Atlanta’s Stokeswood have all the attributes to be a massive international success.  They combine excellent vocals with incredibly proficient yet understated instrumental performances perfectly.  Their big, rather British sound is packed with magnificent harmonies and intelligent melodies played with feeling and conviction.  We put a few questions to them and asked how it was going.

How did you meet and go on to form the band?

Mark: With the exception of Craig, we all met in school at Georgia College & State University in Milledgeville, GA. We just jammed on acoustics and learned to play live with each other. It wasn't til after school that Adam and I started writing together (2004) and a couple of years later we decided to put together a band, so naturally we called on Jon and Reed.  Craig came into the picture on percussion when we looking for a drummer before Jon became available.

What do you think are the main challenges facing US artists at the moment?

Mark: Oversaturation and technology, now anyone with a computer and a myspace can have a "band," it gets hard to weed through it all and find the real good music that’s being created in the States right now.

You’ve recently released your debut album ‘Carassia’. What’s the reaction been like so far?

Mark: I've heard "Fucking Epic" a few times

Craig: People have been impressed with the record's intertwining flow and how clean it sounds even with all the instrumental layers.

Adam: Sounds pretty professional for it being us!

What else is going on for Stokeswood in 2009?

Mark: We’re just going to focus on getting Carassia heard, while developing our local fan base with a series of really big events rather than playing numerous small shows.

Reed: Well we are hoping to create as many "Pure Notes" as possible to help The GZ Monster defend Carassia from Conti the Evil chicken and his hoard of Peep Jousters. (refer to "The Legend of Carassia")

Your sound has been described as being quite British. What inspires you?

Reed: Long walks on the beach singing acapella covers of 2080 by Yeasayer.   Something that inspires me personally is the drive to create a soundtrack to life. When I find good music it usually pertains heavily to the emotions and feelings I am experiencing at that point in my life. I feel great artist can capture that and convay it through there music...  Radiohead is one of the best examples of this in my opinion.

Mark: I've listened to the album Magical Mystery Tour my whole life, probably more times than anything else.

You come from Atlanta. What’s the scene like there?

Craig: Hip-Hop is really big and people come out for it, but getting people out in Atlanta for some local music is rough.

Adam: She is fickle lady!

Do you find it easy to break out and tour outside of your home state?

Mark: Actually booking the tour is difficult, but the reactions are always stellar. We love playing Miami, the energy and music scene there is brilliant and people come out ready for an experience only live music can deliver.

Have you got any plans to hit the rest of the world with the Stokeswood sound?

Mark: Naturally we would love to spread our "pure notes" to the entire world.

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