Multi-instrumentalist, electronic artist Barnaby Carter told us about his music influences ahead of his debut album, “While It Still Blooms” release at the end of October. Find out more and take a sneak peek at his forthcoming LP below.
Hi there, how are you and what are you up to today?
Hello, I’m very well thanks. It’s a glorious sunny day in Bristol currently so I have spent some time walking around the docks and of course writing some music too.
To those not familiar with you, how would you describe your sound?
I would say it’s electronic music combining live instrumentation – guitars, piano, violin – with found sound percussion and sub bass. I intend it to have a hazy, sometimes melancholy tone. Atmospheric and rhythmic at the same time.
What are the 5 albums and artists that have influenced you the most?
Kid A – Radiohead
Happy Songs For Happy People – Mogwai
Accelerator – Future Sound of London
Geogaddi – Boards of Canada
Portico Quartet – Portico Quartet
What other artists do you really like at the moment and why?
Francis Harris’ Leland is a particularly good one. A combination of melancholy trumpets and live instrumentation with soulful house rhythms. Leif has released some good 12″s. Again ‘soulful’ house music for my burgeoning collection.
What are some of the key pieces of gear you use to write your tracks in the studio? Or do you prefer to use software and plug ins?
I use Logic and basic effects, reverbs and delays. Aside from that almost all of the audio is recorded by myself. Guitars, bass, piano, violin, saxophone and singing. Found sounds, percussive recordings, and ambient noise. I have a home studio with one half used for painting and the other for music.
Has your arsenal of equipment changed much since you first started?
It has expanded steadily but I don’t own too much. I still own and use my first guitar – a weathered and worn red strat.
Do you enjoy playing to an audience or working in the studio?
Working in the studio can be at times both laborious and enormously fulfilling. It’s part of my day to day existence. Enabling myself to be creative. Which I need. Playing to an audience can be a great release. An opportunity to travel and to meet people.
What are your thoughts on the following genres?
Classical?
I don’t listen to any.
Braindance?
I don’t know what this is.
Trap?
I don’t listen to this.
Drum n Bass?
I love Drum & Bass. I have many a 12″. While working in a piano workshop I used to listen to drum and bass mixes and podcasts.
Deep House?
Again many a 12″ in my collection. More drawn to the soulful end of house, for want of a better phrase.
If we gave you the budget to put a line-up together for a mini fest, who would you book and where would you play?
I’d get Thom Yorke in. The Portico lot in. Mount Kimbie too. Maybe Jon Hopkins as well. I’d be on first. I could then sit back and enjoy the show.
If you weren’t a musician what would you be?
Piano Technician. I trained in this. I like working with my hands. I like having my own desk. Sometimes I can repair smaller parts while watching films.
Finally… Do you have any information regarding upcoming releases, projects, DJ mixes or collaborations in the pipeline that you would like to tell us about?
I have my debut album coming out on the 28th October via Project Mooncircle. It will be available on coloured 2 x 12″ vinyl and digital formats and I’m really pleased with it.
