We’ve been told that since playing Laneway earlier this year you’ve been writing your debut album. How has this process been and what else have you been up to in the meantime?
After Laneway, I began working with guitarist/producer Oscar Dawson, who I had enlisted as part of my ‘make-shift’ band for the festival. I started bringing songs to him and we would demo them at his house. That’s what the last six months has been about; writing, arranging and developing the collection of songs we are planning to record as an album in September. We have also been playing a lot of shows and now we have a full band so the songs are really taking form. We have been lucky enough to support some awesome acts such as Cloud Control, Alpine, Vance Joy, The Rubens, and New Gods. It’s been a busy time.
You’re also re-releasing your debut EP Trip. Why the re-release instead of a new release?
Last year when I released Trip, I really didn’t think it was going to get any attention so I just put it up on Bandcamp and hoped for the best. I wanted to re-release it in conjunction with a film clip and I also included a beautiful remix by Adelaide producer Oisima to give it a little extra juju. The artwork was done by wonderful Melbourne producer/artist Thrupence who gave the re release some fresh flowers.
How would you sell Trip to those who are unfamiliar with Ali Barter? Describe the EP and its influences for us.
I am influenced by a lot by folk and country music. Then I started working with Matik who is a hip hop producer and he gave the songs a more electronic feel. Lots of big beats, guitars and vocals. It was fun to hear the songs go from being simple ditties on the guitar, to big pop anthems.
How is the newer material you have been working on sound in comparison to your debut EP?
The songs we are working on now are darker, bit more ambient at times. I’ve formed a band and we’re bringing the tunes out in a more live setting too, so they are more open, louder. Artists like Sharon Van Etten and Bat For Lashes are inspiring [artists] too.
A video for “Run You Down” was released in mid June. Tell us about that.
The clip was directed by my good friend Josh Dawson, who is a brilliant filmmaker. We shot the clip over a weekend in the Otway region of Victoria, with a lovely bunch of friends, including the very wonderful Jake Ryan who plays the main man. I guess we were trying to encapsulate the feeling of running away from something.
Unfortunately this was almost impossible, as we borrowed this big old Kingswood for the clip, which looks amazing but was impossible to start. It got to the point where mid-way through the shoot, in the middle of nowhere, we had to ask around at the local pub for a new starter motor. Luckily someone had one lying around(!) so we could keep on running. I am planning another clip soon…
You’re currently doing a residency at the Toff. What can the uninitiated expect from an Ali Barter show?
Big guitars and drums. I have a very brilliant band. We have been jamming the songs a lot over the last few months so we like to do that on stage a bit. I play synth and Wurlitzer as well as guitar which is fun for me – new sounds, new textures.
What’s on heavy rotation on your iPod at the moment?
Father John Misty – Fear Fun. Radiohead – OK Computer. Cat Power – You Are Free
If you could collaborate with any living Australian artist who would it be?
Colin Hay.
What are your plans for the rest of 2013?
We are planning to go up to Brisbane in September to record an album, which is very exciting. We also have some more support shows coming up with The Trouble With Templeton and The Hello Morning. The main thing is the album though. Lots of jamming and preproduction in preparation for that!
Where we can see you play next, what releases do you have available and where can we get them?
We have one more show of our residency at the Toff on the 23rd July.
My EP Trip is available on iTunes here & Bandcamp – alibarter.bandcamp.com
Ali Barter Toff Residency Date
Tuesday 23rd July – NEIL WILKINSON and WILLOW DARLING
Listen to Ali’s Trip EP here:
