Credit: Found On Internet

Angus and Julia Stone are the latest in a long line of brother/sister acts. Though as Eden Anderson discovers, it’s not only their beautiful compositions that draw you in to their world.

“I grew up listening to my mum’s records. Mostly Janis Ian’s Between the Lines,” declares Julia Stone, the pretty waif-like creature and sibling conspirator in Independiente’s latest signings.

And as if to prove a point, she launches into a confident falsetto voice: “Pass the tea and sympathy for the good ol’ days long gone. Let’s drink a toast to those who most believe in what they want.” 

Her voice is strong and sweet. Echoes of Bjork and the aforementioned Janis Ian are evident, as well as Kate Bush. Dressed in flowing white chiffon dress and scuffed heels seemingly too cold for a London autumn, she could almost be Cathy in Bush’s Wuthering Heights.

Her younger brother Angus is her partner in crime.  Like Heathcliffe, he is robust, strong and wears a cheeky grin.  “I listened to a lot of Ben Harper and Tracy Chapman,” he says shyly, happy to let his sister do most of the talking.
The fruits of their musical influences is debut EP ‘Chocolates and Cigarettes.  A collection of six acoustic songs embracing gentle folk, warm harmonies and honest storytelling. Their world seems to evoke wistful days, lost loves and childhood.  It is honest as it is charming. Much like them.

The pair grew up on Sydney’s northern beaches in a tight musical family. Their father played in a party covers band and jammed regularly in the garage.  Their mother played parts in musical theatre. When asked if their parents are glad their children have followed suit Julia admits there was always hope.  “We’re all fairly musical and always have been as a family. We’ve always sung at family gatherings. Our granny studied opera, Nan and Pa were in cabaret so family functions have always been a musical affair.”

They say they found their musical paths after high school but have only been collaborating together for the past six months on the advice of their aunt.