After bursting into the dance charts with his critically acclaimed debut artist album ‘Can’t Get Enough’ in 2004, released on global funky house uber label Hed Kandi, Stonebridge has become one of the most revered names in the clubbing scene. He’s released several chart busting singles, which have translated into mainstream hits, including the club anthems ‘Put Em High’ and ‘Take Me Away’. Returning to Australia this New Year, Stone is back, and better than ever! Fusing sexy sounds and pumping house together to make a martini that 007 couldn’t take, shaken or stirred, Stonebridge travels to the world’s hottest destinations like a secret agent to complete his missions.

AJ: What have you been up to since we last spoke in March 2005?

Stone: Firstly I promoted the album all over the world because the US came on really late and it took me until December 2005, then I started working on my follow up album. I’ve also mixed Ultra Nate’s forthcoming artist album. [There were] loads of remixes, with Armand Van Helden’s ‘My, My, My’ being the biggest and Jewel’s ‘Only One Too’. I’ve been running my label Stoney Boy with about six releases over the past couple of years.

AJ: As a regular visitor to Australia, how do you rate the local scene?

Stone: I love Australia! Not only the people and the country but the club scene… people are always up for it and really appreciate that you have come all the way from Europe to play.

AJ: How does it compare to the UK, US and European scene?

Stone: Australians spend a lot of time listening to music and Pete Tong, reading about it in magazines. They’re really upfront and know there stuff!

AJ: What’s in store for your coming tour down under?

Stone: I’m going to do my sexy, funky, pumping house, and this year I have really good clubs lined up. I’m doing Onelove again in Melbourne, Cargo in Sydney on New Years Eve and HQ in Adelaide. I’ve never been to Adelaide before so I’m really looking forward to that one! [Then] winding up the tour at Family in Brisbane.

AJ: How do you think your latest single ‘SOS’ will impact on the Aussie audience?

Stone: I think it will go right down… it’s perfect. It’s got a little bit of a dirty vibe going on, but it’s still very funky with some bonus rock elements. I think that one is almost tailor made for Australia.

AJ: What are you working on at the moment?

Stone: Just putting the final touches to my new album and working on three mixes. Do you remember Moony from a few years ago? They have a new single coming out that is really, really strong! And a few new releases from the label coming up.

AJ: It’s good to hear some forgotten artists making a come back!

Stone: Yes! The old foxes are there in the background waiting to attack again. That Moony single is really going to be huge, absolutely massive!

AJ: With less remixes than in previous years, are you concentrating more on touring or production?

Stone: Interesting question… I play every weekend and do a longer tour for say a week at least once a month. It does affect the studio work and you have to be very organised. I do things on flights and it takes a little more concentration to get things done. The touring gives me a lot of inspiration for the production… So the two go hand in hand!

AJ: Are you still hosting your monthly mix show for Sirius Satellite in the USA?

Stone: Absolutely! They want me to do weekly but that would mean doing only radio shows. I’m considering do bi-weekly because I’m getting such a good response for that show. You can actually get it online outside the US.

AJ: How’s Stoney Boy Music coming along?

Stone: In the beginning it was setup in New York in the good old vinyl days… because I really wanted the records to be shrink wrapped and the only place that you could do it properly was in the US. Sales were sliding so I decided to move it to Europe. It’s been based in Holland for a year and a half now which took it to the next level! It’s far more professional and more organised. It’s been going really well and my artist album will be released on the label in certain territories. It looks like 2007 will be the biggest year so far for the label!

AJ: Has it been guaranteed for release down under as yet?

Stone: I’m talking to Shock Records who did the last album. I really hope they get on board because they did a really good job on the last album.

AJ: Come on everyone send some emails to Shock Records and tell them you want the album!

Stone: Yeah, Please do it!

AJ: What’s about to drop from your label?

Stone: I’ve done a vinyl promo for ‘SOS’ and a beat for exclusive. In January there will be the proper release for the single. Then I have a forthcoming single featuring Jill Jones who is one of Prince’s prodigies, and that is really strong as well. I’m also working on another project which is not named yet which is also very cool. So it’s two big releases February and March time.

AJ: We know that you love your Mercedes Benz cars, are you still driving them?

Stone: It’s the black hole, as we call it! You can throw money in that one. I’ve still got it! This year I’ve got to change the exhaust which is going to cost an arm and a leg… But what can you do when you’re in love?

AJ: With your latest mix CDs, ‘Stoney Boy Sessions Vol. 1’ and ‘The Flavour, The Vibe’, were both successful… what’s next?

Stone: It’s the album, but I’m going to do a mix with Gossip Records, which is one of my favourite US labels, and that will be out in April or May. It’s going to be two CDs. One mixed by the Gossip guys, which will be really funky and soulful, and I’ll do the one with the harder edge!

AJ: Where do you see yourself heading in the future?

Stone: I’ll keep doing my artist stuff and more original productions, and I’ll cut down a bit more on the remixes. I was really inspired by the reception I got for my first album so it inspired me to do more. I’ll still be touring… I love it! It’s a great way to see how your music works. So I’ll continue like this for as long as I can.

Catch Stonebridge hitting the decks this Summer:

Dec 31 – Hed Kandi at Cargo, Sydney
Jan 12 – HQ, Adelaide
Jan 14 – Fluffy at Family, Brisbane