Angus & Julia Stone

Angus & Julia Stone's cinematic folk music is anchored by the band's namesake siblings, with percussionist Mitch Connelly and bassist Clay McDonald adding instrumental flourishes to the mix. Growing up in the northern beaches of Sydney, the Stone siblings were taught the history of pop music from an early age by their father, who played in a cover band. In 2005, Julia Stone began teaching trumpet lessons while her brother Angus worked as a laborer. She convinced him to test his musical talents by performing locally, and he responded by bringing her on-stage with him as a backing musician. At first, the two played separately billed shows, but each would support the other onstage to the point where it made sense to share billing credits.

The duo released an EP of early material, Chocolates & Cigarettes, before moving to London in 2006, where the siblings met Fran Healy of the band Travis. Impressed with the band's material, as well as their growing buzz in both Australia and England, Healy invited the Stones to his house to use his piano. The twosome eventually recorded their entire second EP, Heart Full of Wine, at the residence. In return, Julia Stone provided backing vocals on the Travis record The Boy with No Name. Angus & Julia Stone's debut album, A Book Like This, was then released in 2007 and charted well in the bandmates' native Australia, while an international release followed in March 2008. ~ Jody Macgregor, All Music Guide