Starley (singer)
An Australian singer-songwriter whose voice, once lost in the industry, finally broke through with a global dance anthem that refused to be ignored.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Australian singer and songwriter·Birthday: October 3·Millennials
Biography
Starley Hope's path to a chart-topping hit was a marathon of patience and resilience. The Sydney-born artist spent years writing songs and working odd jobs, her powerful voice waiting for its moment. That moment arrived unexpectedly with 'Call on Me,' a soulful pop track she released independently in 2016. Its potential was unlocked by a remix from producer Ryan Riback, who transformed it into a shimmering, piano-driven house anthem. The Riback remix became an inescapable force, climbing to number one on the UK Singles Chart and dominating airwaves worldwide. Starley's story isn't just about viral success; it's about an artist who had honed her craft for a decade, finally stepping into the spotlight not as a manufactured pop product, but as a genuine songwriter whose emotion resonated across dance floors.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Starley was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Starley Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Starley's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Her single 'Call on Me (Ryan Riback Remix)' reached number one on the UK Singles Chart in 2016.
- The track 'Call on Me' achieved multi-platinum certifications in over ten countries, including the UK and Australia.
- Performed her hit single on major television shows like 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon'.
Did You Know?
Before her music career took off, she worked as a personal trainer and in retail.
She is of Māori descent (Ngāpuhi iwi).
The original version of 'Call on Me' was written about supporting a friend through a difficult time.
“I worked retail for years before 'Call on Me' played on every radio.”
