Introducing Gillian Stone she is a multi-instrumentalist, ethnomusicologist, and interdisciplinary artist based in Toronto (Tkaronto). Her vocally-driven work, which draws from post-rock, folk, ambiance, and minimalism, has been described as “beyond characterization” and “surreal in its composition” (The Revue). Born and raised on the traditional territory of the Quw’utsun on Vancouver Island, with a profound connection to her Icelandic heritage, Stone channels the influence of outer landscapes in her inner lyrical worlds and soundscapes. Her music processes riding the waves of mental health, particularly as it relates to dysregulation, addiction, shame, relational trauma, and dissociation. Because of this, she speaks candidly about her lived experience through her music and expressions of artistic identity as an act of destigmatization. Stone’s 2020 debut single, “Bridges”, co-produced with experimental e-cellist Michael Peter Olsen (Zoon, The Hidden Cameras), was described as “a dark and beautiful song; a song of many textures” (Monolith Cocktail). The music video for her follow-up single, “Shelf”, was Stone’s directorial debut. She again collaborated with Olsen for her forthcoming debut EP, Spirit Photographs, a five-song concept album about grief with each song representing one of Elisabeth Kübler-Ross’ stages. “Amends” (representing Anger), the first single from the Spirit Photographs song cycle, was “a raw exploration of a key stage of the recovery process” (DOMINIONATED). Following the release of her newest single “Raven’s Song,” she presents a dreamy sound that will certainly grasp your attention. Starting with soothing instrumentation leading onto her sweet and sultry vocals she completes the song fully. Explaining the track a bit further it’s a reflection on a time when she existed in a state of limerence, intersecting with the third stage of grief: Bargaining. It is an interplay between fire and water that takes place at night, in darkness, in a forest by the river. It traverses a psyche riddled with obsession – a mind that can’t let go. To the vocals and production, this single will surely have you vibing. It would be just great for a late-night drive or alone within your thoughts. Go stream “Raven’s Song” and check out her discography which is filled with outstanding music.
Socials:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gilliandrones/