The rocking Findlay sisters of Stonefield – drumming frontwoman Amy, guitarist Hannah, bassist Holly, and keys player Sarah – have been going from strength to strength ever since they were first Unearthed by Triple J three years ago, but have yet to release a full-length debut album.
That’s all going to change before too long, with the Macedon Ranges-bred quartet having been bunkered down in a Melbourne studio working hard on their first ever long player, which the band says is “one of the best experiences we have had as a band,” confirming that the recording process is now complete and “we are now eagerly waiting for the masters.”
In a more positive turn for the band following some of their equipment, including a customised guitar, were stolen in a house robbery earlier this year, the sibling rock band say they’re “extremely excited” about their new material.
Following-on the success of last year’s Bad Reality EP, the debut Stonefield album was recorded at Melbourne’s Sing Sing studios, “it’s an incredible studio and we felt completely at home there,” says the band, who worked closely with producer Ian Davenport.
The British engineer has had around two decades experience, working with the likes of Supergrass and Radiohead drummer Phil Selway’s solo debut and also – as the Findlays excitedly point out, the first two albums for US alt-rockers Band Of Skulls.
“He [has] such a good energy, full of jokes and positivity; making the vibe so much fun,” they say of Davenport, who has worked at capturing Stonefield’s raw and direct sound by recording the band live.
Stonefield have also been teasing about some interesting new dimensions to expand their core rock sound, including – as a recent Facebook post revealed – a gospel choir. “Huge thanks to the Melbourne Mass Gospel Choir for coming in to the studio to sing on a couple of our tracks. Sounding amazing” reads the post.
The results are currently being mixed, with American producer (and working friend of Ian Davenport’s) Tim Palmer handling the duties. Stonefield have yet to confirm a release date (and title) for their long-awaited debut album, but the band simply can’t wait to release the finished results. “We are so proud of the outcome and can’t wait to share it with everyone.”
As for touring, the quartet have been playing a string of festival appearances in the last six months – including Cool Summer, Adelaide Festival, and Phillip Island’s MusicFest – and will appearing as part of the massive 80+ lineup for BIGSOUND Live this September, but a debut album could prompt their first national tour since teaming up with Owl Eyes for last year’s Winter Secrets tour.
