John Stokes

About the Artist

The music has been characterised with deep, rich acoustic sounds, enhanced by a distinctive use of alternate tunings that create a unique and compelling sonic landscape. To further enrich his musical storytelling and sounds, traditional earthy instruments such as the didgeridoo, bodhran and clapping sticks, lend an authentic connection to the Australian country. These elements combined, weave narratives that resonate deeply with his audience. The vast and varied Australian country landscape and connection with the people are a constant source of profound inspiration. From a small farm beginning in a country community enjoying the rural life to travelling the vast Australian landscape working on the land. Shearing sheep, cropping, mustering stock, flying crop dusters, racing motorcycles and rodeo are experiences in life that give authenticity to the music. Compositions are steeped in heartfelt emotion, drawing listeners into a world shaped by the influences of Folk, Country, Blues, Rock, Appalachian, and Grunge. While his sound straddles these genres, Alt Country remains the most fitting description, encapsulating the fusion of traditions and personal storytelling that define his music. A history from working with other musicians in bands, supporting other artists, playing in clubs, hotels and festivals throughout Australia to now evolving as an established singer songwriter. With a recent album produced and recorded by renowned Australian artist and producer Shane Nicholson, the album combines story telling with accompanying artists and instruments bringing some of the music into a distinctive sonic format. This has brought in a new dimension and a vibe of what the future holds. In November 2025 ‘Crumbling Down’ was released as a single off the album and has gained momentum with radio airplays nationally. ‘Crumbling Down’ made it into Country Towns top 50 soon after it’s release. With another single ‘The Catch’ - The new albums title, released April 2026, also airing on national radio and making it’s way into the AMRAP charts. ‍ ‍ Never one to sit around - writing and recording is well underway for the next the album. Song Info: The Catch Laying in the shearing hut one evening I penned this song as a poem. When I was still living at home my father insisted I read poems from Banjo Paterson and others. I was never much of a reader but did enjoy poetry at times. I’m a very visual hands on person, outdoors type and enjoy self learning. ’The Catch’ is related to the shearing industry and it’s effect on me as a person. Leaving home on a Sunday and heading into the night, driving long distances to work a solid week. It was in 2022 approximately that I pulled the poem out and decided to turn it into a song. I was experimenting with alternative tunings on the guitar and came up with the melody. I put one of the verses into a chorus and it all seemed to fit ! Hands down shearing is one of the most physical jobs you could take on. The shearers Hall of Fame in Hay has information on how hard the body is working while shearing. Some of the high end athletes come close to the calories shearers burn in a day.