From empty rooms to festival crowds, BARKER has navigated the highs and lows of the Electronic Music industry with an unwavering commitment to his craft. His fusion of Tech House energy, Classical training, and Hip Hop influences has shaped a sound that is both dynamic and deeply personal. As he continues carving his journey, he remains at the forefront of those to watch out for within Electronic Music, continuing to put forward a distinct approach that reflects his background and creative direction.
Today, we catch up with him for an exclusive interview, diving into his journey, creative process, and what’s next on the horizon.
Hi BARKER, how are you?
Hey, thanks for having me in! I’m doing pretty well, finally coming out of the arctic chill in Chicago and ready for warmer days.
Looking back at your journey so far, what would you say have been the biggest turning points for you?
There have been quite a few moments that have really provided me levity and guidance in what I want to represent over the past few years. More recently, it’s the small things like turning down a show or going with your gut in the DAW instead of thinking about what others would like or hyper-fixating on creating the thing that’s going to change your life that has felt the most impactful – the little decisions when I’ve committed to myself and my own vision for what I believe in.
The first time I played a set to an empty room, after doing a lot of promotion for an event, really humbled me and made me level with myself about what kind of music makes me feel the best to make and play while also helping me take myself less seriously.
The first time I heard my own song played out without knowing it was going to be played grounded me and validated me in ways I can’t even describe. The first time I played a massive crowd, I hardly even remember because it’s such a mind-bending experience in the moment to know you’re playing for people who came there because they knew you would deliver something they loved. Hearing people I’ve followed in this industry forever say my records have ‘the sauce’ has made me wonder “why that one?”.
In earnest, this career isn’t for the faint of heart – turning points come early and often – and they should. I don’t know how to pinpoint the largest ones, but each interaction I have relating to both my own music and this scene makes a difference in my approach and future.
As a DJ and producer, how do you balance staying true to your signature sound while continuing to evolve creatively?
The best thing about music is the constant evolution. Staying true to your sound is as simple as finding what you most enjoy in every cycle and adding it to your arsenal. There’s no rules or playbook to a signature sound – it’s literally what I decide it to be. I hear producers that are super, super young creating sounds that I’ve never heard before all the time. Like any other creative, I honestly just ask them how they did it and if I can learn from them. Staying true to yourself while evolving with the times isn’t about technique or discipline, it’s just about taking what makes your ears perk up as it’s created and manipulating it to fit what you’re feeling. I embrace that.
With your Classical training as a foundation, how has your background influenced the way you approach music production and sound design?
I think the most important thing that classical training can teach you is that less is more, and leaving room for your sounds to breathe is underrated. Music theory is an incredibly complex discipline but with, ultimately, really simple pillars. Melody, harmony, rhythm. These are the things that impact people when they listen to music. You can be as technically proficient as you want in a DAW or with plugins or have the greatest mastering chain out there – but nothing can replace truly commanding melodies, harmonies, and rhythms. I try to always remember to stick to simplicity in what I write and focus on those 3 elements. As House producers, we make party music – taking it too seriously and hyper-focusing on details that 1% of your audience will notice isn’t much of a party.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned about the music industry since you started?
Lessons come at you every single day in this industry. Cutting your teeth in the electronic world is not easy, but I honestly think the biggest lesson is to always remember what you’re working towards and to be your own biggest advocate. Comparing yourself to others or waiting for somebody to give you the break you are looking for is a recipe for failure and will keep you from growing. Trust yourself and the rest will come.
The Electronic Music landscape Is constantly shifting. What trends do you think will define the next few years, and how do you see yourself fitting into that evolution?
It’s so hard to predict what will drive evolution in the electronic landscape. There are always new motifs emerging or finding fame. With the re-emergence of Afro House as a mainstage force and the ‘big room’-ification of Melodic Techno being the major themes that have popped up in the past year, my observations are that strong, emotion-inducing melodies are returning as the predominant pillar in Electronic Music a la the golden days of Progressive House. I personally love these types of sounds and motifs and try to integrate them wherever possible, as it’s a huge part of what differentiates my style from more commercial, standard Tech House. I feel really good about where I sit in the grand scheme right now.
You take influence from a variety of genres, including 2000s Hip Hop. Are there any unexpected styles or artists that have shaped your sound?
If only I could list out all the 2000s Hip Hop artists I’ve taken ideas from. To be honest, Hip Hop producers were on the cutting edge of electronic sounds back in those days. Timbaland is one of my biggest melodic influences, which is probably a surprise. I also really enjoy the arrangement style of Indie Alt-Rock music and have incorporated some themes from that type of music into my own tracks that are super unique when applied to House.
If you could collaborate with any artist, from any genre, who would it be and why?
This is almost unfair. Miley Cyrus is that girl for me. Miley – if you wanna lay down a vocal for some Tech House, drop me a DM.
What’s a piece of advice you wish you had received earlier in your career?
People won’t work with you unless you believe in what you’re doing.
Finally, what’s next for you? Any exciting projects, collaborations, or personal goals you’re working towards?
Summer is the best time of year for musicians. There are lots of big festivals and club sets lined up all across the states & beyond for the summer months this year that I can’t quite reveal yet. I’ve also got 3 records coming out over the next 6 weeks or so, which I’m super excited about. I want to release 18 original records this year, which is about one every 3 weeks. It’s really ambitious – but I like setting myself up to fail. As a musician, I’m used to it.
As BARKER continues to carve his path in the ever-evolving Electronic Music scene, his dedication to growth, experimentation, and authenticity remains at the heart of his creative endeavours. With a packed release schedule and exciting live performances on the horizon, his momentum shows no signs of slowing down. So, as we end our interview, we thank him for his time and encourage you to keep an eye on this rising talent, following him across social media today.
