Following on from the release of their earlier singles ‘Chained To You‘ and ‘Turn The Tide‘ late in 2024, Star Circus release ‘One Hit Wonder’ on 11th April. This uptempo rocker packs a real punch with riffs and hooks galore, a showcase for new album From The Wreckage that will be out this summer from Renaissance Records.
Singer Dave Winkler commented: “With everything happening on the news recently, you would be forgiven for thinking the lyrics to ‘One Hit Wonder’ are about any of the world’s most toxic and slimy politicians, or narcissistic celebrities who have been caught abusing their power. I think the aggressively sarcastic tone is relatable that way. In reality, it’s about someone I worked with in the music industry a few years ago.
“’One Hit Wonder’tells a story from the perspective of a hired gun who has been used and discarded. The song delves into themes of exploitation and manipulation from an ego-driven individual, hiding behind a saintly, heroic persona, a man of the people mask. It’s sad, people turn to musicians, rock stars, popular culture figureheads as an alternative to the political figures who we find dishonest and often unrelatable. I still think there are beautiful artists out there making a difference, but the a**hole this song is about isn’t one of them.”
Star Circus is a London-based rock band led by Dave Winkler and Sophie Aurelia Young, influenced by classic rock artists including Queen, Thin Lizzy, Cheap Trick, Def Leppard and Alice Cooper.
The band was formed in 2019 by frontman Winkler, whose songwriting caught the attention of radio legend Tony Wilson. The pair worked together on creating the debut album Separate Sides which Tony produced, and was released in December 2022 to an overwhelmingly positive critical response.
Following the album release and several UK tours supporting a host of international acts, the Star Circus lineup has now become a collaborative band-project, with other musicians contributing to the songwriting. As well as the added influences of other songwriters, the new album also features various accomplished guest guitarists including Tom Draper (ex-Carcass, Spirit Adrift) and Ritchie Mohicano (Dobermann), and the notable addition of Sophie’s vocals (including lead vocals on ‘Masquerade’).
The band also landed a global distribution deal with the Arizona-based record label Renaissance Records. Their sophomore album From The Wreckage is due for release in summer 2025, and will be available on all the popular streaming and download platforms, on CD and vinyl.
STAR CIRCUS LIVE SHOWS
24/05/2025 – Chesham Fringe Festival, Generals Arms Chesham
25/05/2025 – Breaking Bands Festival, Bromsgrove
03/10/2025 – Cornwall Rocks Festival, Tencreek Holiday Park
14/11/2025 – Rockmantic Weekender, Yardbirds Grimsby
