Artist of the Day: Matthew Barber

Toronto based singer-songwriter, Matthew Barber has long been celebrated in his own country boasting a nomination for a Juno Award (the equivalent of a Grammy). He has put out four well-received albums, and has toured all of Canada, Europe, Australia and more recently, the U.S. (He played Farm 255 in Athens as one of his four stops on the U.S. tour last month.)

The music behind the Juno nomination comes from his most recent release, Ghost Noteswhich was released last year on the indie label, Outside Music, and was a critical hit in Canada. But it wasn't until recently that the album hit U.S. stores, and attracted many more American listeners. 

Barber's sound lies in folk and traditional roots drawing from influences like Bob Dylan, Tom Petty and Leonard Cohen. Ghost Notes was recorded in an old "haunted" Victorian mansion outside of Toronto. It was then mixed below an apartment that is supposedly haunted as well. In the song, "Somebody Sometime," there is said to be unknown vocals that mysteriously made it into the mix. Hence the name, Ghost Notes. Creepy. Give it a listen and see for yourself. 

Who's Who: Matthew Barber (vocals, guitar, piano), Kieran Adams (percussion, drums), Paul Matthew (bass), Dean Drouillard (guitar), Jesse O'Brien (piano, organ)

Formed: 2002 in Toronto, Canada

Latest Release: Ghost Notes (2008)

Label: Outside Music

On the Web: http://matthewbarber.com/

-Kristen Lee

Currently listening to "Settle My Accounts With You" by Matthew Barber

This content is solely the property of The Athens Blur Magazine and may not be re-produced without expressed written consent. The Athens Blur Magazine is an 8 issue/year music & variety publication proud to be based in the Classic City of Athens, Ga. For more information, please contact  HYPERLINK "mailto:editorial@athensblur.com" editorial@athensblur.com