MIKESTARLING.COM
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BACKWATERS BY MIKE STARLING is a suite of six loosely linked guitar-based improvisational ensemble pieces inspired by the natural beauty of the Upper Mississippi River Valley in the Driftless Region of the American Midwest. 
Built on a strong foundation of bass, acoustic, electric and resonator guitars, these earthy, soulful soundscapes are seasoned with a variety of instruments including organ, ocarina, didgeridoo, cuica, bodhran and other drums and percussion. Each track stands alone but the album is designed to be listened to in its full 27-minute length for maximum effect. Headphones recommended! This is the final track list:
  • Slippery Slough
  • Main Channel
  • The Floating World
  • Great River Road
  • Undertow
  • From the Middle Border (Midnight Dub)
HEAR FULL ALBUM
The first BACKWATERS video showcases the photography of John F. Sullivan of Friends of the La Crosse River Marsh, a volunteer nonprofit group whose mission is to preserve, protect and enhance the 1,000-acre urban Wisconsin wetlands and trail system through action, advocacy, and education. 

“Music created by local artists has a way of capturing the essence of our places, spiriting us back to the landscapes that define us," says Chuck Lee, president of the nonprofit group. "This is why Friends of the La Crosse River Marsh is honored that Mike Starling and Momentous Records wanted to partner with us on the release of their new album." 

For a limited time, the album is free to download at Bandcamp. We ask that those who are able consider making a small donation to the Friends of the La Crosse River Marsh to help them preserve our nature trails and wetlands. 
SUPPORT FRIENDS OF THE MARSH
BACKWATERS IN THE NEWS
  • Review: Starling's latest gives life to the beauty of the La Crosse area through collaboration of music and photography (La Crosse Local)
  • Local musician inspired to preserve marshlands (WXOW-TV)
  • New album raising money for marsh (La Crosse Tribune)​
MORE NEWS
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Mike Starling's original music is heard on numerous recordings and soundtracks, and his stories and photos have been featured in books, films, mags and other media.
MORE BACKSTORY
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This is the Backwaters project page on the official website of the writer, artist and musician Mike Starling. Backwaters photo/album cover design by Starling. "The Floating World" video is a joint production of Nine Volt Media and Momentous Records. Music by Starling, photography by John F. Sullivan of the Friends of the La Crosse River Marsh. All album tracks written, performed, recorded and mixed by Starling at Chateau Doré, Milwaukee, Wisconsin USA. Mastered by Brett Huus at Sound Strations Audio, La Crosse, Wisconsin. Music published by Bean Hoy Music (BMI). Website developed and managed by Nine Volt Media. ©MMXX-MMXXIV. All rights reserved.
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  • HOME
  • MUSIC
  • ABOUT
  • CONTACT
  • NEWS
  • PROJECTS
    • Hoodoo Mystery Box
    • Don't Read Between the Lines
    • The Backwaters Album
    • The City at Night
    • The Sons of Distortion
    • Cool Music for a Big Dumb World
    • 50-Cent Millionaire
    • Thunderbird: The Underdubs Vol. 1
    • The Noise Museum
    • Quiescence
    • I Remember Travel