Holly Starr is a Christian singer/songwriter from Quincy, Washington. She released her third album Focus in the Fall of 2012 and is playing on the main stage at one of Christian music's largest festivals this weekend, Creation Festival. 

We would like to thank Holly Starr for taking the time to do this interview with BreatheCast. 

BreatheCast: Your album Focus has been out for a while now, how do you feel the reception has been to the new songs?

HS: "I am constantly encouraged by the response to Focus. I think the reception has been great! People have shared with me how they have been able to see Jesus a little more clearly through the songs. What more could I ask for?"

BreatheCast: Tell us the story behind your single, "Don't Have Love"?

HS: "Don't Have Love was written as a modern day version of 1 Corinthians 13, aka the "Love Chapter" in the Bible. I was challenged by the reality that God could allow me to have faith to pick up and move a mountain (and what attention that would bring me!), but apart from Jesus that ability would be worth less than a piece of gum on the floor - nothing. It was a really check and reminder in so many ways that Jesus needs to be the center of everything I do if I want to live a life that's worth something. "You can have money, cool friends, a ring on your left hand, but it's never gonna be enough if you don't have Love!" 

BreatheCast: How excited are you to play Mainstage at Creation Festival this weekend?

HS: "I am very excited! I grew up going to Creation NW as a kid so it's a huge honor and blessing to be able to now play the festival!"

BreatheCast: How would you describe your sound for people that haven't heard of you and what artists have influenced your sound?

HS: "Acoustic-Pop. I have been influenced by Chris Tomlin, Shawn McDonald, Bebo Norman, OneRepublic, Needtobreathe, Bethany Dillon.. & so many more!"

BreatheCast: What is your advice to up and coming Christian musicians wanting to make music a career?

HS: "Be faithful where God has you. Don't spend all your time thinking about the future and where you want to go. Be invested in the city/church/worship team that you are in, and if God wants you to have success as a musician, HE will open the doors. Practice, write, be diligent to invest in your gift - but know that if it's what He has for you, God will be the one to lift you up in His timing!"

BreatheCast: Are you in the process of writing music now for a new album? 

HS: "Yes! Not sure if it will be an entire album or EP or even just a single. But always writing!"

BreatheCast: If you could collaborate with one Secular Artist and one Christian Artist, who would you choose?

HS: "I would love to collaborate with Ryan Tetter of OneRepublic. I really love his melodies. In Christian music I would love to collaborate with Chris Tomlin. His anointing to lead worship has brought me to tears on several occasions and would love to learn from him in regards to leadership and ministry."

BreatheCast: Do you have a favorite scripture as a band or a truth that you use a lot? If not, what are some personal favorite verses of yours?

HS: "Proverbs 3:5,6 has always meant a lot to me as I have a tendency to worry and fear quite a bit. This verse has always helped in moments of weakness to let go of what I see and trust God in the deepest place of my being.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understandings. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight."

BreatheCast: What are your touring plans for this Fall 2013?

HS: "I will be on the Breakout Tour with the OBB (seen on WinterJam) and Mr. Talkbox (of TobyMac's band) for the month of September and some of October! We will mainly be in the south, east, and southeast part of the country."