East Village Rocker Mama ReW Takes On ‘Mainstream’ Fashion in TLC Show

Sometimes it can take years before a local musician gets her big moment. For “ReW” Starr, there have been lots of “moments” — getting her song on a major network TV show, launching a local Internet Radio show (ReW & WhO?) that garnered national attention — but perhaps none as big as this: The NYC-bred starlet and mom of two recently scored a spot on the TLC show, “Love, Lust or Run” and is now in the running for the Q104.3 Hottest Mom contest (you can vote for her starting TODAY, April 2!).

Rockmommy recently sat down with Rew (who likes to spell her name with a mix of capital and lower-case letters), to learn more about the TLC experience, and what it was like to revamp her signature punk-rock mama look. Here, she tells us about her TV stint and more.

RM: You recently appeared on the TLC show, “Love, Lust or  Run.” How did you land that? Why did you decide to go on in the first place?

Rew: I landed the TLC show from an ad off Craigslist. I saw something asking “Are you stuck in the 80’s” and duh … it was a no brainer. I had no idea what it was for and there were about three castings so I kept thinking I didn’t make it and BOOM … I was one of the first season ‘make unders’ on Love, Lust or Run! They are now in Season 2, and I probably wouldn’t make the cut this round!!! I went because I actually had a vision of being a ‘sophisticated’ version of myself … like in the classy Cyndi Lauper, Courtney Love ‘couture’ versions. They always have the best hair and clothes. Instead, well, I got a part on a soap opera.

RM: How does your personal taste in fashion reflect your style of music?

Rew: My personal taste in fashion reflects ME so I believe it reflects a colorful expressive style of music. I am addicted to glitter so I suppose any music that has that sparkle to it reflects my wardrobe! A little rough around the edges too, of course. I am always out of the lines and forever Johnny Cash BLACK!

RM: Some people say that how you dress is a reflection of who you are.  If friends could describe you in three words, what would they be?

Rew: Quirky, Rockstar, KooL

Rew: I was not happy with the result. All i wanted was hair extensions and long hair (I have a Rapunzel obsession) and they cut it ALL off and gave me hair I can only gag at. I was so sad. The clothes, who cares! The make up was kind of yuck but the HAIR just broke me. Still, the experience of everything was FANTASTIC. I LOVE Stacy London and the crew was amazing. I wouldn’t trade it for anything — it was a GREAT adventure and I am forever grateful.

RM: Have you adapted your personal fashion style at all since the airing of the TLC show?

Rew: I kind of merged the two, but probably lean more toward my usual style. I was using hair extensions for awhile so i could look in the mirror and now that the hair is starting to grow I am OK. I kept the color they gave me, which is my natural color, so I don’t have roots to deal with right now..  I just want my hair to grow so I’m gonna be patient & not damage it for awhile. The clothes, well I used the dress once for an audition I had as a business woman!! I have kept off some bracelets that were on me for years & am wearing less jewels..sometimez….

RM: You’ve had your radio show ReW & WhO? for a long time! How are things going with that?

Rew: ReW & WhO? keeps going strong. This show I feel chose me since I never set out to be a Web show host or producer. As you know I was asked to be a cohost and then the host quit and it landed in my lap. I feel the show has its own life and I simply manage it. It surely takes over my life because to have a weekly show with soo many guests every week and a once a month in Brooklyn is VERY TIME consuming. We have visions and dreams for the show and we are always  praying for a fairy God sponsor to get us to the next level. Every week we walk away SOOO inspired by all the FABULOUS people out there in this world.

Fri., Apr 24: w/ band at Sidewalk Cafe (NYC)

Sun., May 3: w/ band at Otto’s Shrunken Head (NYC)

Mon., May 11: w/ band at Cobra in Williamsburg (Brooklyn)

Sat., May 16: at a festival in New Jersey

See all upcoming dates online at www.ReWandWhO.com