If you’ve yet to make the acquaintance of Stone Sea then you are in for a real treat. With a truly original sound, the band draw their influences from rock’s rich history and then filer it through their own lens. However, the band is best expressed in their own words, so we hook up with band founder, singer and guitarist Elvis Suhadolnik Bonesso, and here’s what he had to say:

Can you tell us about the band’s origins. Where did you meet etc.

Stone Sea began as a personal project driven by a need to spell things out and a deep love for music. The band’s roots trace back to Brazil, where I’m from, and evolved during the almost ten years I lived in Ireland. It finally took its current shape in Málaga, Spain, where the lineup solidified. That geographical journey is also reflected in the sound — it evolved naturally as I exposed to different cultures and scenes, I guess.

What are the musical influences of each band member and how do you forge them into a cohesive whole?

Each member brings different references to the table — from classic heavy rock and grunge to psychedelic and groove-oriented music. Pino, our bassist, also enjoys techno and death metal, while I tend to bring in world music influences. The cohesion comes instinctively when we’re developing a song. It’s pretty simple: if it serves the song, it stays.

Can you tell us about your local music scene. Is it supportive? Are there many places to play?

The scene around Málaga and the Costa del Sol has a lot of interesting bands and creative people, but it’s quite limited when it comes to venues for original music. There is support within the community itself, but there’s a lack of consistent spaces for heavy original bands to perform, which probably explains why I haven’t been exposed to as many projects as I’d like.

What’s the best and worst thing about your local scene?

The best thing is the people — passionate musicians and bands who really care and put effort into what they do despite the limitations. The worst part is the shortage of venues willing to book original bands, which slows growth more than it should.

Can you tell us about the band’s discography (demos, singles, albums).

We’ve released several works over the years. Origins was our first album, released in Brazil in 2015 just before I moved to Ireland. I recorded most of the instruments myself, and it’s easily our rawest release. After moving to Ireland, I shared those songs with local musicians and formed the first overseas line-up. We then recorded the EPs Vaporizer and Mankind Maze, which marked a clear step forward — more experimental, but also more fluid.
After a lineup change, we released the singles Oblivion, Sweet Inertia, and Animal. Although they were recorded close together, their releases were spread out over several years — classic Stone Sea behaviour. Our latest release, Ad Astra, represents a more refined and mature version of the band: heavier, more dynamic, and more emotionally focused. The songs were also recorded in Ireland, but released while we’re based in Spain.

How do you feel you’ve evolved musically throughout your career?

A lot. I’ve become more experimental and added more layers of depth. Early on, the songs were very direct — about “hate” or “love,” very black or white — and that was reflected musically too. Now I’m much more interested in exploring subtle sensations and colours, both lyrically and harmonically– how many shades of pain can we have?

Can you tell us about tours you’ve completed. Any war stories you’d like to share?

Most of our touring so far has been DIY, which comes with long drives, questionable food habits, and the occasional technical disaster. So far, those situations have only brought us closer together as a band.

Will we see you on the road anytime soon?

Yes. We’re actively working on getting back on the road, especially in support of the new material. That said, I’d rather not say too much until things are properly confirmed.

What’s next for the band? How do you plan to reach the next level?

We’re finishing new material and planning to head into the studio at some point this year. The idea is to release singles leading up to a full album, while expanding our live presence and connecting with the right festivals, promoters, and audiences. Let’s see what the year brings — we’ll keep pushing regardless.

Finally, what’s the one question (and answer) interviewers never ask but you wish they would?

Question would be “how do you manage to keep mentally stable within the world of music?” and I’d go “Who said I am? Is such a huge source of inspiration.” (laughs)

Find Stone Sea at: Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram | SoundCloud | YouTube Channel