Kinnie Starr hails from Vancouver, British Columbia. She earned a degree in… Read Full Bio ↴Kinnie Starr hails from Vancouver, British Columbia. She earned a degree in women's studies and fine arts at Queen's University in Kingston. She has since used this, along with her feminist viewpoint, as a background theme in her music. At a women's music festival, Kinnie took a few minutes to get the attention of everyone. She said, "I don't know if people are into it or not, but I notice women seem to say 'I'm sorry' a lot. So I was wondering if you'd all be into saying 'I'm not sorry' like, let's say it 10 times." The audience obliged her.

In 1996, she released her first album, Tidy. It was received very well for an indepenent artist, and received critical acclaim from some reviewers for women's magazines, such as Inga Muscio for Wig Magazine. "Kinnie is going to be a huge star. Because she is so emotionally real, vulnerable, articulate, talented, and loving--things many people fear greatly in themselves, and thus, look for in others--people are going to glorify her in an insanely unrealistic way. "

She was soon after courted by Mercury Records, and signed a deal. She proceeded to tour for two years promoting Tidy, mainly in Canada, but also in the United States and Europe, with her band, handsome boyz 3. Her shows definitely got peoples' attention. She is very spontaneous, often chatting and joking with the crowd, and encouraging them to participate. Her early shows became known after she had audience members jumping up on stage and talking about their sex lives for a free t-shirt.

She also prefers to walk around the audience when possible, instead of being on stage, having been described as a caged animal when stuck up there. "I will devise a way of playing guitar in the crowd," she once said.

During her touring, she worked in five shows for the 1997 Lilith Fair. The next year, her touring took the form of the Scrappy Bitch Tour, done with Veda Hill and Oh Susanna.

Finally, she started to work on her second album. She finished the album during a time of internal shake-ups and changes in her label. Mercury records became Island/Def Jam Records, but there was still no sign of them publishing her album. In the meantime, she opened two Canadian shows for Alanis Morissette.

In 2000, she grew tired of the situation, and asked them to let her go. They did just that, but refused her the rights to her new album, Mending, instead keeping it for themseves. She proceeded to head back to Violet Inch, and recorded a third album, Tune-Up, which released in 2000, and a fourth, Sun Again, released in 2003.

Her sound has been described as a merging of rock, hip-hop, r&b, pop, and alternative. Kinnie has given it the name "Chunkhop". The songs are full of spoken word and rhyme, with with some strong bass tracks, more so in Tune-Up than in Tidy.

She's not all that excited about being a "personality", due to people knowing her music. "The state of music is very odd to me right now because it's all about the cult of personality. I try to be casual, but that becomes a look. No matter what choice you make, it's seen as cultivated."

Summer Day
Kinnie Starr Lyrics

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I want a summer day that's like summer was
Bonfires and barbeques and hanging with cousins
Sun up and sun down every day got its something
Got no regrets cuz we're just so full of something
I want a long hot day so tell me
Yea tell me
Yea tell me
It's coming my way

Oh oh oh oh HEY
Oh oh oh oh HEY
Oh oh oh oh OH
Oh oh oh oh HEY
Oh oh oh oh HEY
Oh oh oh oh OH

I want a day when cell phones get thrown away
Yea conversation it can last a whole day
We got a phone but it's just barely working
Let's get outside in the sun and do something
On a long hot day
So tell me
Yea tell me
Yea tell me
It's coming my way

Oh oh oh oh HEY
Oh oh oh oh HEY
Oh oh oh oh OH
Oh oh oh oh HEY

Oh oh oh oh HEY
Oh oh oh oh OH

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Kinnie Starr's song "Summer Day" express a desire for a nostalgic and carefree summer experience. The first verse begins with a longing for a summer day that captures the essence of what summer used to be. The mention of bonfires, barbeques, and spending time with cousins evokes images of joyful gatherings and a sense of community. The repetition of "sun up and sun down every day got its something" suggests that every moment of the day holds a special quality worth cherishing. The lyrics also convey a sense of contentment and a lack of regrets, implying that this summer day is meant to be lived to the fullest.

In the chorus, the repetition of "tell me" expresses an eager anticipation for this summer day to arrive. The energetic "Oh oh oh oh HEY" chants further emphasize the excitement and anticipation.

The second verse builds upon the desire for a meaningful break from technology and a return to authentic human connection. The lyrics express a longing for conversations that can last the entire day, highlighting the importance of genuine human interaction and the desire to disconnect from the digital world. The reference to a barely working phone is a reflection of the limitations and distractions of modern technology. Ultimately, the lyrics emphasize the enjoyment of the outdoors and the need to engage in meaningful experiences in the sun.

Overall, "Summer Day" is a song that celebrates the simplicity and joy of a carefree summer day spent with loved ones, disconnected from technology, and embracing the beauty of nature.

Line by Line Meaning

I want a summer day that's like summer was
I desire a day filled with the same joyful experiences and memories as previous summers

Bonfires and barbeques and hanging with cousins
Enjoying the warmth of bonfires, savoring delicious barbeque meals, and spending quality time with relatives

Sun up and sun down every day got its something
Each day, from sunrise to sunset, holds its special moments and significance

Got no regrets cuz we're just so full of something
Feeling content and satisfied, with no regrets or remorse

I want a long hot day so tell me
I crave a lengthy and scorching day, please inform me

Yea tell me
Yes, inform me

It's coming my way
That it is approaching towards me

I want a day when cell phones get thrown away
I yearn for a day when we disconnect from our phones and focus on genuine conversations

Yea conversation it can last a whole day
Yes, conversations can continue for an entire day

We got a phone but it's just barely working
We possess a phone, although it is barely functional

Let's get outside in the sun and do something
Let us go outdoors, bask in the sunlight, and engage in activities

On a long hot day
During an extended and scorching day

So tell me
So, please inform me

Yea tell me
Yes, inform me