Some surprises arrived in City Weekly’s inbox this week. First, a mystery link from Starmy frontdude Mike Sartain was worth a risky click when it led to an animated video for the band’s song “Despite the Pixels on the Sun.” Created by bassist John Lyman, who calls it a “pre-asteroid fever dream,” the clip mixes Saturday morning cartoon sensibilities with “Space Oddity” alienation. As Sartain floats through the video, singing about the surreality of finding The One among a universe of billions and, as she variously appears and disappears, wondering “is this real?,” the band is rendered in caricature and in costume, just like The Banana Splits meets The Great Space Coaster. Like the band’s music, the video is at once whimsical and poignant—and totally cool.

STARMY – “DESPITE THE PIXELS ON THE SUN”

Last week, singer-songwriter Talia Keys emailed City Weekly with more welcome news: Talia Keys & the Love are preparing to release new music. They’ve been working with Mike Sasich at Man vs. Music on a new album called We’re Here, which is set for digital release on April 20. “This is my fourth record with Michael Sasich and it’s been two years on the makings,” she wrote during a break from working on the final mixes at Sasich’s Man vs. Music studio. She and her band will mark the release with an April 21 performance at The State Room. Watch City Weekly for more details soon.

Finally, while monthly residencies at clubs aren’t exactly a surprise, Joey Mayes of The Nods messaged a reminder about the next installment of The Nods Presents. The series of free shows at The Urban Lounge is curated and headlined by the local garage rockers in an effort to help smaller local bands get face time with local music fans. On March 28, The Nods will perform with Sunchaser  and Weird Stew. Come out and support this effort to raise awareness of the great music being made in SLC. For more information, visit facebook.com/events/1948037655472439/ CW