THE BAND STORY
Est 2009. Starboarders hope the music makes life better. Even if just for a moment. Without anyone listening, this is all kind of pointless. So, welcome to our story.
Matt and Bill met in 2006. Over the course of several years Matt and Bill formed a bond musically and began pursuing music together. Working with several other local musicians, they gained some ground and saw the project begin to take shape. They officially became Starboarders in 2009. What had begun as a simple gathering of a few guys with a common desire to make music had become something much more. Starboarders have been together playing for fun since 2009. Bill (drums, percussion, vocals) and Matt (vocals, guitars, keys, production) initially. Over the course of 9 years got to tour, see the country, play with amazing musicians and excite crowds all over. In 2018 they met Scott (bass, vocals) and the band went to a completely new level. Now it's time.
Although the STARBOARDERS lineup is subject to change based on availability, the group collective remains in tact. The STARBOARDERS over the years are:
Matt Simpkins (Vocals, guitars, keys, production)
Bill Porter (Drums, vocals, percussion)
Scott Zimmerman (Bass, vocals)
STARBOARDERS COLLECTIVE:
Greg LaRose (bass)
Matt Yeager (Bass)
Cory Estes (Guitars)
Jared Dutton (Bass)
Dan Snyder (Keys/Piano/Samples)
Julie Belanger Roy (Violas)
Chris Mitchell (Bass)
Shep Martin (Drums)
Matt and Bill met in 2006. Over the course of several years Matt and Bill formed a bond musically and began pursuing music together. Working with several other local musicians, they gained some ground and saw the project begin to take shape. They officially became Starboarders in 2009. What had begun as a simple gathering of a few guys with a common desire to make music had become something much more. Starboarders have been together playing for fun since 2009. Bill (drums, percussion, vocals) and Matt (vocals, guitars, keys, production) initially. Over the course of 9 years got to tour, see the country, play with amazing musicians and excite crowds all over. In 2018 they met Scott (bass, vocals) and the band went to a completely new level. Now it's time.
Although the STARBOARDERS lineup is subject to change based on availability, the group collective remains in tact. The STARBOARDERS over the years are:
Matt Simpkins (Vocals, guitars, keys, production)
Bill Porter (Drums, vocals, percussion)
Scott Zimmerman (Bass, vocals)
STARBOARDERS COLLECTIVE:
Greg LaRose (bass)
Matt Yeager (Bass)
Cory Estes (Guitars)
Jared Dutton (Bass)
Dan Snyder (Keys/Piano/Samples)
Julie Belanger Roy (Violas)
Chris Mitchell (Bass)
Shep Martin (Drums)
WHY "STARBOARDERS"?
We are STARBOARDERS. And so are you. We chose our name because it refers to the right side of the viking ship where the rudder was placed to steer the ship, and we are about turning the ship. Changing the world is going to be a big task, and it takes a while to turn. Like a big ship, it will take a while and a lot of effort, but we have to be about turning this ship around – changing the world. So we are going to start with you, turning to the right, the better, the more abundant. We are ready to share, to serve and to be the change we want to see in the world. Each song bears a word of hope. Each of you can spread that hope, and we can change the world.
MATT'S BIO
Matt's been a musician that's always lived out his life through his music. Often times, "...the songs write themselves", he says, "and I am not really sure what they're about until they're completely finished and go back and listen to them."
Matt's blood has always been the color of music. At a very early age he was in choirs and was also taught organ at age 8. Driving in the car he would often sing along with the Motown music his mom listened to, along with the Beatles and Michael Jackson, After seeing Michael on the Victory Tour as a young child, Matt knew that's what made him tick. Performing, writing, singing and engaging people through music grew in him and before he knew it he was addicted. Always singing and humming some sort of tune, his parents and friends encouraged him to take up more instruments.
Matt got his first guitar around the age of 13 after seeing U2's Rattle and Hum. He learned to play mostly by ear, attempting to imitate the musicians he listened to everyday. From early influences and even up to today, Matt is always listening to new music and learning from all the amazing musicians in the world.
Longtime a lover of vinyl, Matt is often found playing old records with the hi-fi on max. Matt has been privileged to share the stage with many great artists and musicians. Now, he takes to the stage leading a group of handpicked musicians who, as he says, "bring the songs to life."
Matt plays Fender, Gibson and Duesenberg Guitars, Fender amps, and uses pedals by VooDoo Labs, J Rockett Design, Strymon, TC Helicon, Line 6 and Dunlop Picks.
