New Zealand songwriter Stenn Francis-Deare grew up in rural Whatawhata surrounded by musicians and artists, with a range of styles from Balkan folk muisc to indie and post-punk bands like Link Wray and Television in the mix. Now based in Melbourne, Stenn brings that varied background to his accomplished debut album, There’s A Lot To Give , set to drop October 23rd.
The record draws on alt-country, folk and baroque pop vibes throughout. It was recorded at Neil Finn’s Roundhead Studios in Auckland, New Zealand with producer Navakatoa Tekela-Pule, whose credits include LEAO and Erny Belle.
For an introduction to Stenn’s music style, check out “Tales From the Pantry.” The Bowie-inspired debut single landed in Rolling Stone (Australia/New Zealand version) Best New Music’s roundup earlier this year.
The album took shape after a friend challenged Francis-Deare to write and record in a more personal way to connect to others; not to hold back. This inspired Stenn to began looking more closely at himself and how he wanted to carry himself in life and interact with others.
“Love is something you have to actively choose all the time,” he explains. “If you’re so used to hiding away, it’s the hardest thing to do.”
The title track is also a good selection to get a handle on this artist’s unique mix of styles, sensitivities and songwriting.
Happy Mag described its meeting of alt-country and indie rock as ‘warm, unfussy and quietly affecting,’ while TripleJ Unearthed’s Steph Hughes calls it ‘introspective and warm.’ Fellow blogger Sam Lane was especially taken with the pedal steel’s entrance — a specific detail you’ll hear when you give the track a spin.