New Album
“Cape Forestier, our latest record, holds a really special place in our hearts – a chapter in the ever-unfolding book about the road we’re traveling together.
It feels reminiscent of our earlier records in terms of style; there’s a real acoustic rawness to the sound. However, the songwriting and performances are naturally tied to the humans we are right now, with all the branches of experience hanging in there. We couldn’t be more excited to share this music. It’s been an incredible experience writing and recording these songs together.”
‘Down to the Sea’ was originally written for an album that never saw the light of day. It’s always been in the back of my mind, despite never being released.
‘Down to the Sea’ emerged after a really intense three-year tour cycle for ‘Down the Way.’ The first version of the song felt really different—more anxious in its production, probably a reflection of the tension I felt during its creation. Because of this, it wasn’t a song I felt drawn to.
However, it resurfaced during a conversation and the idea to rework and restructure the production with the feeling of this album made sense. The reworked version has a relaxed production that better conveys the lyrics and melodies.
The song speaks to the need for responsibility and honesty, especially regarding our impact on the planet. It’s about the importance of owning our actions, apologising when necessary, and understanding that while forgiveness is crucial, it doesn’t erase the need for right action.
Because of the changes to the song, it has evolved to also have an underlying acceptance that everything will be okay, and we’ll find our way through. “I’ll take you down to the sea”, to look out, to see that there’s an infinite array of possibilities of what could come next.
About
It’s this language of music that forms the basis of Angus and Julia’s new album, ‘Cape Forestier’ – a collection of heartfelt songs that share the sound of their extraordinary journey together.
Together as musicians, producers, and songwriters, Angus and Julia Stone form two halves of a musical act whose words and sounds reveal a pure and genuine love for music and a talent for telling beautiful stories. Stories that have taken them all over the world and back again. But where is it that they come back to?
“Home has become something deeper than a place. Maybe because of all the moving … or maybe because of all the music … it just feels like when we’re creating, we’re home,” Julia ponders. “There are places I love to be, to visit, people I love to see and connect with, but I’m most at peace writing and in the studio … and I love being in that space with Angus. We’ve been through so much together and when we’re writing, we’re speaking the same language.”
Music has continued to play an essential role in their lives over the years, as they’ve established a prominent career in the international music world. From their origins in childhood, then moving to London just out of school with their first record deal, to two years in LA working with the ineffable Rick Rubin, to Paris, Berlin, Egypt, and New York, to building a studio in the hinterlands of NSW. Throughout their journey, the duo have consistently regarded their music as a personal discovery and outlet for their thoughts and observations.
This album, ‘Cape Forestier,’ is like a storybook from the hearts and minds of Angus and Julia Stone – reminiscent of their earlier records, with each song revealing itself as a differe nt page. The songs move from love stories like ‘My Little Anchor’ or the soaring ‘Somehow,’ a burning tale of unrequited love, to songs like ‘Down to The Sea’ that explore a unique view of society and what goes on around us. Together, the tracks on ‘Cape Forestier’ are strikingly poignant and textured recordings that immediately draw listeners into the simple and endearing vision of Angus and Julia Stone’s world.
Whether they are tagged as folky, acoustic, or indie-rock is not a concern for the duo. “It has never been about a stylistic choice; we make it how we make it,” says Angus. Julia adds, “we are two people who play music because, well, just because. We are endlessly surprised and honoured that people get something from it – it makes it so much more special to share it with a community.”
Whether it’s the rhythmic strum, relaxed feel and beautiful lyrical adventure of the title track ‘Cape Forestier’, the seductive opening track ‘Losing You’, the emotive and touching ‘The Wedding Song,’ or the gentle front porch sway of ‘County Sign,’ it seems clear that Angus and Julia Stone were born to be musicians at heart.
They may be modest about their talents and still surprised by the ongoing interest in their songs, but for those around them, Angus and Julia are the embodiment of everything good and natural about song writing, as they seem to constantly capture the essence of honest music.
“This is our most stripped-back album since we started out together… going back to our roots… but with all the branches of experience hanging in there,” Julia laughs.
“Yeah, listening back to our old records, there’s a charm to hearing how innocent we were. We had no idea what was ahead of us… it’s in the voices… but,” Angus ponders, “we still don’t know what’s ahead. If anything, we’re more curious, naïve, and innocent to the mysteries of the world… and what lies ahead… and I can hear that in this record.”
They both laugh gently, knowingly, together. Speaking the same language in the silence between the words.
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