Stonefield On Headbanging And The Legend That Is Spiderbait’s Kram

A couple of months ago, sister quartet Stonefield stamped their mark on Australia’s psych rock scene with their impressive second album, As Above, So Below.

Rather than being a ‘difficult second album’, it’s instead the music of a refined and confident outfit who have developed considerably from a promising debut back in 2013, balancing melodic sensibilities with a heavier psych/doom-infused sound than we’d ever heard from them, and impressing immediately.

Whether it was supporting legendary bands like Fleetwood Mac, heading into the studio with Spiderbait’s Kram, or just plain old artistic development, Stonefield ended up making a damn good rock record. Having just kicked off their national tour and gearing up for a busy weekend at Yours & Owls and Caxton Street Festival, they found a moment to chat to us about everything that’s lead them to the creation of their best work yet.

“I guess it’s from listening to a broader array of music,” vocalist Amy Findlay tells us. “There’s been lot’s of new bands we’ve been digging that I’m sure had their influence on our new record – Goat, Uncle Acid, Witch… as well as just general life and growing up.

“All of that is bound to add something extra when writing new music. I think it was also making a conscious effort to add more light and shade and explore different aspects of rock as a genre.”

In addition to the path of growing up and absorbing influences, working with Kram was a pivotal moment.

“The main turning point for us is having that moment of realising exactly who we are, what we want and knowing that was what we had to make this record about. Change was a huge thing for us, and working with Kram really helped us to explore different approaches to writing and not be afraid to be vulnerable.”

Putting themselves out there ended up being the right move, and the band have been stoked with the reception, despite their initial self-doubt.

“[It’s been] really great! It’s all been positive so far, which is certainly not expected. (laughs) It’s been good vibes.”

While there was a long wait between drinks after the band burst onto the scene in 2013 as triple j Unearthed High winner, Amy believes this was a boon for the band – although they did receive a bit of a hurry up at times.

“The writing process was long, and I think that’s what we needed,” she says. “We really took the time to focus and develop our songwriting. Once Kram came into the picture, he helped us to not stew over songs for so long… he really encouraged finishing something, moving on and coming back to it later if need be.

Not only did Kram help with bringing the record together, but was just a genuinely great bloke, and the harmony between he and the band can be heard in the end result.

“He’s such a good guy – we totally clicked and had the best time hanging out. We felt completely comfortable writing together and I think that’s when the magic happens… being able to completely let go and let the ideas flow.”

As a rock band with four female members, Stonefield have been vocal about the ever-increasing issue of sexual assault at gigs, loudly condemning it whenever they can and bringing gigs to a halt if need be.

“It’s sad that it’s still so much of an issue,” Amy says. “I think we all need to be more aware of it, pull each other up on it and show some support… which I think is happening. It’s great that it has been such a topic of conversation recently.”

Thankfully it hasn’t been an issue that’s presented itself on the tour so far, and the sisters are enjoying being able to play a set that’s a mix of old and new.

“We’re stripping it back to our original setup of myself playing drums for the whole set, which has been really nice. There’s something special about it just being us four sisters on stage, sharing our bond and energy with the audience. Our show is a lot more dynamic, we’re throwing a sneaky cover in, and it’s all good times!”

The addition of the band’s heavier new material to the set has also injected a new layer of fun into proceedings, for both band and audience.

“That’s probably the most fun to play and easiest to spark a reaction – everyone loves a bit of head banging!”

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