What are you listening to these days?

I listen to most all types of music, but I would have to say Classic Rock from the years of 1967-1978. It’s also the biggest influence on my style of playing. Other big influences are the old and new Traditionalist Country, Blues, and Rockabilly. I really like the moving bass lines in those types of music. It kind of stands out and lets the people know that the bass player can actually do something. Every now and then you gotta throw in some funk, too.

How are things going with your new project Soulgrass?

Things are going very well. We’ve played some great shows and are working on the CD at the same time. Hopefully, there will be a Soulgrass CD out by the end of summer or early fall. We’re going to try to book several shows for this summer so we can work on getting the word out about Soulgrass. For those who haven’t heard any of our stuff yet; it’s a big change from what we were doing with Southern Thunder. But it’s a good change. It’s not something you would normally hear around here.

If you could get a sponsorship deal; who would be your first choice?

I would have to say Fender. I’ve been playing Fender p-basses since I was 13 or 14 and I love everything about them. They have a great feel, as well as great tone. It’s funny that I should say that now. I used to really like anything I could get a real good Metal tone on. But, the more I’ve listened to Classic Rock and Country, the more I like that good p-bass tone. I like the Danelectro basses too thanks to Mr. Anthony Kenney (of the Kentucky Headhunters). I wanted one for a while, but had never tried one and he sold me one and I’ve loved it since. It’s a great bass for getting those classic tones.

Tell us about your latest encounter with a woodland creature…

I was out on the farm and just happened to come across a Bobcat a couple of weeks ago. Wild animals are always coming around my place, so you never know what you might see. There’s always deer and turkey in my backyard.

Furthest you’ve ever played from home?

That would have to be Clarksville, TN. back in 2008. I played there with my previous band Southern Thunder. It was at a little bar called Choppers Roadhouse. Great little bar to do a show in. We played up there with Slander and Toxic Pistols. We also got to meet VH1’s Rock of Love 2’s Destiny Moore that night. Other than that, probably Nashville, TN.; we got to go play a show at the Music City Bar and Grill one night and had a blast the whole time. Great venue and the people there were great, as well.

Back when your mom used to buy popsicles; what color went first?

Always red – they never would last long at all. Red has always been one of my favorite colors, too. Then after all the red were gone; I would take out the blues next.

You’ve got 5 minutes with Elvis; what one question would you ask him?

I would have a million questions running through my head. However, I guess if I could only ask 1; I would ask if I could jam a song out with him for the next 4 minutes. To me, that would be a lot cooler saying I jammed with him instead just asking him a question.

Starrchives additions for June: Home Cookin’ audio – 1st hour of 1st Home Cookin’ with Tommy Starr 2/24/02; From the Vault: Lee Harvey: “Sarah’s Song” recorded live at the Lightnin’ Bug Festival 2003

Tommy Starr is the host of Home Cookin’ with Tommy Starr which airs every Sunday night at 7pm on D-93. Visit him at www.myspace.com/emaheevul

Upcoming guests on Home Cookin’ with Tommy Starr include:  the Sanders/Fields Project, Sugarfoot, The Foretolds, Gravel Switch, Jaggid X, and The Lost River Cavemen.

Check out Tommy Starr on Myspace at www.myspace.com/emaheevul and on Facebook.

Blastin’ Fast and Loud with Tommy Starr – every Saturday night at 9pm; Home Cookin’ with Tommy Starr – every Sunday night at 7pm both on Bowling Green’s Classic Rock D-93 (93.3)