EPISODE · Dec 19, 2025 · 56 MIN
#214 ALT-Country, High Altitude: John Stokes on Crumbling Down
from Unfiltered & Undiscovered · host Braggy, Rossy and Curly
This episode of Unfiltered & Undiscovered features Australian ALT-Country songwriter John Stokes, a true adventurer whose life and music are deeply rooted in the Australian landscape.John joins the boys to unpack his powerful new single “Crumbling Down,” a raw and reflective song capturing the changing face of rural Australia — from towns bypassed by highways to the emotional weight of droughts, floods, and rising costs of living. It’s a song built on lived experience, not observation.We talk about how Crumbling Down began with a single image — “Broke glass from a windowpane laying in the church yard” — and poured out naturally, driven by everything John has seen and felt on the land. The conversation explores the songwriting process, trusting instinct, and the freedom that comes from letting go of ego in the studio.John also shares his experience working with multi-award-winning producer Shane Nicholson at Monkey Jump / Ziggy Tone Studios, watching the song grow sonically while staying true to its original heart. From alternate tunings to earthy textures like didgeridoo and bodhrán, the track reflects a deep connection to place and tradition.Beyond the music, this episode dives into John’s extraordinary life — sheep shearer, dirt bike champion, rodeo rider, hang glider, marathon runner, and commercial pilot — and how that adventurous spirit shapes his songwriting and outlook on life.We also discuss the making of the Crumbling Down music video, filmed across regional NSW with Roaming Creatives, and John’s current touring run leading into Tamworth Country Music Festival 2026.This is a conversation about resilience, authenticity, and staying grounded — in music, in community, and in yourself.Artist LinksWebsite - https://www.johnstokesmusic.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/johnstokesofficial/ Facebook - http://facebook.com/johnstokesmusic Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/6hRsNFHor0MbJqBuegRTAF?si=tNuSGJArRsi-Ysl382qj9A YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@JohnStokesOfficial Copyright Disclaimer:"The Unfiltered & Undiscovered Podcast features interviews and showcases with music artists, along with our Mystery Song Deep Dive segment, which is intended solely for educational and entertainment purposes. Any songs discussed or played during the podcast remain the property of their respective copyright owners, and no copyright infringement is intended."============================================================Follow our SocialsFor all of our links- Socials, Platforms and Playlistshttps://my.linkpod.site/unfiltered Find our playlists on Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube Music and Amazon Musichttps://unfilteredandundiscovered.com/spotify-playlists-hub/ Thanks for tuning in
What this episode covers
This episode of Unfiltered & Undiscovered features Australian ALT-Country songwriter John Stokes, a true adventurer whose life and music are deeply rooted in the Australian landscape.John joins the boys to unpack his powerful new single “Crumbling Down,” a raw and reflective song capturing the changing face of rural Australia — from towns bypassed by highways to the emotional weight of droughts, floods, and rising costs of living. It’s a song built on lived experience, not observation.We talk about how Crumbling Down began with a single image — “Broke glass from a windowpane laying in the church yard” — and poured out naturally, driven by everything John has seen and felt on the land. The conversation explores the songwriting process, trusting instinct, and the freedom that comes from letting go of ego in the studio.John also shares his experience working with multi-award-winning producer Shane Nicholson at Monkey Jump / Ziggy Tone Studios, watching the song grow sonically while staying true to its original heart. From alternate tunings to earthy textures like didgeridoo and bodhrán, the track reflects a deep connection to place and tradition.Beyond the music, this episode dives into John’s extraordinary life — sheep shearer, dirt bike champion, rodeo rider, hang glider, marathon runner, and commercial pilot — and how that adventurous spirit shapes his songwriting and outlook on life.We also discuss the making of the Crumbling Down music video, filmed across regional NSW with Roaming Creatives, and John’s current touring run leading into Tamworth Country Music Festival 2026.This is a conversation about resilience, authenticity, and staying grounded — in music, in community, and in yourself.Artist LinksWebsite - https://www.johnstokesmusic.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/johnstokesofficial/ Facebook - http://facebook.com/johnstokesmusic Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/6hRsNFHor0MbJqBuegRTAF?si=tNuSGJArRsi-Ysl382qj9A YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@JohnStokesOfficial Copyright Disclaimer:"The Unfiltered & Undiscovered Podcast features interviews and showcases with music artists, along with our Mystery Song Deep Dive segment, which is intended solely for educational and entertainment purposes. Any songs discussed or played during the podcast remain the property of their respective copyright owners, and no copyright infringement is intended."============================================================Follow our SocialsFor all of our links- Socials, Platforms and Playlistshttps://my.linkpod.site/unfiltered Find our playlists on Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube Music and Amazon Musichttps://unfilteredandundiscovered.com/spotify-playlists-hub/ Thanks for tuning in
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#214 ALT-Country, High Altitude: John Stokes on Crumbling Down
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