Ottawa-Based First of the Last Stars Fuse the Dreamy with the Powerfully Raw on “Wrong Star”
There are so many possible paths in life that it can be hard to know for sure if we’re getting it right. Ottawa-based alt-rockers First of the Last Stars address this fear of regret in their dreamy, introspective new single “Wrong Star” from their All I Ever Wanted EP – available now.
A mix of gossamer dream-pop and soaring pop-punk elements, “Wrong Star” guides us through a universe of inward reflection:
Of all of the ghosts that have haunted me I miss yours the most
So lost beside you, I can’t feel when you’re close
too cold to hold, one’s silver one’s bone
this one is ashes, the other’s lost control
Meanwhile, the corresponding music video pulls us through these dark infinity scenes of star-filled nights juxtaposed with snow-covered landscapes. The visuals complement the song nicely, Gareth’s ethereal instrumentation offset by singer Ophelie’s strong, passionate, and sometimes raw vocals.
As much as the song is about uncertainty, it’s also about keeping sight of our priorities. “This song is about the fear of regret as we face many paths throughout our lives,” the band mused. “Things can tear us apart from what’s most important if we let them. Our time is finite. One day, we’ll look back on our lives and wonder if we ‘wished on the wrong star.’”
However, the song is ultimately open to interpretation.
“Our writing process is quite fluid,” they said. “Each song comes about in a different way. We mean our lyrics to be interpreted by the listener in a way they can relate to personally. We take a lot of time to write each of our songs. We try to serve the song, always.”
First of the Last Stars are an alternative rock duo – Gareth and Ophelie – formed in 2019 in Ottawa. They combine elements of post-punk, shoegaze, and dream pop as their influences. Born out of lockdowns and the loss of loved ones, they were inspired to find their post-grunge sound, to follow a dream, and ultimately free themselves.
First of the Last Stars previously released their debut single “Never Alone,” a slow burner that sparks into a fire. Their second single “Unfamiliar” showcased their more upbeat side with a slight tinge of their signature melancholy, proving that their All I Ever Wanted EP was guaranteed to be captivating.
Care to introduce yourself?
Hi! We’re Gareth and Ophelie, the two halves of First of the Last Stars. We are an Ottawa-based alternative band influenced by bands who push boundaries like the Velvet Underground, Jane’s Addiction, Joy Division, Radiohead, and The Smile. Gareth is a transplanted Western Canadian and Ophelie is from Montréal.
Tell us about the process of recording “Wrong Star”?
It was one of the first songs we wrote together. We discarded it while we were putting our EP together since our sound had evolved and it no longer felt like us. But a quick revisit revealed what is probably our strongest song on this EP – it’s full of emotion that swells and rises. It was the easiest of our tracks to record, and it took the least amount of recording time…only two takes.
What’s it like being a musician in Ottawa?
It’s really great. There’s a tremendous amount of support out there from fellow musicians and bands. It really surprised us. People just want to get out there and experience some positive energy and play live together. We’ve received several offers for shows now – we’re rehearsing and getting a full band together and can’t wait to get out there and play with other bands.
Who was the first and most recent Canadian artist to blow you away?
There have been and are so many great Canadian artists, so it’s hard to choose. The smalls, out of Alberta, were a major influence. Their no-rules approach to punk/metal and their DIY spirit were fundamental to our approach to songwriting. Lately, we’ve been enjoying Alvvays – catchy melodies and we love their attitude.
You’ve been making music for a bit of time now, what’s one piece of advice you can offer to those starting out?
Get your music out into the world. Even if just one person hears it, you can have an impact on them. So focus on and enjoy the process, not the results. But make sure the music is fully developed, to its maximum potential. With any form of art, it can be hard to let go. But being able to let go of an idea and try different things are key. So rework your music. You might be surprised where it takes you. If it doesn’t feel finished, it isn’t. You’ll know when it is. Slow and steady.
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