 
Are you getting ready to release any new music?
I am. "We Need To Be Loved" will be on an EP set to release this fall.


Top 3 songs on your  personal playlist?
"Elusive" by Lianne LaHavas, stunning singer/songwriter from the UK. "Breathe Me" by Sia, super emotional power ballad, and lastly "Mirrors" by Justin Timberlake, I haven't been able to get that song out of my head for months.


 I could so see you doing a cover of JT- just a suggestion! So if you could collab with any musician, who would it be?
Elton John. He's had an amazing career and I'd love the possibility of collaborating with an iconic piano playing songwriter.

So what's next for you? Where do you  see yourself going?
After the new release of my EP this fall, I'll put a package together and submit to labels. I see myself not only as an artist, but as a heavy-hitting songwriter as well.

I'd say you're well on your way, already having been able to grab massive amounts of attention in under 30 seconds on PLL. I'm looking forward to your EP this fall! 
Thank you so much Lindsay! It's been a pleasure!

Get ready for the release of his EP by following him on Twitter
Follow @AnthonyStarble


By keeping up with Lijah, you just might find out who A is...
Follow @PLLijah
Like Anthony on Facebook! 

Head over to ABC Family to get all the PLL details!