Rolling Stone AU/NZ creates groundbreaking cover with two Australian superstars

Tones and I and Empire of the Sun’s Luke Steele have joined forces to launch the local version of Rolling Stone magazine's iconic Musicians on Musicians issue.

The duo feature in the December 2024 – February 2025 edition of Rolling Stone AU/NZ, which goes on sale on Thursday, 12 December.

The pair interviewed each other for their cover story, after meeting for the first time in person at the photo shoot.

The open and honest chat between Tones and Steele focuses on their shared experience of busking, writing and performing global hits and their rise to worldwide fame.

Tones and I and Luke Steele interview each other in the Musicians on Musicians issue of Rolling Stone AU/NZ

Tones — who is the world’s most-streamed female artist thanks to her hit Dance Monkey — also reveals the moment she was inspired her to write that song, and how trusting her gut and creative vision has been imperative to her success.

“I don’t know why we seem to ask for a lot more people’s advice as we become more successful,” she tells Steele in the Musicians on Musicians interview. “We need to trust our own ability more.”

Musicians on Musicians is a highly-anticipated edition of Rolling Stone in the US.

Global and local superstars chat openly and honestly to each other, revealing their thoughts and feelings in fascinating conversations.

In the Australia and New Zealand version, the first Musicians on Musicians issue is packed with interviews between Kasey Chambers and Thelma Plum, INXS’ Andrew Farriss and 5 Seconds of Summer’s Ashton Irwin, BENEE and Bic Runga, and Confidence Man and Orbital.

Christina Aguilera and Raye, also feature alongside Reneé Rapp and Wicked’s Cynthia Erivo and Bruce Springsteen and Zach Bryan.

Tones and I with Luke Steele on cover of Rolling Stone AU/NZ

Lars Brandle, The Brag Media’s Head of Content, said: “Without musicians, the world of art would be flat; no music, no concerts or festivals and no industry behind it.

"The latest issue of Rolling Stone AU/NZ, the Musicians On Musicians special edition, pays tribute to the artists — the engine room for creativity in all its musical forms."

You can watch exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of Tones And I, Luke Steele and the Rolling Stone AU/NZ team creating the cover image.  

Rolling Stone AU/NZ hits newsstands on 12 December.

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