A singer-songwriter from Melbourne, Steph Strings has ramped up traction relatively quickly thanks to her unique storytelling abilities and a sound demonstrating influence from the likes of John Butler Trio and Tash Sultana.
Off the back of her debut EP, 'Allegoric Oceans', in 2018 and 2022's EP 'Wildfire', Steph has toured nationally and internationally. The indie folk, roots-blues artist dropped her latest EP, 'Lion', back in April.Still building her resume, Steph has already undertaken a tour of regional Victoria, appeared at last year's Les Escales Festival in France, and performed headline shows in London, highlighting just a few of the sensational opportunities she's had.
Evidently, Steph is a touring artist. Recently wrapping up a run of shows in North America, she landed back home and immediately returned to the stage showcasing at BIGSOUND before a gig at Toowoomba's Carnival of Flowers.
With time also recently spent back in the studio with Garrett Kato, as well as opening for The Cat Empire on their current run of dates, not forgetting her appearance at Wanderer Festival (Sapphire Coast) at end of September, Strings returns to Europe (for the third time in 2023) in November for another eight performances. You could say Steph Strings is busy.
What are some of your earliest memories of experiencing music?
I remember listening to lots of my parents' favourite music in the car on road trips! They'd listen to Elvis, Fleetwood Mac, Celtic-sounding music and a fair bit of blues/ rock. I started learning the piano with my older sister, but then quickly began to take guitar lessons off my Dad when I was seven years old.
Your touring schedule for the last few years has been full on! Would you say you're a touring artist over a recording artist most days?
At the moment I'd say I'm more of a touring artist, as I've been on the road literally all year! However, I'm about to have some down time to rejuvenate my batteries and also to write and record.
What is it about touring that you enjoy so much?
I really love touring because I am given the opportunity to experience some utterly beautiful and completely ridiculous places, people and things.
I also think touring has made me become more mature, open-minded and grateful, and helped me understand who I am. I don't think I would be the person I am today without having toured so much.
What are you most looking forward to about playing Wanderer?
I'm super keen to check out Pambula and Merimbula, I really love the South Coast and feel so lucky I'm able to perform in such a gorgeous spot. Also, I am very much looking forward to seeing and playing with my good mate Kim Churchill.
Your music demonstrates several indie-folk inclinations in its soundscape – to what extent, if at all, do the other artists with whom you tour and support, teach you more about your music and song writing?
I've been incredibly lucky to tour with, learn from and become friends with some absolutely wonderful musicians who are impeccable humans as well.
Everyone I've supported over the last few years have been kind enough to give me advice, love and support, as well as a tonne of inspiration. The best part is that I learn from them musically AND life lessons as well. I've spent the most time on the road with probably Kim Churchill, the Pierce Brothers and The Cat Empire – they have all taught me a real lot.
Performing all over the world, have you noticed a universal reception and understanding of your work, or have there been subtle cultural differences on how your work is interpreted?
No matter where I go, my fans are all pretty similar. I'm noticing that they are all major guitar lovers, as well as being more of the tea-drinking community rather than beer drinking!
I do notice that fans in Switzerland and Germany are more of a listening crowd, whilst fans in Spain and the Netherlands get a bit more rowdy – both of which are fantastic.
You have a European tour coming up in November – are there any places or artists you're particular keen to experience?
Yep! I'm going back to Europe for the THIRD time this year and I can't wait to revisit the Netherlands especially! I have a major soft spot for that place.
I'll be headlining this tour, so I won't be with other musicians, however I'm very excited to be hopping over the pond to support The Cat Empire in Canada just before AND just after my European Tour.
Do you have a full-length album on the cards in the near future?
I'll definitely release a full-length album in the future. I'm currently writing and recording another EP, so I think in 2025 I might be ready for an album, but who knows. Inspiration can come at the strangest of times.
What's in your diary for the rest of 2023?
It's VERY busy: I'm recording two new songs with Garrett Kato, then September/ October I'm supporting The Cat Empire around Australia, followed by my headline European tour and supporting The Cat Empire in Canada in November.
I'll come straight home to perform at SummerSalt in Torquay in Victoria with the likes of Missy Higgins and Xavier Rudd, then finally a big NYE festival that I'm not allowed to announce just yet (but I'm damn excited about it!).
Steph Strings plays Wanderer Festival at Pambula Beach, (Sapphire Coast), which runs 29 September to 1 October, 2023.
Wanderer Festival 2023 Line-up
MUSIC
New additions:Batts
Ben Lee
Cash Savage And The Last Drinks
DJ Dadbod
Hold//Fire
Little Quirks
Lonnie Holley
Mourning [A] BLKstar
Northeast Party House
Sampa The Great
Teen Jesus & The Jean Teasers
This Way North
Tijuana Cartel
WILSN
Who join the already announced:
Alice Skye
Annie Hamilton
Art Vs Science
Babe Rainbow
Bega Sound Collective
Ben Ottewell & Ian Ball
The Big Lost Band
C.W. Stoneking
Dice
Django Django
Djinama Yilaga
Flavuh
Freya Josephine Hollick
Goldie
Haiku Hands
Jack Biilmann & The Black Tide
Jacoténe
The Jungle Giants
Kevin Morby
Kim Churchill
Lisa Mitchell
Melbourne Ska Orchestra
Montaigne
Ocean Alley
Prodikal-1
Robyn Martin
Rum Jungle
Son Little
Spiderbait
Steph Strings
Stonewave
Taiko
Thelma Plum
Thin White Ukes
Urthboy
Whiskey Dram
Steph String 2023 Tour Dates With The Cat Empire
Fri 22 Sep - The Fortitude Music Hall (Brisbane)Sat 23 Sep - The Green Room (Byron Bay)
Fri 29 Sep - Hindley Street Music Hall (Adelaide)
Fri 6 Oct - Forum Melbourne
