New music: Angus and Julia Stone Share Death Defying Acts
“Angus and Julia are truly unique musicians. They are authentic and pure people who do things from the heart. I’ve never worked with anyone like them before.” – Rick Rubin
Fresh from announcing their self-titled Rick Rubin-produced album, Angus and Julia Stone preview new track Death Defying Acts taken from it.
To say this album came as a surprise to both Angus and Julia Stone is an understatement. Having had a massively successful time as a duo, with their albums “A Book Like This” and “Down The Way”, both critical and commercial successes, along with sold out tours across the world, Angus and Julia decided to go their own way. They both continued as solo artists, each songwriter revelling in the freedom of a singular vision, there was absolutely no plan to re-team.
It took legendary US producer Rick Rubin to spark the flame. From Jay Z to the Beastie Boys, Johnny Cash to Red Hot Chili Peppers – Rick Rubin knows good music. Unconvinced they should break from their individual plans, it was after spending time with Rubin over a few months that thoughts about getting back together started to form. For the first time ever the pair wrote side by side, jamming with musicians on new songs and working through existing tracks Angus had demoed at home in NYC and songs Julia had written whilst living in Venice Beach. In September 2013 they walked into Rubin’s Shangri La Studios in Malibu and recorded “Angus & Julia Stone”.
Four years on from their last joint effort, Angus & Julia have delivered an album that defies expectations. Call it a coming of age or a re-invention, but the new self-titled record is their most exciting, visceral listen yet.
Listen here to Death Defying Acts (audio):
Angus & Julia Stone is released on August 1st on Virgin / EMI Records
www.facebook.com/AngusAndJulia
Twitter: @angusjuliastone