Stone Broken is a budding rock newcomer from the UK, which has just released their debut album. Formed in 2013, the band has now unleashed their debut full-length album in the world. We caught up with the band’s vocalist & guitarist Rich Moss so as to find out about the expectations and the future plans of this brand newcomer…
Welcome to Grande Rock, Rich. First of all, do give us a brief bio of Stone Broken.
R: Stone Broken are a 4-piece Hard Rock band from Walsall in the UK. We formed in 2013 when members from 2 local bands joined forces.
How did you come up with the name Stone Broken initially?
R: In the early days we were discussing what we wanted / needed to do to get us off the ground and when we sat down and priced up our options Robyn made a comment saying that we are going to be ‘Stone Broke’ (meaning penniless)... that then progressed to Stone Broken and it seemed to fit, so we kept it.
What are the band’s influences?
R: Our influences are quite varied as a band, if you looked at our collective music library you would find everything from Whitesnake, AC/DC & Queen through to Lamb Of God, Mastodon and everything in between.
How would you define the band’s sound and at what point did all the members decide which way to go musically?
R: When we first formed, we spent a lot of time locked away working on material and getting used to how we all played together. I guess we let our sound develop naturally; the good thing is that because we all have a broad range of influences we have a common ground in the middle. I think our sound would be described as big, riffy and catchy.
You released the EP “The Crow Flies” in 2014. Afterwards you were ready to record and release another EP. What happened and you changed your initial idea?
R: Like you say, we went back in to the studio with the intention of recording and releasing a new EP; but when we got the masters back from Romesh (producer), we put them back to back with the songs from “The Crow Flies” and they just screamed ‘Album’! So we sent all the tracks, including those from “The Crow Flies”, back to Romesh and had the whole thing remastered and it sounds great!
Do you feel that it was a wise choice to release your debut full-length now or what? I do think that full-length albums are more preferable over EPs, especially these days.
R: Definitely, the timing felt right, it’s something that we put a lot of thought into and I truly believe that we made the right decision. Releasing a full-length album has given us an extra push in the right direction.
So what does the title “All in Time” declare?
R: The title is actually a stolen lyric from our lead single “Stay All Night”; it’s almost a message to ourselves, reminding us that things will come in their own time, don’t rush... do it right.
Do tell us a few things about each track…
R: “Not Your Enemy”: The opening track has got to be a show stopper, right? We picked this one because it captures everything that Stone Broken is about, groovy, in your face and catchy as hell!
“Better”: This is probably one of the favourites at our live shows... there is a real positive message behind this one... have a listen to the lyrics.
“Be There”: Probably our most ‘southern-sounding’ track, a real laidback vibe. This was written with nostalgia in mind.
“Let Me Go”: This is a really ‘stompy’ track, it was the first track we ever shot a video for, so it’s always going to be a special one for us.
“Wait For You”: If ever there is a chance to hold a lighter up in the air at one of our shows, this would be the track to do it to.
“Save Tomorrow”: I’d say that this probably has the most ‘attitude’ on the album; it’s kind of a frustration filled song.
“This Life”: This was actually the first song I wrote lyrically for Stone Broken, I had been suffering with extreme writers block for around 2 years... as soon as I wrote the opening line “sometimes I feel like I can’t get over anything”, the rest of the song came out and my writers block disappeared!
“Another Day”: Kind of in the same vein as “Wait for You”, this is one of the more melodic tracks on the album. This one is written with a double meaning, people will relate to it either because of a relationship or because of the loss of a loved one.
“Fall Back Down”: The main riff to this song actually has a story attached to it. We were stood in our rehearsal space jamming out ideas and it was a really hot day, we turned the fan on and it’s making a really loud clicking noise, I jokingly started playing a random riff in time with it and that’s how “Fall Back Down” was born!
“Stay All Night”: This is the lead single from the album; it’s high energy and has a positive vibe. This is probably my favourite song to play live... not that I don’t like the others, but I have so much fun with this one.
Once again you chose to record at Longwave Studios with the help of Romesh. Why’s that? Are you satisfied by the final outcome soundwise? I do think that none can tell that the tracks were recorded in different eras.
R: We love working with Romesh, he gets what we are all about and brings it to life... not to mention that he is a genius. It’s also one of the reasons we knew that the album would work so well... you can tell Romesh exactly what you want and he will know how to make it happen.
Even though you’re young, you are very mature musically. What’s your secret?
R: I don't think there are any tricks involved really, we just work really hard to create music that we love, if something doesn’t feel right then we will change it, I don’t think we have ever left anything in one of our songs that we weren’t 100% sure about.
What are your touring plans?
R: We are currently planning a headline tour throughout the UK for April/May, nothing has been confirmed yet but the plans are definitely in motion.
What are your expectations from “All in Time” and what do you wish to achieve with Stone Broken at long term?
R: I think “All in Time” will be a solid start for us; it has already started to lay down the foundations for what looks to be an exciting year ahead. Long term goals are to keep pushing ourselves to write the music that we love and play to ever increasing audiences. Ultimately, we want this to be our living, let’s face it... it’s what a musician lives for.
