Our Story
Parallel paths led to a destiny that created their debut album, "Hit the Air". In a small cabin trailer in the middle of winter 2019 - 2020, Andi Starr and James Roberts joined forces to become Gen X Elevation. Skill, talent, and experience made a formidable team of these two seasoned musicians who had already accomplished several records of their own, and to their revelation, discovered an intangible harmony of their two artist souls colliding. A deep intimacy formed resulting in a unique and undeniable fusion that led them to the truth that there is no practical formula behind the chemistry of artists - it either exists or it does not. ​
About Andi: Starr is a traveler of the inner world. Often compared to Tori Amos, Aimee Mann, or the Cranberries, Starr's gift is turning difficult subject matter into heartfelt, sometimes haunting, but always beautiful compositions. A review in Culturespill Magazine states: "Andi Starr hits the right notes: the notes that hurt, the notes that know you, the notes that make you meet yourself."​As a multi-instrument, singer-songwriter and producer, Starr first started performing in her hometown of Portland, Oregon, where she worked with indie producer Larry Crane (Slater Kinney, Cat Power, Elliott Smith), and played sold-out shows at some of the premier venues, including Mississippi Studios and the legendary Crystal Ballroom. But it wasn’t always easy. Starr battled intense, debilitating stage fright in her early years. Troubled by this and haunted by overwhelming nighttime dreams, she turned to psychology (particularly the work of Carl Jung) to understand her dreams and overcome her fear, which also, in turn, deepened her songwriting. Starr has received much radio attention for her work, including Sirius XM (Coffee House Station 33), KINK (101.9 FM) in Portland, Oregon, and KMTT (103.7 FM, The Mountain) in Seattle, Washington; has had songs featured in television and film; and has played over one hundred shows (including the prestigious venue Crystal Ballroom). Her song “American Doll (Live at Reed College)” was aired over the opening credits in Espisode 12, Season 2, of the television show “Charmed,” as released on the DVD version.
About James: Roberts picked up a guitar at age 14 to play in his high school jazz band. He became fascinated with the new movement of music that was coming out in the 80's from UK and America. He credits Police Guitarist Andy Summers for first picking up a guitar. After high school he played in different bands, floundered around and found himself collaborating with his younger brother and close friend Sam on songs in their parent's basement, until one day they found themselves in Granny's Recording Studio in Reno, Nevada. Their songs reawakened the insatiable music dream that lived inside them. Not but months later, all three fled Tahoe to Los Angeles with dreams in their pockets. Roberts found his pathway in LA as a singer songwriter performing, producing, and making records with his band, Crash Poetry. Formed in the early 90's with his brother Joseph and his hometown friend Sam Matthews, the band completed itself with Canadian drummer David Jordan. They recorded two full length records, along with a series of four song releases in LA Studios: The Record Plant, Grandmaster Recorders, and Signet Sound. They also worked with Andrew Bush, owner and Producer of Grandma's Warehouse. The band collaborated with many talented, skilled and accomplished recording engineers, including Tim Palmer (Robert Plant, The Cure, Pearl Jam, U2), and South African Sound engineer, Nick Els. Independent budget restraints often led James to mix many of Crash Poetry records, which resulted in the development of a skill that greatly benefitted Gen X Elevation and the making of 'Hit the Air'. James learned and became adept at working within and pushing the boundaries of budget recording gear throughout his journey as an independent artist.
Recording in the confines of a cabin studio, the pendulum swings from hours of creative euphoria, while pushing limitations of an outmoded recording system in an unyielding commitment to create and release records that stretch their way to the standard of a modern release. Obstacles from the world inside them are overcome through co-writing with gut wrenching heart, sheer grit, and determination to make authentic music.