STAHR

Premiere: Stream STAHR's New Single 'Loving Friend'

An emerging desert rock, dream pop band from Brisbane, the pairing of Grace Harris (Gracie Lou) and Samuel Shepherd (Sam Syrah) aka STAHR has been super productive in only a short period of time.

Only debuting last year, the duo – who share vocal duties – have already released a string of singles highlighted by 'All Night Long', 'MHI' and most recent release 'Small Talk' that weave between dark pop, alt. country and garage rock stylings, all featuring deep grooves and sublime instrumentation.

After supporting the likes of Boy & Bear, Olympia and Jacob Fitzgerald, STAHR's latest release, 'Loving Friend', lyrically deals with watching someone you care about implode with self-destructive behaviour yet holding onto the belief their light will shine through the darkness – it's a haunting reflection on relationships, regret, and hope that will resonate deeply.

Despite the murkiness of the songwriting, the song's sonic flavour is upbeat; you may even term it smouldering. Cheeky, spritely guitar licks explode, a sinister edginess to their tone, the swirling, pounding drums maintaining the desert rock momentum, the groove brimming with a robust strut.

Throughout, Sam's lead vocals are achingly rugged, a confidence exuding a devilish charm that sweeps you up, the harmonious backing vocals from Gracie sprinkling feminine energy, infusing a sultry edge that builds in intensity.

The song morphs through a number of pace changes, at times bounding along like a primal rock & roll beast let loose onstage, at other junctures skirting the shadows like a prowling big cat waiting for an opportune time to pounce.

There's a QOTSA meets INXS vibe, an alternative glaze adding a sexiness that grooves hard, a sashaying swagger that's as hypnotic as it is intoxicating. Definitely a track to let loose hard on the dance floor.

"At the top of the influences for me both on a musical and lyrical front will always be Joshua Homme & Alex Turner," Sam says. "Also some of their influences are my influences as well - Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin. . . I love me a crooner.
 
"Anyway, naturally that all makes its way into how I write. Kendrick Lamar as well, the depth of his storytelling is heroic stuff and always kind of lights the way a little for me too."

Ahead of the song's release tomorrow (19 November), today scenestr is amped to premiere 'Loving Friend'. Enjoy.

When they entered the studio to record their next single, Gracie and Sam were unsure which song to put forward. "When it came time to record," Sam says, "we played a few tracks for our producers (Graham Ritchie and Blake Malone) and immediately ['Loving Friend'] stood out above the rest at the time – strongest story and energetic direction.
 
"It all came together really naturally between us in the room and the rest is history. I'm sure loads of funny moments occurred but we're saving that for the biopic, sorry."

STAHR will open for Ryelle at Blute's Bar (Brisbane) on 18 December. "We've got some new tunes AND this is our final show for 2025 so come shake your ass with us. Ohhhh and did we mention it's a FREE event??"