Whenever people say that Angus Stone is one of the most chilled-out musicians in Australia today, it’s the truth.
Formerly a man of few words who seemingly lived in shadow cast by his sister Julia, Stone has finally stepped out into the limelight with work that he can proudly call his own.
With the release of his self-produced solo album Broken Brights seeing him not only top the iTunes album charts, but also being nominated for two ARIA awards, it’s no surprise audiences are clamouring to see his first national solo tour at the end of this year.
“We’ve only just got back from a tour of the States which was really fun and successful,” says Stone, “so we’re really keen to get on the road here and do it.”
Only recently purchasing a farm where he now resides, the life he leads is in stark contrast to that of a typical rock star. “I’m thinking of building a sweat lodge down by the lake. I just need to work out the logistics of how much timber I’ll need,” he reveals. “The best thing I’ve built so far is a lantern.”
Although it may be a strange decision for somebody who is so frequently on tour playing to audiences of thousands, buying his farm is certainly not something Stone regrets.“When I was young I always used to draw this picture of me with my dog near a big tree, with the sun going down on a farm.”
“When I was young I always used to draw this picture of me with my dog near a big tree, with the sun going down on a farm. I think in a way, through drawing it all the time it became this manifesto of something,” he explains.
“I think in life I have a lot of those experiences – where you know it’s already there, it’s just a matter of time before it happens.”
Stone has lived all over the world throughout his career, one of the most notable places being just below the giant Hollywood sign in L.A. “There are some really strange people there”, he jokes.
However a more memorable experience occurred whilst Stone and his friends were moving house.
“There were these paparazzi cars patrolling the block that had canvas blacking out their windows, so I tapped and said ‘come out I know you’re in there!’ Then this guy literally crawled out scared and kept apologising,” Stone laughs. “I told him I wasn’t angry, but to please stop following me and being weird.”
Set to head back to the UK once he’s wrapped up his national tour of Australia, Stone is returning home just in time to spend Christmas with the family, which is something he unfortunately doesn’t seem to get to do a lot of these days.
“I probably only see my parents once a year because I’m always on the road,” he says disappointedly. One thing is for certain, gift-giving on Christmas morning is not a regular tradition at the Stone residence. “We don’t usually get each other gifts. We’re tight arses like that.”
Interpretation of his music by fans is something Stone truly respects and appreciates, however it seems his listeners are benefiting from it as well. “I like it when people come up to me and say my music is good for making love.”
Not only this, the music of Broken Brights is also having a positive effect on a far younger audience.“I’ve never really liked [‘Big Jet Plane’]… why did they pick that song to be popular?”
“My friend who teaches autistic children says that when she puts my record on, the kids really mellow out and it has this effect that’s calming. I like to hear that, it’s cool,” Stone reveals with a true sense of accomplishment.
There really is no denying the singer’s easy-going and friendly nature, although it seems even the nicest people get annoyed from time to time: “I hate it when I’m at the airport and people with trolleys walk right up to the luggage belt, and nobody can see if their bag is coming. You’ve got to give it a little space!”
Something else that tends to get on the performer’s nerves is the award-winning single ‘Big Jet Plane’. “I’ve never really liked that song”, he admits, “why did they pick that song to be popular?” he muses.
Despite his distaste for the track, fans continue to request it at both his and his sister’s solo shows. “Julia was telling me how the other day someone yelled out ‘play Big Jet Plane!’, and she was like ‘fuck you! That’s not even my song’!”
Known to have hitch-hiked with fans one time or two in the past, Stone explains that even he has lent his passenger seat to some rather odd hitchhikers in his time. “Once I picked up this guy who was dressed in a full pink suit with a massive beard and cowboy hat. He was really sweet,” recalls Stone, “but he was definitely tripping out on something.”
With sold-out shows across the globe, an acclaimed solo album under his belt, 2012 can only be described as a success for Angus Stone. It just leaves the question of what could he possibly have planned for next year?
“I just want to stay happy and keep playing music for the love of it. It’s the one thing that keeps me from going crazy.”
Broken Brights is out now. Angus Stone and his band play Southbound (details here) and the Falls Festival at New Year’s, details here.
