Stone

When STONE began, the group weren’t sure of their new moniker. The maiden name of lead singer Finley Power’s mother, it nodded to both his leadership and autobiographical lyricism, while also making it clear that this was no self-centred solo project. Like them, it felt enigmatic and snappy, no-nonsense in its rough and ready connotation.

Their formidable live presence has piqued the interest of some of music’s biggest stars, also striving to create places where kids can go to let their emotions free. YungBlud personally requested that they join him on his 2021 tour, while Sam Fender had them perform at his Finsbury Park show, streaming their set on his Instagram page. Never ones to waste an opportunity, a recent weekend saw them head to Malaga in between blistering sets at Reading and Leeds 2022 to play Away From Home festival; with a huge audience in attendance, STONE’s music resonated just as thoroughly in Spain as it has in the UK, reflecting the universalities of their message.

As that message spreads, STONE have both the material and sincerity to prove that they can make a difference. With recent single ‘Let’s Dance To The Real Thing’ soundtracking the unveiling of the new Liverpool FC Kit, they’re firmly entrenching themselves in the sound and legacy of their city, giving back to the community as much as possible. From Sarah’s desire to encourage self-acceptance via minimal onstage make-up right through to Elliott’s youth club work with aspiring guitar players, the STONE ethos is about going beyond the “token gesture”, building something inclusive and welcoming for this generation and the next.

Now signed to Polydor, honing their debut EP and with an Inhaler support tour on the way, Elliot in particular is keen to take stock of how far they’ve come. With upcoming single ‘Hope Ain’t Gone’, he feels as if the group are hitting their alchemic stride, the first “proper co-written Lennon and McCartney moment” between himself and Fin.