I’m going to change it up a little bit here. Cleveland has a really hot local music scene, which I’ve been indulging in a little more recently, so I figured I would give some of them a shout out.
The first act is a little out of my wheelhouse in terms of musical style (remember, my absolute favorite band of all time is Queen), but I’ve been open to new genres recently. Maybe the universe knew this when it put me in contact with 5tar, a.k.a. Phillip McCombs.
McCombs is a native to the Cleveland area, having grown up in Macedonia. After graduating from Nordonia High School, he tested out the college path but was drawn more towards music, and the business of creating it. He’s been working on creating for the past few years and is growing his own recording studio in his home town.
When I asked about his goals, he said that he wants to create music that is recognized and enjoyed by the masses– because what artist doesn’t? But he also has plans to be a bit of a globe trotter, with luxury residences on both coasts as well as locally. He’s also big on family, looking forward to starting one of his own once he settles down with the right girl.
The music and goals all grew out of much free time spent in the Nordonia Hills library, a sanctuary for the artist known as 5tar. Hours spent with books regarding business and finance and his musical influences have shaped him into the artist he today and continue to drive him towards the person he hopes one day to become. Influences include Drake, whose background is familiar to McCombs and whose path to stardom is something that McCombs believes is replicable for many burgeoning artists; Chance the Rapper, whose identity as a Christian is aspirational for McCombs who also strives to follow the path of Christ; and Childish Gambino, representing a multi-faceted artist who can act as well as rap and be both cool and nerdy while doing it.
So what is he up to now? The next big show is Beautiful Soulz Fest coming up on October 4th in Parma. If you’re looking to support a plethora of local artists, this may be a good chance to do it. You can also listen to more of 5tar’s music here.
Write Up Review 