We caught up with rising indie star Johnny Barr, who is known for his poignant lyricism and masterful guitar skills. Based in Paisley, Scotland Johnny Barr uses a distinct finger-picking technique, which not only sets him apart from other artists, but also creates fertile ground for emotional resonance with fans and listeners.
Johnny’s latest single ‘Break The Fall’, which features multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Calum Ingram, beautifully merges folk-pop and introspective sensibilities, creating further momentum for Johnny’s influence and career.
In an exclusive interview with Johnny Barr, he discusses how he got into music in the first place, how he’s developed his signature style and more!
Stream ‘Break the Fall’ while reading the interview below:
Can you tell us about your musical journey and how you first got into creating music?
I first got into playing guitar properly when I was around 15. My dad bought me a guitar a few years before but I was still chasing the dream of becoming a footballer when he did. After some horrific injuries, and a reduction in delusional thinking, I started working towards my true calling card of becoming a full time musician!
Initially, songwriting started out with the classic theme of love songs and experience heartbreak- But eventually, I discovered that songwriting was important to me and allowed me to put pen to paper and get things off my chest. I often use songwriting to help process emotions and feelings around life experiences.
What are some of your earliest musical influences, and how do they still resonate with your music today?
My earliest memories of music was listening to my parents’ vinyl player. The two albums that always come to mind are Michael Jackson’s Thriller album and Led Zeppelin’s Early Days and Latter Days compilation. I still respect and admire both artists, but I would say my understanding of guitar playing has evolved. My interests in guitar playing still includes a classic rock vibe- But also now dives into the fingerstyle/percussive acoustic world as well as appreciating the post-rock textural qualities and the exciting tones or lower tunings and complex riffs you find in prog-rock.
How would you describe your music to someone who hasn’t heard it before?
My music is acoustic guitar led/driven but also incorporates more folk and progressive qualities to the instrumentation. I have a wide range of musical interests and like to think that the music brings a new sound to the table. I am acoustic folk alt-rock singer/songwriter…What a mouthful!
Your guitar technique is often described as intricate and percussive. How did you develop that unique style, and what role does it play in the storytelling of your music?
I started on the electric guitar rather than acoustic. But I discovered artists like Andy Mckee, Thomas Leeb, Mike Dawes and Tommy Emmanuael and became fascinated with how they use the guitar as a percussive instrument also. I loved to play the drums from a young age too.. So the idea of bringing them both together was mindblowing. I have since befriended Mike and Thomas over the years and come to realise that they are very talented and I had nowhere near their skill in this department. But I do like the idea of incorporating the sounds where I can even under the full band sound. I often use these techniques to help me discover melodic ideas or hooks via the guitar- and it also helps me consider the groove of the music I am writing.
Are there any genres that you haven’t yet explored but would love to incorporate into your future work?
I have toyed with the idea of leaning more into progressive metal / Djent styles of riffage with the acoustic. However, there is a reason why this music is complimented by 7/8 string guitars which are also ELECTRIC! Having said that.. I did just recently buy a baritone acoustic guitar… So Drop A acoustic incoming with ease… WATCH THIS SPACE!
Can you walk us through your typical creative process when writing or recording a new track? Where do you usually start?
More recently I have chosen to begin the writing process from lyrics. I often have a theme or thought and firstly free-write with a time limit… I just let the pen hit the paper and didn’t stop. I then re-read and lift my favourite phrases and start to piece them together. From there, I begin to hear hooks/toplines and start to shape the music. I feel this method really allows me to be much more open and creative. I love odd time signatures but often write them unintentionally, in a way, with this method.
How do you handle creative blocks, and what methods do you use to push through them?
I have never been a songwriter that writes constantly and bins ideas.. I often get fixated on ideas and continue to refine until I am happy. If an idea really isn’t warming to me I will park it and often revist it another day. Another track from my new EP Remember to Breathe experienced this.. The original bridge idea was forgotten about for months and suddenly worked with this song and made the cut! To handle creative blocks, I often take a step away from the music and come back to it later. That might be less of a luxury If I need to write more music in the future- But for me, the motivation and drive to express something needs to be there and then I will always finish the job.
