Madame Starlet & The Stars Do It All

On Saturday April 4th, I had the pleasure of attending a wonderful lineup at Cubby Bear which included Madame Starlet and the Stars. I came intrigued, though I left a fan. Her and her band have opened at this venue before, but now they are the headliners! Their progress and growth shows evidently throughout this performance.

Madame Starlet at Cubby Bear, Courtesy of Israel Melendez (@izzzyymel on Instagram)

The lights on stage accentuated the beautiful silhouette of Madame as well as illuminating her electrifying bandmates. Accompanied by a drummer (Kari), guitarist (Delaney), and bassist (Bobby), they had an ultimate command and control over the audience that was magnetic and defined stardom. I felt as if I was watching a movie where characters finally step into their full potential and dominate. That’s what this ensemble does— dominate. They were amazing and set a true definition for what greatness is amongst bands as such.

The set opened with Madame & the Stars performing a few cover songs that fit her sound. It can give a late 90s type of composition with long, flowy, melodic notes and tons of passion to exemplify the pain and triumph presented. Her bassist created an energy within the room that kept the tunes steady and moving. Her drummer was able to impact every note sang and accentuate her already proven talents, while her guitarist had fun entertaining the crowd with his wit and intriguing guitar tricks. At one point, he played the guitar behind his back. He also played a SpongeBob tune during the set which entertained the whole crowd, while drawing everyone in even more.

Guitarist Delaney at Cubby Bear, Courtesy of Israel Melendez (@izzzyymel on Instagram)

The crowd was filled with not only fans and friends, but also with her family who supports her in her journey through stardom. They cheer her on energetically, excitedly hugging each other in the crowd when she makes a big move, recording her on large cameras that are heavy to hold, but worth it because a friend gets to be seen. You can tell she not only has fans, but true supporters on her side.

With fur tails around her hips and a fur coat encasing her bodice, she swayed on stage with grace and force, entrancing the audience. Madame Starlet puts a spell on you, she grabs your attention— she does it all! She glides like water through her set with purpose and audacity.

After the show, I got the chance to sit down and speak with Startlet and a few of her bandmates about their feelings regarding the show, as well as their personal growth as artists.

Madame Starlet at Cubby Bear, Courtesy of Israel Melendez (@izzzyymel on Instagram)

Though her stage presence is infectious and iridescent, she has her own personality and life offstage that compliments her alter ego. “They see something in me.” Madame spoke about the ultimate support she’s received from her family through her life as her grandparents from both her mother and father’s side of the family were in attendance, dancing and celebrating in the crowd.

Behind the scenes, she is humble, shy, and seemingly opposite from her seductive stage presence. Though the effort and care always shows through, the Madame I began to know after the set was humble, a pillar in her community, known by many names and loved deeply by many hearts. Her electrifying stage manners transfer offstage as genuine care and affection towards those that surround and love her.

Drummer Kari at Cubby Bear, Courtesy of Izzy Melendez (@izzzyymel on Instagram)

Her drummer, Kari, also spoke with me about his own personal style as well as growing into the artist he sees himself as already. The balance between how you present and how you are seems to be a theme for the band whether they’ve mastered it, or are just exploring what could be. The bassist, Bobby also had a fun-loving personality that perfectly complimented his playful nature on stage. The guitarist was cool, calm, and collected always keeping pace in rooms and being a stabilizing force where present. They all seem to be exploring parts of themselves through their sound, with each member having their own personal style as well as an overarching style achieved together.

Madame Starlet & The Stars at Cubby Bear, Courtesy of Izzy Melendez (@izzzyymel on Instagram)

I am thoroughly impressed and delighted to say I attended my first Madame Starlet & the Stars show, with many, many, many more to come.

All photos credited to Izzy Melendez or @izzzyymel on Instagram!