So much of being an artist is rooted in self-belief, in trusting your storytelling and knowing what you have to say matters.
This message of self-affirmation has stuck with sibling duo Angus and Julia Stone throughout their careers, spanning six studio albums together and their solo ventures.
For almost two decades, the pair have captivated crowds with their folk melodies and authentic lyrics, cementing their place as one of Australia’s most cherished acts.
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It’s something that never gets old, Julia told 7NEWS.com.au.
“It’s wild to just have this body of work that is integrated into people’s lives, falling in love and their heartbreaks and the birth of their children,” she said.
“We have kids at the show who were born to our music, and then you’ve got grandparents who have been listening since they were kind of young parents.
“It really feels like a fun thing to put energy into.”
The pair is fresh off the back of a European and US tour celebrating the release of their new album, Cape Forestier.
Released in May, Cape Forestier’s raw sound transports listeners back to the duo’s earlier records in a timeless ode to human connection.
Creating the album took them back to the days of recording in their family living room, Angus said, explaining this same sense of authentic connection inspired the living room sessions for the tour.
“I think the songs and the sound we make together, it’s pretty unique to us and I think that has to do with being family, but also just a united history,” Julia added.
“We’ve obviously collaborated with lots of other people but we’ve collaborated with each other more than anybody and so, when you develop that language and that musicality together, it feels really fun.”
It’s a release about channelling their branches of experience into something positive, Angus said.
“I think with the way the world’s spinning at the moment, there’s a lot of uncertainty … it’s a crazy time that anything could happen around the corner,” he said.
“It feels like everyone feels that as well, but a good way of not going down the road of anger and walking in those footsteps is for us to share something that can be positive.”
The duo performed an intimate show at Wild Turkey Bourbon’s House of Music 101 on Tuesday, supported by mentees of the Wild Turkey Music 101 Mentorship Program.
As this year’s lead mentors, Angus and Julia shared insider advice with up-and-coming Australian artists.
The key takeaway: “Knowing your self-worth.”
“It’s something that you have to navigate through so many aspects of this career,” Angus said.
“I think just knowing the fact that you’re able to share with the world something you’re going through that someone else can connect with is enough.
“The fact you’re able to be brave enough to get up on stage in front of whether it’s two or 200 people, and say things that you’re going through is really special, and all the other stuff it’ll fall into place if you stay true to what you’re doing.”
“We’ve been lucky to have each other,” Julia added.
Australia’s live music industry is still feeling the impact of COVID-19 era lockdowns, with the scene suffering a string of cancellations including big events Splendour in the Grass, Groovin’ the Moo and Falls Festival.
But music and connection are as important as ever, Julia said.
“We always see music and art as essential to society’s survival,” she said.
“People will always find it and there will be places to play, even if it’s in people’s houses and backyards, people will, like flowers that grow out of concrete, we won’t not find a way to share music.
“Angus said a really beautiful thing before about, yes, we’ve seen some festivals closed down that are really great festivals, but sometimes when big trees fall it lets in light for the little trees to come up.”
The pair grew up on folk festivals where “you didn’t go because there was a huge international headliner” but instead “because you were part of a community”.
“I think there will always be that community support at a grassroots level,” Julia said.
The duo is preparing to take the living room sessions across the east coast next month, performing at theatres in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
The intimate venues have stories and personalities that are not lost on them, as they walk the hallowed grounds of those who came before.
“The Palais, the State Theatre, those places have hosted Louis Armstrong and The Beatles — crazy stuff,” Julia said.
“It’s like 70 years ago that musicians were coming out here and playing in these places.
“The history of folk music in this country, it’s incredible.”
