Stenn Francis-Deare is set to release his highly anticipated debut album in late March 2025. 

 

Recorded at New Zealand's iconic Roundhead Studios, the album showcases a dynamic fusion of emerging talent. The project was engineered and co-mixed by De Stevens, whose work has recently shaped some of Aotearoa's most acclaimed records, including releases by Erny Belle, and debut albums from Ringlets, Office Dog, and Violet Hirst. 

 

Production was helmed by Navakatoa Tekela-Pule, who tirelessly developed the project from inception to completion. Tekela-Pule also provides beautiful melodic bass lines and backing vocals on the record. He is a co-founder of Noa Records and a prolific songwriter in his own right, deeply involved with some of Tāmaki Makaurau's finest acts such as Erny Belle, LEAO, Samara Alofa, and Romi Wrights.

 

Multi-instrumentalist and singer Callum Lee, often hailed as "Aotearoa's Brian Wilson" for his innovative solo project Rewind Fields, is another key contributor. Lee's versatility—from playing clarinet to banjo to fretless baritone guitar—and rich vocal harmonies are woven throughout the album, adding layers of texture and colour.

 

Rounding out the ensemble is percussion virtuoso Hamish Morgan, one of New Zealand's most sought-after session drummers (who also plays in prominent acts Marlins Dreaming and School Fair). His musical precision and understated brilliance provide a solid rhythmic foundation, anchoring the album's dynamic arrangements.

 

The album also features contributions from prominent guests in the Tāmaki Makaurau music scene such as Carla Camilleri - backing vocals (Fazerdaze, Recitals, CCTV), 

Zöe Larsen Cumming - backing vocals/wurlitzer (Babe Martin), Dave Kahn - pedal steel (Marlon Williams, Reb Fountain) and Levi Gemmell - lap steel (LEAO).

 

Reflecting on the creative process, Stenn shares;

 

 "After struggling and failing to produce music on my own, I knew I needed to bring together a group of collaborators and trusted friends who could help elevate the material. I wanted the album to feel like a group of people bouncing off each other. We recorded the initial band tracks in just one day, all playing together in the same room and solving problems really quickly. The remaining overdubs and layers were carefully built over the following eight months, allowing the album to evolve organically whilst preserving that spontaneous, live energy.”

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The songs themselves span many years of personal growth. The oldest track, "Someone Else," was written when Stenn was just 15. 

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“I wanted to create a collection of songs that felt cohesive yet captured different stages of my personal journey. I never try to impose too much perspective or reflection on a song—each one has to stand as it’s written in that moment, with its naivety and flaws intact. In that way, they’re more like journal entries. It’s not my job to resolve anything lyrically, just to be as honest as I can be in that moment.’’

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Key tracks from the album include 'Star' a poignant realisation of becoming absent in a significant relationship; 'Someone Else' a bittersweet story of high school heartbreak that lingers into adulthood; and 'Gardener' an epic, cinematic take on the experience of lockdown loneliness. The album's focus track, 'Turned Out Great' is a heartfelt message blending reassurance towards a sibling serving in the army with a tender nod to Stenn’s inner child navigating the weight of familial baggage. 

Each track offers an intimate glimpse into a private world, balancing raw emotion with thoughtful storytelling.

 

Exciting things are on the horizon—stay connected for more updates from Stenn Francis-Deare in the coming months.

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