Backed by a long history of success with Zero 7 alongside Sia and Mozez, we catch up with Sophie Barker to talk about her 3rd solo album, Break the Habit.
You will have noticed there’s been quite a bit coverage on creatives and young artists going across the pages of Hive Life. From YouTube Rising stars to Singapore’s most promising musicians, Sophie Barker is the latest artist on our radar.
Backed by her long history of success with Zero 7 and several notable music collaborations with artists including David Guetta, Sophie has her eyes set on bringing magic to our music stream. Sophie’s long-awaited third album, Break the Habit has taken over 4 years to record but we see that she is more than every comfortable in her own skin with her unique musical style.
Come 24th March 2017, the multi-talented British singer-songwriter will perform an exclusive showcase of Break The Habit with an unforgettable live presence in Hong Kong, Bangkok and Singapore. We catch up with the multi-talented British singer-songwriter as she gets ready to perform electro-pop tunes, ending our March on a high note.
You’ve been working on this new album for a while, has your music style changed over time?
It’s been 5 years since Seagull was released and a lot has happened inside and out, I have grown so I would say that my music has evolved rather than changed.
Through this time, I have become more confident in understanding myself as there have been a lot of changes. For me personally, keeping life simple has helped lay a sound foundation for the unknowable future.
What can we expect from Break the Habit?
It is deeper and so is my voice! I have explored both live recordings and a pure electronic sound; bringing the two together. I have many influences that almost contradict themselves and making them work together is what creates my sound.
When you’re on tour or recording in a studio, are you concerned about staying relevant with your music style?
The more present I am with the melodies and lyrics, the better the songs are. For me, the musical journey is not about conforming as it is a force that needs to be captured in that moment; that keeps it relevant as it becomes timeless.
With over 20 years experience in the music industry, what has affected you the most? Did you ever think about reinventing yourself over the past few years?
I have learnt to become independent and versatile with my contribution to music over the past decades. What I learnt from my first record at 25 to this day has remained the same:
1. Stay integral to your expression of music and don’t bend towards fashion or industry.
2. There are inevitably changes and you have to be able to ride the wave of the high times and the low times.
3. Keep your feet as firmly on the ground as you can while accessing the inspiration to keep writing, singing and playing music as that’s what it’s all about.
A great song can come in a second and last a lifetime, the money and fame well that can come and go so you really have to understand your relationship with your music.
What is your proudest moment in the limelight?
I have yet to experience that.
What’s most important to you right now?
To be able to keep doing what I do and reach as many people in the world. The more experiences I have, the more I understand and the better informed I am.
For me, I feel integration rather segregation is the way forward and music allows me to cross those barriers unconditionally. It has always given that to me and I hope to remain faithful to that open principle.
What’s the biggest misconception people have about working as a musician?
It is a great privilege to be a musician and be able to have a platform to express yourself. However, it is not as glamorous as it may seem.
Most artists these days are independent and don’t have big teams around them or they struggle financially. A lot of time is spent on admin rather than just writing and playing the music.
However, when it is true to your heart, when you write that song and play it live, it resonates with people and there is nothing more incredible than that moment. That one moment can keep going forever.
What beyond art gives you that kind of drive to keep doing what you do?
The love of what I do.
What are your core beliefs as an artist?
Keep feeling what you do, take time out as it’s an intense journey and let the music flow. If it’s your life’s passion; never give it up for Love or money!!!
What can we expect for 2017?
We have more singles to release, festivals to play and hopefully more tours; this is only the start.
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