Star Falling Drops New EP Hear “Standby”


The sound of shoegaze continues to reverberate through the music world, with a million underground bands currently channeling the influence of giants like Deftones and Hum. While this wave is undeniably massive, some artists found their footing long before the current boom took hold.

Held is one such project, tracing its roots back to Oakland musician Daniel Phounsavan. Starting as a solo endeavor in 2015, Held began as a deeply personal exploration that laid the groundwork for the sound that would come.

Over the ensuing years, Phounsavan released foundational material, including a 2016 demo and a self-titled EP in 2019, establishing a compelling sonic identity.

After seven years of dedicated evolution and development, the project is now returning to the stage with a brand new record. This latest release signals the continuation of Held’s unique journey, bringing their established sound into the present moment.

The anticipation surrounding the new work has been palpable, with announcements circulating about new material like the track “Standby,” hinting at the fresh direction the band is taking. It is a testament to the enduring power of independent vision—an artist patiently building their world, only to return with something entirely new.

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