Stonefield

Stonefield is an Australian rock group from Darraweit Guim in Victoria, formed by four sisters: Amy Findlay on drums and vocals, Sarah Findlay on keyboards, Hannah Findlay on guitar, and Holly Findlay on bass. The band begins in 2006, first performing locally under the name Iotah before changing to Stonefield in 2010 after discovering another Australian act using the same name.

Early years and local recognition

The Findlay sisters grow up in a rural household with a strong interest in classic rock, with Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Fleetwood Mac and Frank Zappa among the records regularly played at home. They also receive help from a music teacher living next door, who gives them pointers on their instruments. As Iotah, they win a number of regional battle-of-the-band competitions and gain wider attention in 2010 when their song “Foreign Lover” is entered into the Triple J Unearthed music competition. The group wins the grand prize, helping establish its national profile.

Recordings and releases

Stonefield releases its debut EP, Through the Clover, in 2010 through Shock Records, and follows it with Bad Reality in 2012 on Wunderkind Records. The band’s first album, simply titled Stonefield, arrives in 2013. Its second full-length, As Above, So Below, becomes a breakthrough release, reaching number 19 on the Australian Albums chart. Later albums include Far from Earth in 2018 and Bent in 2019.

Style and live activity

Stonefield plays hard rock in a classic 1970s style, with swirling organ parts, crunchy guitar solos, and a strong psychedelic influence. The group tours Australia and the UK several times and shares bills with acts including Foo Fighters and Kaiser Chiefs. Its 2010 appearance at Perth’s One Movement Festival leads to a booking at Glastonbury in 2011. In 2017 Stonefield signs to Flightless Records, releases the single “Delusion,” and continues with the heavier, more psychedelic direction heard on Far from Earth and Bent.

Recording of Bent

Bent is recorded live in the studio over five days, with help from Joe Walker and Stu Mackenzie of King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard.