Touched down in Queenstown on a big jet plane - Q&A with Angus & Julia Stone

Aussie folk, indie pop duo Angus & Julia Stone are in town for Snow Machine festivities, which officially kicked off on Tuesday.

The pair will take the main stage at Remarkables Park just before 8pm tonight, Thursday, and they’re looking forward to check out Queenstown’s beauty. We chat with Julia about all things Snow Machine, their latest album and what else is on the horizon.

LWB: Will this be your first time in Queenstown and are you excited for the snow?

JS: Yes, it’s my first time in Queenstown. I’ve heard it’s incredibly beautiful. I’m definitely excited to see the snow as well.

LWB: Is there anything planned for your time here beyond the festival?

JS: I’m hoping to explore the town and maybe do some skiing. I can’t wait to be up in the mountains. Planning to spend a few days and enjoy the beauty.

LWB: What can fans expect to see on stage from you?

JS: We love playing outdoor festivals in nature. With music and the beauty of the natural world it makes for a really special show.

LWB: Congrats on the release of your new album Cape Forestier - what was the process like to bring this one to life?

JS: Thank you! It was a really natural process. I went up to Angus’ studio to visit him and hang out and then we started making songs. Felt like how we started out. Writing songs in the living room at home.

LWB: And how has the reception been so far?

JS: The reception has been amazing. Was such a big world tour, going to places we’ve never played before like Mexico City and Brazil. We were blown away by how much love our fans bring to the shows.

LWB: How do Kiwi audiences compare to those back home and around the world?

JS: Kiwi audiences are incredibly warm... and receptive. I get the sense there’s a real appreciation for the music and the arts in New Zealand when we play shows here.

LWB: Are there any other artists at the festival that you're looking forward to seeing/meeting/working alongside? Are there any Kiwi artists on your radar?

JS: I’m really looking forward to seeing some local artists at the festival. We played a show recently with an incredible New Zealand artist Holly Arrowsmith. She was extraordinary.

Beyond Snow Machine, the pair have more shows planned in support of their new album and are continuing to work on new music. They’ve been writing whilst travelling around on tour and say they feel like it’s going to be a busy and fun end to 2024.

You can discover where to listen to Cape Forestier and discover more of Angus & Julia Stone’s music at angusandjuliastone.com and you can see them live at Snow Machine’s main stage on Thursday, 5 September. You can check out the full line up for the festival and grab tickets at snow-machine.com/nz