Matt's blood has always been the color of music. At a very early age he was in choirs and was also taught organ at age 8. Driving in the car he would often sing along with the Motown music his mom listened to, along with the Beatles and Michael Jackson, After seeing Michael on the Victory Tour as a young child, Matt knew that's what made him tick. Performing, writing, singing and engaging people through music grew in him and before he knew it he was addicted. Always singing and humming some sort of tune, his parents and friends encouraged him to take up more instruments.
Matt got his first guitar around the age of 13 after seeing U2's Rattle and Hum. He learned to play mostly by ear, attempting to imitate the musicians he listened to everyday. From early influences and even up to today, Matt is always listening to new music and learning from all the amazing musicians in the world.
Longtime a lover of vinyl, Matt is often found playing old records with the hi-fi on max. Matt has been privileged to share the stage with many great artists and musicians. Now, he takes to the stage leading a group of handpicked musicians who, as he says, "bring the songs to life."
Matt plays Fender, Gibson and Duesenberg Guitars, Fender amps, and uses pedals by VooDoo Labs, J Rockett Design, Strymon, TC Helicon, Line 6 and Dunlop Picks.
BILL'S BIO
Bill has had a heart for music his entire life. As early as 5 years old, Bill began picking music out by ear on a piano, and this was the start to his love for music. From there, he dove head first into music by taking lessons, singing in choirs, playing in bands, and teaching lessons. On Bill’s family vacations as a kid, the go-to music was Reba McEntire, Garth Brooks, and Michael Jackson. His first concert was Toby Keith and Reba. He fell in love with all of the lights, sound, and production and knew that this would someday be his life.
Bill’s first drum set in 7th grade was a used, Jet Black, 5-piece Pearl Export. His room quickly became a music studio, and every song he heard became his practice track. Bill would spend hours in his room every day learning different styles from Country to Jazz to Rock n’ Roll. In college Bill played for the Pride of the Southland marching band at the University of Tennessee. Today, Bill’s biggest inspiration is William Champion from Coldplay because he also sings while he plays. Thanks to choir throughout Bill’s life, and being part of a musical family, he also plays guitar, bass, marimba, harmonica and sings.
Bill plays Gretsch and Pearl drums, and uses Sabian and Zildjian cymbals. On his drums, he uses Evans drum heads and loves his 16” Sabian high-hats.
Bill’s first drum set in 7th grade was a used, Jet Black, 5-piece Pearl Export. His room quickly became a music studio, and every song he heard became his practice track. Bill would spend hours in his room every day learning different styles from Country to Jazz to Rock n’ Roll. In college Bill played for the Pride of the Southland marching band at the University of Tennessee. Today, Bill’s biggest inspiration is William Champion from Coldplay because he also sings while he plays. Thanks to choir throughout Bill’s life, and being part of a musical family, he also plays guitar, bass, marimba, harmonica and sings.
Bill plays Gretsch and Pearl drums, and uses Sabian and Zildjian cymbals. On his drums, he uses Evans drum heads and loves his 16” Sabian high-hats.
SCOTT'S BIO
Scott was born into a musical family, and started playing music at a young age, taking clarinet lessons when he was 9-10. He started playing bass in high school, to be able to make music with his friends who played the guitar. His first bass was a Peavey Milestone 3 which he bought before his senior year of high school. He started to experiment with his tone and playing styles through college and began playing in groups after graduation, mainly in praise bands at his various churches.
Scott has drawn from several artists such as Flea, Geddy Lee, Victor Wooten, and John Entwistle, to help shape his playing style.
Scott plays primarily two basses: a Soundgear SR500 with RotoSound 77 Monel Flatwound strings with Bartolini MK1 active pickups and a Fender American Elite Jazz Bass with D’Addario NYXL Nickel wound strings with Fender J Bass single coil noiseless pickups. He plays through an Ampeg BA115 amp, and he uses a simple pedalboard which has a Darkglass Hyperluminal compressor, a Darkglass Microtubes X preamp/drive, and a Boss TU3 tuner.
Scott has drawn from several artists such as Flea, Geddy Lee, Victor Wooten, and John Entwistle, to help shape his playing style.
Scott plays primarily two basses: a Soundgear SR500 with RotoSound 77 Monel Flatwound strings with Bartolini MK1 active pickups and a Fender American Elite Jazz Bass with D’Addario NYXL Nickel wound strings with Fender J Bass single coil noiseless pickups. He plays through an Ampeg BA115 amp, and he uses a simple pedalboard which has a Darkglass Hyperluminal compressor, a Darkglass Microtubes X preamp/drive, and a Boss TU3 tuner.
