Hailing from the tropical city of Townsville, Ribbon Stone is carving out their place in the alt-rock scene with a sound that blends the raw energy of the ’90s with their own modern edge. Known for their electrifying live performances and deeply personal songwriting, the band thrives on authenticity, powerful melodies, and anthemic hooks that hit hard both sonically and emotionally.
With a reputation for captivating audiences from the first note, Ribbon Stone has already made waves with their debut single “One Last Time” and continues to push forward with new music on the horizon. In this interview, the band opens up about their influences, songwriting process, and the defining moments that have shaped their journey so far.This is a paid partnership with "Ribbon Stone"
TRACK REVIEW
Ribbon Stone bursts onto the scene with “One Last Time,” a debut track that feels both grand and intimate, balancing raw emotion with soaring instrumentation. From the opening falsetto—seriously, next level—to the melancholic riff that sets the tone, this track is a slow-burning powerhouse.
As the song unfolds, its atmospheric depth and careful build-up keep listeners locked in, leading to a moment of pure payoff around the four-minute mark. The lead guitar break isn’t just an addition—it’s a statement, carrying the song into triumphant, anthemic territory. It’s bold, unafraid of its own weight, and packed with moments that feel cinematic in scope.
For a debut release, “One Last Time” isn’t just an introduction—it’s a declaration. Ribbon Stone is here, and they’re making sure you remember their name.
Ribbon Stone channels the raw energy of 90s rock while bringing something fresh to the table, what is it about that era that speaks to you, and how do you make it your own?
Authenticity of an era that created a smorgasbord of music and sounds that had strong presence and success in their own right! We have multiple different influences that we are all drawn to but the 90s era seems to bring us to a common ground and in that way we all keep authenticity at the forefront.
Your music blends gritty riffs, emotive lyrics, and anthemic hooks. When you’re writing, do the lyrics or the instrumentals come first, or does it change with each song?
It does tend to change as time has gone on , but with the beginning of this band - writing the melodic structure came first and Sam (singer) would improvise and find he’s structure that way.
Coming from Townsville, how has the tropical setting influenced your sound or approach to music, if at all?
We haven’t noticed that the area has had much influence in our sound. Maybe just sweatier live performances.
Your songs capture life’s highs and lows, what’s a moment or experience that has directly shaped one of your tracks?
We’ve all had relationships where a partner has been a bit of a handbrake at some point in each other lives. A common personal struggle that we hope resonates with our audience.
Ribbon Stone has earned a reputation for electrifying live performances. What do you think makes a great live show, and how do you bring that energy to the stage?
We feed off the audience’s energy, pushing each performance to its limit, and staying fully present in the moment. Every show should feel alive, organic, and one-of-a-kind.
If someone had never heard Ribbon Stone before, which song would you play for them first and why?
If no one had heard of Ribbon Stone before, we’d probably choose our debut single “One Last Time” It was the band’s first song, and we all played a role in building it from the ground up, making it a true representation of who we are, at this time.
Every band has a defining moment when they realise they’re onto something special, what was that moment for you?
Before releasing our single, people would often approach us after gigs - even after our very first show, asking if they could stream our music. It was an incredible feeling knowing there was already a demand for our music. Another great moment came during soundcheck for our first -ever show when we were unexpectedly offered a gig on the spot.
If Ribbon Stone could go back in time and open for any 90s band, who would it be and why?
Tough one! But we’d probably go with Alice in Chains (when Layne was still around) Their intensity and musicianship - along with their dark melancholic sound is just all together a powerful presence.
Music is all about connection, what’s the most surprising or meaningful response you’ve had from a listener?
An audience member thanked us for being vulnerable on stage with our music, saying it made her feel brave. It was an incredible reminder of how simply being up there and performing can inspire people in so many different ways.
Looking ahead, what’s next for Ribbon Stone? Any big goals or milestones you’re aiming for?
We're heading back into the studio to record our next single, set for release in a months time. That will be followed by our upcoming EP, which we plan to drop in the next few months. Alongside that, we’re excited to headline our first show in May.
After a brutal 14-hour study session for the toughest exams of my life, blasting Ribbon Stone’s One Last Time on repeat was exactly the rush I needed—I felt unstoppable, like the whole universe was cheering me on.