Stal

Stal is the solo project of French musician Pierre-Marie Maulini, who is from Paris. Before starting Stal, he grows up in the south of France and plays music from a young age. He first performs in a band called A Red Season Shade with his older brother and a group of friends, and the group releases a debut album in 2006 on the Swiss label Gentlemen Records.

Background and early work

Maulini’s earlier band makes post-rock influenced by Sigur Rós and Explosions in the Sky. That music leads to a meeting with shoegaze musician Anthony Gonzalez, who later invites him to join M83 on tour for the release of their fifth album, Saturday = Youth. Maulini spends almost two years touring with the band, playing shows across the world, including support slots for Kings of Leon in the UK and Midnight Juggernauts in Australia, as well as headline concerts in North America.

Formation of Stal

After returning home, Maulini begins Stal as his own project. He starts by recording bedroom demos, then spends time in Ireland, where sound engineer Patrick Walsh helps him develop his keyboard and synthesizer work. The first demos begin circulating in 2011. Stal’s sound is described as combining strong rock energy with electronica and ambient elements.

Live line-up and style

On stage, Stal also includes Hugo Rattoray on synths and guitars and Renaud Rodier on drums. The project is associated with indie, ambient, shoegaze, electronic and post-rock. The name Stal means “steel” in many languages, and the music is presented as drawing on the image of machines and industrial life while also focusing on harmony, light and themes of happiness, love and hope.