Bare Soul
The EP - ’Bare Soul’ is scheduled for release October 4 2025.
Recorded at Amberly Studios in Canberra, the title song - Bare Soul was written by John while on the rodeo circuit. In fact three of the songs on this EP where inspired by experiences from Rodeo and ‘Travelling‘ (the second song on the EP), the Australian countryside.
The album EP cover is John riding a horse named ‘Circus Boy’ at pretty Pines rodeo and was champion bucking horse of the year.
“He was a tough horse to draw and although making the 8 seconds, I unfortunately missed my mark-out ! This means having contact of both spur’s above the point of the shoulder as the horse jumps from the chute”.
“ He just blew my legs back - man he came out of that chute so fast”.
After that ride a couple of older more experienced cowboys came up and offered John words of encouragement and advice, how to correctly position yourself in the chute before nodding for the gate to be opened.
Still amongst all the busy life of having fun and work, there was time to think about music and song writing and stories.
“I guess it’s kinda cool to not limit yourself and experience challenges in life that most would never consider”. “Hard knocks is not for everyone but I’m just one of those who is not reckless but up for the challenge”.
EP REVIEW
Bare Soul by John Stokes
Recorded in Canberra’s Amberly studios, debut EP Bare Soul by Australian singer- songwriter John Stokes is a highly evocative and culturally powerful contribution to the alternative country music genre.
The title track (‘Bare Soul’) features sultry vocal tones as it explores themes of soulful love and the pain of being “broken apart”. Images of dust, sweat, and blood provide an intensely visceral quality that imbue the song with great emotional depth.
While guitar afficionados will love the stripped-back production of the instrumental piece ‘Living the Dream’ (which allows Stokes to demonstrate his masterful playing ability), the EP’s standout tracks are undoubtedly ‘Travelling’, ‘Life on the Plains’, and ‘Synoptic Flow’.
‘Travelling’ is a deceptively upbeat and jaunty number that deals with the loneliness of being a rodeo rider and rural worker who is constantly on the move (following “a long road” without a true home or family).
‘Life on the Plains’ is a lyrical delight for Australian listeners with its mention of such legends as record-breaking shearer Jackie Howe and Arrernte landscape painter Albert Namatjira. Stokes’ own experiences of working on the land are expressed in his reference to agricultural activities like raising, droving, and selling stock.
His deeper connection to Country come through his recognition of Aboriginal peoples’ Dreaming and their presence on the land for over 65,000 years. The song’s laid-back feel progressively builds momentum and is sonically enhanced by the trance-like qualities of the underlying didjeridoo.
Stokes’ use of this latter instrument become more prominent in the ethereal ‘Synoptic Flow’. This is the closing track of the EP and it is a complex, lyrically intelligent, and moody work of genius. The use of Indigenous language, soaring 0pening vocals, and memorable meandering guitar riffs make it a piece worthy of repeated listens.
John Stokes’ musical influences range from traditional and contemporary country to grunge, rock, and Australian alternative.
The Bare Soul EP is an extremely important contribution to the healing journey that all residents of former colonial countries are (or should be) on. Stokes’ warm and compelling vocals; exceptional guitar and didjeridoo playing; and his ability to write songs in diverse styles (from simple and catchy tunes to dark and interesting numbers of deep contemplation) make this a must-listen debut.
Review By Laura Fienor
