A Quick Chat with Stormy-Lou

Can you tell me a bit about your latest single ‘Nothing To Me’?

‘Nothing To Me’ is a song that came about during a time where we were all sitting in a spot where our relationships were falling apart or we were recovering from past trauma. We kinda used the funky bassline and pop and punk parts to create a real energetic song that takes that pain and turns it into a positive story about getting past that tough spot for us all.

How did you meet each other?

We all live on the Mid-coast which is a very inter-connected world where everyone sort of knows someone who knows another. Nesbitt, Alex, and Mik all went to school together but Mik wasn’t really close to them during school. It was towards the end of school that Nesbitt started writing songs and asked Alex to come along to a jam. At the time Alex was rolling burritos with Jaya at Zambreros and was a big fan of Cove Street, Jaya’s other band. Nesbitt and and Alex asked Jaya along to a practise and despite being one of the best drummers around, he still joined this really premature project. Early in 2021, Nesbitt and Alex reconnected with Mik at a late-night, impromptu, acoustic jam at Nesbitt’s sister house and vibed really well with Mik and her vocals & so asked if she wanted to come along and try out with the whole set-up. It was a pretty immediate decision once we were all in the room together because the sound was incredible and we all got on incredibly well.

What’s your creative process like when making music together?

It’s a very collaborative process that we like to follow with most of our songs. Usually it starts with one of us bringing in the bear bones of a song, maybe some chords and a couple lyrics. Then we piece together a form and slowly add each part together and edit constantly to keep improving the work. With ‘Nothing To Me’, Nesbitt brought in the song and Jaya wrote this really groovy bassline that brings the song to life. Mik and Alex both added bits of their own style of writing and it became the song that it is today.

What has been your favourite memory together as a band?

Earlier this year we had the opportunity to travel to Canberra to play a wedding for Alex’s family friends. Although it wasn’t a high caliber show, the intimate feel of the wedding and being able to play in front of people we loved was amazing. We also drove there in a single day (16 hours on the road) and managed to remain excited and happy the whole way there. We created so many awesome memories on the trip and we think it’s a real testament that we were able to come closer when in each other’s spaces 24/7 for such a long time. It also gave us lots of hope and excitement for the prospect of going on tour together.

If you were a breed of dog, which would you be and why?

The name Stormy-Lou actually came from Nesbitt’s old dog Storm, a gentle border collie who we all knew and loved. It would go without saying that if the band was reincarnated to a dog it would have to be Storm the border collie.

What was the first concert you ever went to?

Alex: The Script at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre

Nesbitt: Foo Fighters

Jaya: Tenacious D

What have been your favourite album releases from this year so far?

Alex: King Stingray self-titled debut album 

Here Comes Everybody by Spacey Jane

Meanjin EP by Thelma Plum

Nesbitt: Beddy Rays self-titled debut album

King Stingray self-titled debut album

Mik: Pre Pleasure by Julia Jacklin

Flood by Stella Donnelly

Being Funny in a Foreign Language by the 1975

Jaya: Gemini Rights by Steve Lacey

Mr Morale and the Big Steppers by Kendrick Lamar

Flood by Stella Donnelly

When you’re not gigging or making music, what might we find you doing?

Alex: I love running along the coastal bike-track and I’ll try to head down to the south coast on the Fleurieu peninsula as much as possible for a surf when time permits. Often I’m working behind the bar at the local cinema where I try to sneak in a couple free movie trips.

Nesbitt: I love going to local gigs and checking out all the up-and-coming bands ripping up the scene. Also at work cooking up everyone's brekky and lunch.

Mik: Slinging coffees at work, but if not then you’ll find me at the nearest op-shop.

Jaya: Either at uni drawing up some killer designs, hanging with the homies, or headphones-in, head-down at the gym.

What song can you never get sick of?
Alex: Singing Blackbird by Adam Newling

Nesbitt: I Wish Somebody Would Build A Bridge by Thirsty Mercs

Mik: Wet Dream by Wet Leg

Jaya: White Ferrari or Nights, both by Frank Ocean

Anything else in store for the rest of the year?

Once the single is out, we’re all taking different holidays just to have a little break before a busy summer period. We’re off to Fiji, Naarm, and the West-Coast all at different times during November, but back in time for the SA Music Awards later in the month. December kicks off supporting Sophisticated Dingo at the Crown & Anchor as they head our way, and I’m sure a couple gigs for the rest of the month before we see in a new year.