Stone Foundation Talk New Album, Recording And More

Stone Foundation

8-piece Soul band Stone Foundation have announced a major tour of the UK, Eire and mainland Europe to follow the release of their eleventh studio album, their first since 2022, ‘The Revival Of Survival’ on 28th March 2025 through 100 Percent Records. Lead vocalist Neil Jones kindly chatted to JLTT all about it:

Who is in Stone Foundation, how did you meet and what do they play?
Right now it’s Neil Jones vocals & Neil Sheasby bass, Dominic Carr drums, Mick Talbot keys, Ian Arnold keys, Steve Trigg trumpet, David Boraston trumpet & Anthony Gaylard sax.

My band supported Sheas’s band at The Laurel Tree Camden and it grew from there.

What is your earliest musical memory?
My Dad playing Led Zeppelin 3 on his turn table in our old house.

You have your new single ‘Summer Song’ featuring Omar being released on 17th February 2025. What was the inspiration/story behind the track? How did the collaboration with Omar arise?
We always visualise a sound or style for each track and on this occasion I thought Omar’s voice was suited perfectly to the vibe of the track so instead of singing it myself we asked Omar.

Did you collaborate with anyone on your new music in terms of the writing?
No it’s always myself (Neil Jones) & Neil Sheasby our collaboration process mainly comes when recording with whoever we’ve asked to play or sing on the track

In addition, your eleventh studio album ‘The Revival of Survival’ will be released on 28th March 2025. How did you want to approach the making of the album?

The record had more of a disco vibe to it, we wanted to make something uplifting that you could move your feet too.


Where did you record the album and who produced it?
We recorded at Paul Weller’s Black Barn Studio this is the 5th record we’ve recorded at Paul’s now it’s a home from home. Charles Rees engineered and myself and Neil Sheasby produced it.

Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the album recording sessions?
It’s the first album we’ve properly introduced the two keyboard formation with Mick Talbot & Ian Arnold which we’ll be taking out on the road with us this year as well

Do you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the album?
Personally I’m always looking at different guitar pedals whilst recording. Were really lucky to have Paul’s studio equipment and Charles his studio engineers expertise so we can always push boundaries with our music every time we go in there.

Which of your new album tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?

All our tracks are designed to be uplifting there’s too much negativity and anger in the world right now

Who created/designed the album artwork?
A brilliant artist called The Seasick Sailor

Was it a difficult album to write?

No it flowed and came together really organically and very quickly

What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?
Putting smiles on peoples faces and leaving them with a positive vibration & energy from the night

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?
My tried and trusted 80’s Telecaster goes everywhere with me

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?
Tamworth
The Heart of the Midlands

How do you look after your voice?
I don’t really I never been one of these people to warm up before a gig

You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?
Norwegian wood by hariki murakami
Its a beautiful book & I love his writing

Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?
Love Kiwanuka at the moment. We also had Jalen N gonda support us in 2018 it’s nice to see him blowing up and becoming big right now.

Do you have any live dates planned in the UK/Europe in 2025?
Yes lots throughout this year Germany, Holland, Italy, ireland & the UK

Given your extensive back catalogue, is it difficult picking a setlist? Do you have a specific song selection process?
Yes it’s always difficult but now we have a new record our we’ll be focusing on that along with old favourites

What makes Stone Foundation happy?
Playing & writing new music makes us happy.

Stone Foundation

Feature Image Photo Credit: Supplied By Chris Hewlett PR

‘The Revival of Survival’ by Stone Foundation released on Friday 28th March 2025 through 100 Percent Records.

Pre-order here: https://www.stonefoundation.co.uk/collections/the-revival-of-survival

‘The Revival of Survival’ Tour which will take in 14 UK & Eire venues between September – November 2025.

Tickets are onsale now here: https://www.stonefoundation.co.uk/pages/shows

For more information visit their official website here: https://www.stonefoundation.co.uk/

Stone Foundation