On the Line W/ Gold Star
From Label Doubts to Songwriting Triumph
Gold Star, the project of Los Angeles artist Marlon Rabenreither, makes music that resonates with a quiet intensity, weaving threads of personal experience into melancholic melodies. His sound, a blend of introspective folk and Americana tinged with a subtle indie rock sensibility, creates a sonic landscape that feels both intimate and expansive. Gold Star's lyrics, often exploring themes of loss, resilience, and the search for creative fulfillment, are delivered with an honesty that’s been connecting with his fans around the world. His music invites you to reflect on the echoes of life, and we're grateful for his time on the latest installment of "On The Line."
GOOD CALL PRESENTS: "ON THE LINE" w/ Gold Star
Hometown/currently based?
Los Angeles. Currently Echo Park. I grew up here.
Who was the person that got you into music? Are you still in touch with them?
My parents were musicians and growing up there was always guitars around the house. My dad still sings great high harmonies, I recently had him sing on a track.
Oh that’s awesome! What song did he sing on?
My dad sang on “With You”.
What's been the biggest non-music inspiration for you lately?
Definitely literature. Some recent ones that stuck with me are Lazarus Man by Richard Price, Joe Hustle by Richard Lange, Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver and All Fours by Miranda July.
On your song Fentanyl (video below), we want to acknowledge the strength it takes to speak about your experience with an overdose. Your story offers hope and maybe some inspiration to many people. How did that experience shape your perspective on life and your music? What advice would you give to others who are struggling?
The song “Fentanyl” isn’t necessarily about my experiences, though I do relate to the subject matter. The song was loosely written about a man named Chuck. OD’ing for me definitely shaped my perspective on life and music but these kind of things are very rarely linear narratives. More often than not there is no poetry or insight, no sage advice, no beauty. Real life is just too real, or too sad-in many ways it’s the job of art to make sense of it and to hone in on what is consequential or transcendent.
As far as advice goes; I think it’s important to remember that addiction tends towards unglamorous, repetitive, and uncreative in addition to the more notorious drawbacks and pratfalls.
Man...real shit. Well said. Thank you, Marlon!
“You Were On The Outside, I was looking in, came up at a bad time, lost another friend, and we did what we were were bound to do, and in the End, we were born to lose”
What do you think is the biggest challenge that artists face?
I want to say something poetic or insightful here but, realistically I think the biggest challenge that my peers in creative fields face tend to be financial obstacles.
Is there anyone you'd like to collaborate with? Other artists to appear on a song or even a visual artist for an album cover or merch?
I have been really into Lisa O’Neill the Irish singer songwriter. Also painters Henry Taylor and Danny Fox.
How would you define success?
Creative Fulfillment.
What's been the best thing that's happened since you started releasing music?
Touring with Mazzy Star and Lucinda Williams were definitely highlights for me, we did a run with Orville Peck this summer which was a blast.
Have you had a "it happened for a reason" moment in the recent past? Something you weren't happy about at the time but turned out to be a good thing?
I think I was really depressed about not finding a label partner to work with on some releases but in a way it gave me the time and desire to really dig into my songwriting and ultimately helped me grow as an artist.
What platforms have been the most helpful with getting your music heard? Bandcamp, YouTube, IG etc.
I am a big fan of local radio, and of discovery that happens at live shows.
Can you share one of your lyrics from your songs that sums up your state of mind RN / feels representative of you?
“I’m still learning how to shoot the moon”
Follow Gold Star at gold_star_music | goldstarlovesyou.com
