Pete Stone

Pete Stone – Acclaimed songwriter finds definitive slow-fi style.

Pete Stone, with his strongest songs and consolidated band of acoustic guitar, mandolin, violin and three voices, has created Golden Frontier; a standout classic with a clear and expansive sound like the Western Australian sky.

Recorded with just two microphones - like they used to do it in the olden days, this recording has a realness and honesty in sound, marking it as both timeless and of its time. Tired of a laborious studio process Pete Stone wanted to try something different, harking back to the feeling he got when listening to music of the fifties and sixties. To this end, he constructed a process that would limit the technical aspects of the recording and place the emphasis firmly back on the sound and performance. Taking the studio to the musicians – the recording was done in his own kitchen – where a makeshift studio was set up for the week. The results are hi-fi – natural, rich and rewarding. This sonic openness is perfectly complemented by Pete Stone’s song-writing - both the lyrics and music on Golden Frontier are full of candor and open-hearted sincerity.

Having established himself as an accomplished songwriter – with his previous three albums – Pete Stone has stretched himself and his fellow musicians to create something truly special. His deep, velvet voice is complemented by haunting violin, delicate mandolin, glorious backing vocals of Kate Kelly, along with some raucous blues harp and sensitive double bass. There is a real responsiveness in the musicians to Pete’s songs – capturing a specific feeling and emotional resonance. The listener feels as if the musicians have set up in the room with them, Stone’s voice is so present and personal it creates a tangible atmosphere, adding to the special qualities of the performances.

This is really a landmark Australian album – Stone explores deep inside the Australian psyche in a way that is revealing without ever being obtrusive –themes such as domestic violence, alcoholism, disappointment, drug addiction, isolation as well as love, intimacy and finding real contentment are all covered deftly, subtly and with an insight which is never didactic.

Pete Stone, who also set up House Concerts Australia, as a way of artists building an intimate way of connecting directly with an audience, has created something of unique beauty and truth with Golden Frontier. He is touring nationally to support the album.

Pete Stone has performed with international stars Ron Sexsmith, Neko Case and Jason Ringenberg and Australian performers Ed Keupper, Rob Snarski, The Kill Devil Hills, Kasie Chambers, Brendan Gallagher, David Bridie and Katie Steele.

‘…a man ahead of his time.’ Sydney Morning Herald