Starley Says Studying Mariah Carey Songs Turned Her Into a Songwriter: FM First Interview

Starley's soulful and uplifting "Call on Me" sounds like it was recorded by an artist with years of experience and confidence, but the fact remains its still the Australian singer's breakout single. Our latest FM First artist shared how early memories of Mariah CareyDestiny's Child and Phil Collins all influenced her songwriting and helped mold her into the artist she is today:

"My earliest memory was I was obsessed with Mariah Carey. It was her, then Destiny's Child. But Mariah is still my all-time favorite artist, ever. I learned to song write through listening and breaking down Mariah and Phil Collins' writing styles. I would break down those types of songs and try to learn how they piece it together—figure out, 'How does that make it so catchy?' or 'How does that make it so melodic and make me keep wanting to listen?' 

"Someone told me if you want to be a writer, you need to do it every day for at least an hour. I was 14 when I got that advice so after school, I'd close my bedroom door and be writing every day."