Angus & Julia Stone reveal new album ‘Karaoke Bar’ and release title track

Australian brother-sister duo Angus & Julia Stone have revealed the exciting news of their upcoming seventh studio album, Karaoke Bar, which will be available on September 4th. They have also dropped the album’s dreamy and nostalgic title track, setting the stage for what promises to be a fresh chapter in their musical journey.

The title track, Karaoke Bar, signifies a new beginning for the duo, capturing the essence of spontaneity and emotional depth that has characterized their music over the years. Infused with gentle melodies, ethereal instrumentation, and the duo’s harmonious vocals, the song invokes the intimacy of late-night conversations and fleeting connections between strangers, painting a picture of shared moments and emotions.

Crafted during their travels across Europe, the song took shape while Angus and Julia were residing on the Greek island of Hydra, near Leonard Cohen’s former residence. The serene environment and unhurried island life influenced the album’s artistic direction, with the duo drawing inspiration from their experiences of writing music, exploring the island, and immersing themselves in its unique ambiance.

Julia reflects on the inspiration behind the track, describing karaoke bars as venues where barriers dissolve and individuals briefly connect through music and shared feelings. This theme of openness and human connection runs through the single, imbuing it with a sense of upliftment beneath its hazy exterior.

The forthcoming album, Karaoke Bar, was a collaborative effort across Greece, France, and Australia, with each location and its experiences leaving a lasting impression on the music. While Angus & Julia Stone have always been known for their intimate, cinematic folk-pop style, the new material is said to expand their sonic horizons while preserving the emotional authenticity that has endeared them to fans worldwide.

Earning acclaim since their debut album, A Book Like This in 2007, the duo’s unique blend of folk, indie, and atmospheric pop has garnered them international recognition. Their breakthrough record, Down The Way, featuring hits like Big Jet Plane, propelled them to global stardom. Subsequent releases, such as the self-titled album produced by Rick Rubin, Snow, and the soundtrack for Life Is Strange, have solidified their reputation for emotive songwriting and immersive soundscapes.

Their previous album, Cape Forestier, saw the siblings return to Angus’s Sugarcane Mountain Studios before embarking on a successful international tour, which included sold-out shows at renowned venues like London’s Royal Albert Hall and Paris’ L’Olympia.

With Karaoke Bar, Angus & Julia Stone are set to evolve their sound while remaining faithful to the storytelling and dreamy ambiance that have defined their careers for nearly two decades. The title track encapsulates a sense of nostalgia and subtle euphoria, serving as a gentle reminder of music’s ability to unite people, if only for a fleeting moment.