It’s time for our Weird Questions!!! If you were an animal, which animal would you be and why?
R: I think I would be an eagle, I would get to see the world from a different point of view, plus they are the king of the skies!
Do you think sexual fantasies should stay fantasies or be made a reality?
R: I think they should stay fantasies, if you make it a reality and it doesn’t live up to your expectations you will never be the same again.
Best pick-up line that has worked for you several times in the past?
R: I’ve never had to use one!
What’s the worst thing you can say right after sex?
R: Not bad…
You have the opportunity to sleep with a movie-celebrity/porn-star of your choice. Who would it be & why?
R: Haha... did I mention that I’m engaged to Robyn... our drummer? She has blunt objects in her hands most of the time, so no comment! (i.n.: Hehehe… bad timing dude!)
What is your favorite music during sexual intercourse?
R: I can’t say that I have a preference.
Which are the best 3 Rock albums of all time according to you?
R: OK, in no particular order I would have to say: AC/DC – “Back in Black” (this inspired me to play guitar), Alter Bridge – “One Day Remains” and Hinder – “All American Nightmare”.
Which do you consider to be the best male vocalist in rock history?
R: I would probably have to say Miles Kennedy... his range and versatility is phenomenal.
Were you obliged to give just one album to extraterrestrials that would represent the whole human music, which album would it be and from which band/artist?
R: Wow... now that’s a tough question! How do I pick just one?? I think it would be a mixtape that I would send... but if I had to send an actual album it would be AC/DC – “Highway to Hell”.
Fill in the phrase… “Rock music wouldn’t have evolved the way it did, if it hadn’t been for…”
R: Black Sabbath... but I would say that, I live not too far from where they started. They bought heavy riffs to the world... need I say anymore?!
If you had the chance to travel in time… where would you choose to go? To the past or the future and why?
R: I would definitely go back in time. There are so many bands that I would have liked to go and see; like Nirvana, The Jimi Hendrix Experience etc... I’ll never get to see them in the flesh.
Who is the sexiest male & female Rock Star of our time and why?
R: I would think that women would like Chris Cornell for his voice and Lzzy Hale for her attitude!
Which one of the Seven Deadly Sins you consider yourself to be?
R: I would probably say Pride because I put everything I have in to things that I believe in. We can be proud of what we have created because we did it ourselves, and that makes me proud.
Imagine that your fiancé is selling your whole album-collection just to buy an expensive ring for herself. How would you react?
R: Shock would probably be my first reaction, but then I would wonder which album I would buy first again.
I think we’re done Rich. Thx for talking to Grande Rock. Say anything you feel like saying before we close. Take care dude!
R: It’s been a pleasure! I hope you have enjoyed reading this interview! Check out our debut album – “All in Time”! Keep music live!! Take care!
R: Stone Broken are a 4-piece Hard Rock band from Walsall in the UK. We formed in 2013 when members from 2 local bands joined forces.
How did you come up with the name Stone Broken initially?
R: In the early days we were discussing what we wanted / needed to do to get us off the ground and when we sat down and priced up our options Robyn made a comment saying that we are going to be ‘Stone Broke’ (meaning penniless)... that then progressed to Stone Broken and it seemed to fit, so we kept it.
What are the band’s influences?
R: Our influences are quite varied as a band, if you looked at our collective music library you would find everything from Whitesnake, AC/DC & Queen through to Lamb Of God, Mastodon and everything in between.
How would you define the band’s sound and at what point did all the members decide which way to go musically?
R: When we first formed, we spent a lot of time locked away working on material and getting used to how we all played together. I guess we let our sound develop naturally; the good thing is that because we all have a broad range of influences we have a common ground in the middle. I think our sound would be described as big, riffy and catchy.
You released the EP “The Crow Flies” in 2014. Afterwards you were ready to record and release another EP. What happened and you changed your initial idea?
R: Like you say, we went back in to the studio with the intention of recording and releasing a new EP; but when we got the masters back from Romesh (producer), we put them back to back with the songs from “The Crow Flies” and they just screamed ‘Album’! So we sent all the tracks, including those from “The Crow Flies”, back to Romesh and had the whole thing remastered and it sounds great!
Do you feel that it was a wise choice to release your debut full-length now or what? I do think that full-length albums are more preferable over EPs, especially these days.
R: Definitely, the timing felt right, it’s something that we put a lot of thought into and I truly believe that we made the right decision. Releasing a full-length album has given us an extra push in the right direction.
So what does the title “All in Time” declare?
R: The title is actually a stolen lyric from our lead single “Stay All Night”; it’s almost a message to ourselves, reminding us that things will come in their own time, don’t rush... do it right.
Do tell us a few things about each track…
R: “Not Your Enemy”: The opening track has got to be a show stopper, right? We picked this one because it captures everything that Stone Broken is about, groovy, in your face and catchy as hell!
“Better”: This is probably one of the favourites at our live shows... there is a real positive message behind this one... have a listen to the lyrics.
“Be There”: Probably our most ‘southern-sounding’ track, a real laidback vibe. This was written with nostalgia in mind.
