Allen Stone’s voice is once-in-a-lifetime, and since he released his debut album Last To Speak in 2010 he’s been transfixing listeners all over the world.
And in April next year, Australia will be privileged enough to host Stone yet again for Bluesfest plus a string of headline shows. While we anxiously await those dates, we caught up with the artist for a chat.
When Allen Stone comes to town, you know you’re in for a good time. Ahead of his upcoming Australian tour, we sat down to grab the latest.
HAPPY: Hey Allen, how’s it going? What are you up to at the moment?
ALLEN: I am currently out on a headline tour in the US. Having a blast!
HAPPY: We’ve been spinning Taste Of You pretty relentlessly for the past month… could you tell us a bit about the track?
ALLEN: Thanks! I am really glad that you are digging the song. I wrote that song with Jamie Lidell at his home in Nashville. I had just finished performing at an Aretha Franklin tribute at Carnegie Hall and I got to perform Say A Little Prayer. I was plucking on that song in Jamie’s studio when we both decided we should try and write our own version. That song is timeless and the melody is so easy on the ears. Taste Of You was our best attempt.
HAPPY: How are you feeling about it now that it’s been out for a little bit?
ALLEN: I feel good! Tell your friends about it so hopefully I can play it until I’m 65!
HAPPY: This is the fourth single you’ve released this year, and you’ve maintained a pretty consistent release schedule since you first started putting out music. Does it ever get difficult releasing music so frequently? Or does it come easily?
ALLEN: It’s a piece of cake! We did a lot of good work in the studio and I am really stoked about the reaction that the music is getting.
HAPPY: Do you feel there are any particular ways in which your music has changed since putting out your first album?
ALLEN: I believe that I am a better singer. I’ve done roughly 150-200 shows a year since the release of my self-titled album. You’ve got no choice but to improve when you do something that frequently. I am little more comfortable in my own skin as well, that helps.
HAPPY: You were recently in Australia for a huge sold-out show in Melbourne, what made you want to come back so quickly?
ALLEN: Well, I married an Australian. I love your country! I’ll live there someday. I am so stoked that Bluesfest is having me back again. What an amazing festival. Probably the best lineup in the world.
HAPPY: What can unfamiliar fans expect attending your set at Bluesfest next year?
ALLEN: A damn good time.
HAPPY: What else does the future hold for Allen Stone? Any other exciting plans in the works?
ALLEN: I’M GONNA BE A DAD! WHOO WHOO!!
Catch Allen Stone on his Australian tour in April 2019:
Saturday 13th April 2019 – The Gov, Adelaide
Sunday 14th April 2019 – The Corner, Melbourne
Wednesday 17th April 2019 – Factory Theatre, Sydney
Thursday 18th April 2019 – The Triffid, Brisbane
Saturday 30th April – Monday 22nd April – Bluesfest, Byron Bay
Head here for more info + tickets.