What has been your most memorable performance so far?
I think my most starstruck experience was playing before Fleetwood Mac at a smaller stage nearby at the Isle of Wight Festival in 2015. I am a massive fan and I was touring with Winter Springs (a singer/songwriter collective that I joined in university). Before being caddied off to the stage a helicopter flew in from the mainland right next to us and sure enough- It was the entire Fleetwood Mac band. We never got to speak to them- But we were so close and that was a surreal moment for me. On the other hand, I recently played at a food and drinks festival in Paisley (Town near Glasgow) and we were late on the bill. For our performance the music tent was completely rammed and I realised that there people from all over Scotland (Who had seen me play pub gigs over the years) had made the effort to come and see the band. There were also friends and supporters with their families and the kids were all down the front head banging away and singing my songs. It’s probably the most wholesome performance I have ever had and it made me realise I made a great decision to return to original music again.
How do you approach working with other artists or producers, especially when their style might differ from yours?
It really depends on the brief. If the importance is to help another artist blossom and be a co-writer then it is very important to work around the sounds created by the main writer. I worked with Ian Archer once (co-writer for Snow Patrol) and he had such a relaxed demeanor about him. He honestly only talked to me for the first half hour and learned to understand me as a person and musician. Then all of a sudden- the music just flowed vibrantly and naturally. And this can be a similar process with producers.
Ultimately, I think it’s being open-minded to feedback and being willing to listen and respect everyone involved in the process. You are probably in the same room as these musicians for a good reason – So capitalise it by appreciating their strengths and learn from it (That’s what goes on within my internal monologue anyway!)
What is a project or milestone you’re most proud of?
I have always been a full time musician. I have worked as a pub performer, music teacher, events organiser, community musician and music therapist. Other than pouring pints for 6 months when I was 18 music has been my only profession. Simply being a musician for life is what I am most proud of and I will never change it.
If you could collaborate with, or perform alongside any artist, who would it be? And why?
It’s impossible to choose just one- There are so many answers I can give but I will give one that’s been on my mind recently for a few reasons. I would love to write with Peter Gabriel. He is legendary but also fascinating and has reshaped his career so many times. He just has to bring an array of knowledge and wisdom. My former guitar teacher, Stuart McCallum (The Breath) , is signed to their label.. So one can only hope Stu fancies setting me up with the honor!
If you could tour with any band or artist (past or present), who would it be and why?
So hard to choose again, but it’s going to be between Foo Fighters, QOTSA or Slipknot. All of these bands are phenomenal performers and bring the fire in different ways. It would be pretty cool to play shows at the highest of levels and tour the world with some of my favourite bands of all time.
How do you see your sound evolving over the next few years? Are there any new directions or experiments you’re excited to explore?
There is a possibility I venture over to the electric guitar again for some of the new music. It’s nice to delve into an instrument that can bring a heavier vibe. I feel like some much needed electric guitar practice is required first though. Otherwise, I am really happy with how my sound has developed recently and feel I still have a lot to give and release to the world.
‘Break The Fall’ feels like a real emotional journey, balancing intimacy with grandeur. How did the collaboration with Calum Ingram shape the sound and overall vision for the track?
Calum Ingram happens to be one of my closest friends. He and I played our very first Glasgow gig together (and also met that night) We were both booked for a showcase and ended up just playing together, hit the ground running and have been doing so ever since. Calum and I have always communicated naturally with music and friendship and that is unlikely to change anytime soon. I trust Calum’s intuition. Calum pretty much just rocked up on recording day and produced what you hear in the record with minimal effort. He has a big heart and soul and he pours it into anything he plays to…But he does like to skip a round of beers here and there… It’s your round next son! 😛
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