Interview:
Angus Stone
Interview:
Angus Stone
From the sun-drenched coastline of Eastern Australia emerges “Golden Wolf” the new album from Dope Lemon, the solo project of acclaimed musician Angus Stone. Known for his work with his sister Julia in the internationally renowned folk duo Angus & Julia Stone, Angus steps further into his own sonic world with this release. The record, crafted amidst the lush surroundings of his newly-established Sugarcane Mountain Studios in New South Wales, promises a heady blend of vintage vibes, psychedelic grooves, and the introspective songwriting that has become Dope Lemon’s hallmark.
Dope Lemon, Angus’s solo project, has always served as a vessel for exploration, a space where sun-drenched psychedelia, blues-infused grooves and thought-provoking lyricism intertwine. The upcoming album, promises both to build upon this established foundation and to venture into new territory. Early glimpses, via released tracks, suggest a refinement of the signature sound – a sound evoking images of endless summers, classic cars, and a distinctly Australian sense of laid-back cool. We caught up with Angus in London on his recent visit to find out more.
Image Credit: Daniel Mayne
The creation of this new album coincides with the birth of Sugarcane Mountain Studios. No sterile, clinical recording environment, this is a space imbued with history, character, and a palpable sense of creative energy. The story of its acquisition is almost as intriguing as the music it now houses.
“I was in an antique store,” Angus recounts, “and the lady… said, ‘There’s a house just down the road. You should go check out. There’s this big, beautiful old 1970s mansion, and it’s like a time capsule. Nothing’s been touched.'” The house, located in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, an area described as “jungle meets ocean.” Intrigued, the musician investigated. “I put an offer down and acquired this beautiful house and turned it into a recording studio.”
The studio, just recently opened it’s doors for commercial bookings, is more than just a place to record, it reflects Stone’s artistic vision. It’s a destination, a retreat, a place where creativity can flourish, free from external distractions. “It’s cool,” Stone shares, “I think people will be able to have a window into our space, and how we are inspired… and it’s an incredible place.”
“The nostalgic ‘nothing’s been touched’ feel seeps into the music crafted within its walls”
The transition to solo work marked a significant step, following years of international success as one half of the acclaimed folk duo Angus & Julia Stone. The siblings’ musical partnership was defined by an intuitive connection and a harmonious blend of contrasting vocal styles. Dope Lemon, however, offers a different kind of creative outlet.
“The two worlds are so different! I gained invaluable experience from touring the world with Julia. The whole path that we went down was so essential to all the skill sets that I have now. Travelling the world and moving throughout it on this journey with music. Dope Lemon allows for a deeper dive into personal expression and genre experimentation. I feel like the training wheels are off a bit!” Stone notes. “I can finally dive a little deeper into this psychedelic storytelling and enjoy being more adventurous with genres.”
How did your early years evolve to being such accomplished musicians?
“I think, whether we like it or not, our environment is constantly being ingested into what we do creatively. When we were growing up, my dad was a wedding singer, and we grew up with all the great songs being played, falling asleep underneath wedding tables.”
Did your dad have any involvement in shaping your musical journey? Was he supportive, or did he give you the framework and send you on your way?
“To be honest, the old man told me to get a real job after I was a year into sitting on the couch and smoking weed, trying to figure it out. I think that’s good. Watching your kids do that, you wouldn’t think that he’s diving into this world, and this would have evolved into what it is.”
You’ve done really well to retain such a tight bond with Julia, many siblings would be tearing into each other!
“It’s a real testament to our love for one another. What’s really important is to allow space and be clear about how you feel when something happens. Don’t let it fester. Julia and I have been really great at being honest with one another, and I try and use that with everyone in my life, as best you can. Especially when touring with 15 grown men, crew and band, around the world. You all have to be on a level and allow space. We’re a big family, and every band and crew that we move along with, we really try and tune that!”
How would you define the Dope Lemon sound?
” There’s that sugary Cali nuance that we try and sprinkle on the tracks. I guess it’s always gravitated around that sort of sun-soaked orbit of psychedelics mixed with good times. Again, it’s our time we spent in Los Angeles. We were there for a few years, and it was a really special time. We were working with Rick Rubin over there. All those moments add up to this point where you can’t necessarily put your finger on when it was, but it’ll eventually seep into your style.”
Are there any genres that you feel you haven’t experimented with that you’d like to?
“Possibly down the track will be a more heavy… I don’t know what that is yet, but something just a little bit more dark and heavy. I’ve toyed with it in the past, but haven’t fully gone down that road yet. I’d like to visit that side of somewhere.”
Also, you’ve got a really strong visual aesthetic
“For sure. In the past, we’ve worked with so many incredible producers and directors for our music videos. When you find the right person and you’re able to give them freedom to create these worlds and stories, it’s really cool to watch people get lost in that role. Daniel is the main filmmaker for the majority of the clips. Over the course of my career, I’ve worked with so many people, but Daniel’s fine-tuned this… He understands my brain and the way that I see things, and it’s such a blessing to bump into someone over such a lengthy time in the world that we are making, putting visuals to music, because I feel like it’s such an important part. People see that.”
Shall we talk about the Mascots?
“Well… I was drunk one night, and I think I was online doing some shopping, and I bought about 20 mascot cat suits. I woke up in the morning and I’d spent however many thousands of dollars on these things, these suits, and they arrived a month later. It was a good call because it became this continuing theme. With the lemon, it’s so fun. There’s so much you can do with it, having a mascot. That was where that eventuated.”
You mentioned about still learning. Do you think you’ve found your groove now?
“It depends what day it is. Sometimes you think you’ve got it all sorted, and the world’s your oyster, and then it’ll surely surprise you. For me, there’s more of a comfort in my skin that is the most important part of this journey. Having the knowledge and becoming… it feels great with making the next steps.”
“I try and be quite reflective in the way that I tell a story, and in a poetic manner. It’s this broad spectrum of things I see, and the way I see the world, and then the way that I feel things internally. You can compound that into one line and then make it make no sense at all in the next. There’s this really cool dance that you’re playing with words, and I feel like that’s where I really find the job rewarding.”
What’s the best bit of music advice you’ve ever been given?
“When I first met Rick Rubin, it was really cool. Sitting with someone, he’d say, “Play me a song that you’ve written. I’d like to hear it.” And you’d play the song, and then you’d sit there, and he’d say, “Play it again.” It’s really interesting. It’s really rare to meet those types of people that are genuinely curious about what your insights are and where you’re going creatively. For me, taking that authenticity on, and when I’m sitting with someone and they’re ready to share something, is really allowing that space to that person, or whoever it is, within yourself as well, to express that idea to its full potential and show love always.”
If you had to make Dope Lemon into a Signature cocktail, what would be in it?
“IT would need to have an oak smoked lemon in there, some of that pink Himalayan salt, Mezcal making a smoky, spicey pink margarita!”
What’s the first track that you listened to as a child that blew your mind?
” It would have to be either “A Day in the Life” by The Beatles and “Street Fighting Man” by The Stones”
If your life had a theme song, and it was played every time you walked into a room, what would it be?
“Street Fighting Man”
What’s a completely useless talent you’ve got?
“I’m good at sewing things up. I’ll do my own repairs. So if I have a busted jeans or shirt… I like sitting in my hotel room after shows and just having a whiskey and doing a bit of sewing.”
Finally… Electric Green Lambo, or Rose Pink Cadillac?
“I’d probably say Olive Green Porsche”
Golden Wolf is set for release on 2 May 2025. Find out more at dopelemon.com