“Let Me Go”: This is a really ‘stompy’ track, it was the first track we ever shot a video for, so it’s always going to be a special one for us.
“Wait For You”: If ever there is a chance to hold a lighter up in the air at one of our shows, this would be the track to do it to.
“Save Tomorrow”: I’d say that this probably has the most ‘attitude’ on the album; it’s kind of a frustration filled song.
“This Life”: This was actually the first song I wrote lyrically for Stone Broken, I had been suffering with extreme writers block for around 2 years... as soon as I wrote the opening line “sometimes I feel like I can’t get over anything”, the rest of the song came out and my writers block disappeared!
“Another Day”: Kind of in the same vein as “Wait for You”, this is one of the more melodic tracks on the album. This one is written with a double meaning, people will relate to it either because of a relationship or because of the loss of a loved one.
“Fall Back Down”: The main riff to this song actually has a story attached to it. We were stood in our rehearsal space jamming out ideas and it was a really hot day, we turned the fan on and it’s making a really loud clicking noise, I jokingly started playing a random riff in time with it and that’s how “Fall Back Down” was born!
“Stay All Night”: This is the lead single from the album; it’s high energy and has a positive vibe. This is probably my favourite song to play live... not that I don’t like the others, but I have so much fun with this one.
Once again you chose to record at Longwave Studios with the help of Romesh. Why’s that? Are you satisfied by the final outcome soundwise? I do think that none can tell that the tracks were recorded in different eras.
R: We love working with Romesh, he gets what we are all about and brings it to life... not to mention that he is a genius. It’s also one of the reasons we knew that the album would work so well... you can tell Romesh exactly what you want and he will know how to make it happen.
Even though you’re young, you are very mature musically. What’s your secret?
R: I don't think there are any tricks involved really, we just work really hard to create music that we love, if something doesn’t feel right then we will change it, I don’t think we have ever left anything in one of our songs that we weren’t 100% sure about.
What are your touring plans?
R: We are currently planning a headline tour throughout the UK for April/May, nothing has been confirmed yet but the plans are definitely in motion.
What are your expectations from “All in Time” and what do you wish to achieve with Stone Broken at long term?
R: I think “All in Time” will be a solid start for us; it has already started to lay down the foundations for what looks to be an exciting year ahead. Long term goals are to keep pushing ourselves to write the music that we love and play to ever increasing audiences. Ultimately, we want this to be our living, let’s face it... it’s what a musician lives for.
It’s time for our Weird Questions!!! If you were an animal, which animal would you be and why?
R: I think I would be an eagle, I would get to see the world from a different point of view, plus they are the king of the skies!
Do you think sexual fantasies should stay fantasies or be made a reality?
R: I think they should stay fantasies, if you make it a reality and it doesn’t live up to your expectations you will never be the same again.
Best pick-up line that has worked for you several times in the past?
R: I’ve never had to use one!
What’s the worst thing you can say right after sex?
R: Not bad…
You have the opportunity to sleep with a movie-celebrity/porn-star of your choice. Who would it be & why?
R: Haha... did I mention that I’m engaged to Robyn... our drummer? She has blunt objects in her hands most of the time, so no comment! (i.n.: Hehehe… bad timing dude!)
What is your favorite music during sexual intercourse?
R: I can’t say that I have a preference.
Which are the best 3 Rock albums of all time according to you?
R: OK, in no particular order I would have to say: AC/DC – “Back in Black” (this inspired me to play guitar), Alter Bridge – “One Day Remains” and Hinder – “All American Nightmare”.
Which do you consider to be the best male vocalist in rock history?
R: I would probably have to say Miles Kennedy... his range and versatility is phenomenal.
Were you obliged to give just one album to extraterrestrials that would represent the whole human music, which album would it be and from which band/artist?
R: Wow... now that’s a tough question! How do I pick just one?? I think it would be a mixtape that I would send... but if I had to send an actual album it would be AC/DC – “Highway to Hell”.
Fill in the phrase… “Rock music wouldn’t have evolved the way it did, if it hadn’t been for…”
R: Black Sabbath... but I would say that, I live not too far from where they started. They bought heavy riffs to the world... need I say anymore?!
If you had the chance to travel in time… where would you choose to go? To the past or the future and why?
R: I would definitely go back in time. There are so many bands that I would have liked to go and see; like Nirvana, The Jimi Hendrix Experience etc... I’ll never get to see them in the flesh.
Who is the sexiest male & female Rock Star of our time and why?
R: I would think that women would like Chris Cornell for his voice and Lzzy Hale for her attitude!
Which one of the Seven Deadly Sins you consider yourself to be?
R: I would probably say Pride because I put everything I have in to things that I believe in. We can be proud of what we have created because we did it ourselves, and that makes me proud.
Imagine that your fiancé is selling your whole album-collection just to buy an expensive ring for herself. How would you react?
R: Shock would probably be my first reaction, but then I would wonder which album I would buy first again.
I think we’re done Rich. Thx for talking to Grande Rock. Say anything you feel like saying before we close. Take care dude!
R: It’s been a pleasure! I hope you have enjoyed reading this interview! Check out our debut album – “All in Time”! Keep music live!! Take care!