Toni and the Stonehearts hit the ground running with 100 per cent full throttle debut single ‘No Turning Back’. Influences of this generation’s great front woman, Susi De Marchi, Grace Potter and Sarah Mcleod shine through and are matched perfectly with Toni Bird’s almighty vocals and the tracks epic riffage. In celebration of the epic track, Toni gives up her top five ‘no turning back’ moments.
1. Dropping out of law degree to follow my passion for music – For as long as I can remember my first love was performing and music but being bullied through high school I let it drop away and didn’t really have the guts to step out in school. That secret desire never left me and once I hit uni I just knew I couldn’t keep suppressing something that strong. Much to my parents’ horror I did a complete 180, dropped out of my law degree and went to study at the Australian Institute of Music.
2. Bungee swing in Queenstown – absolutely the most petrifying thing I have ever done! You sit there dangling over a 100m drop and they make you pull your own rip cord. I pulled it and nothing happened! I had to work up the guts to pull it again and felt like I was going to die free falling through the air. Never been so glad to realise I was alive!
3. Leaving an abusive relationship – things were volatile and bordering on dangerous for a long time, but the moment I had to run and barricade myself in a room with him beating down the door was the moment I realised I would never, ever allow myself to be in that position again.
4. Eating my first hash brownie (sorry mum!) – we were at a wedding and little did I know the entire table had decided to eat brownies. I was so adamant it was neither the time nor place, but given I was surrounded by giggling idiots I figured if you can’t beat ‘em, join ’em. There’s no stopping that ride once the deed is done – needless to say it was a fun night!
5. Releasing this single – it’s been a really long time coming. A journey with twists and turns that has spanned many years and I’m so stoked to finally hit the ‘GO’ button on this release. Certainly no putting the genie back in the bottle!
When & where: Whole Lotta Love Bar, Melbourne – Friday February 9.
