The Barr Brothers
Remember the name The Barr Brothers as they will make their presence felt over the summer with their new album Queens Of The Breakers which has already seen two singles It Came To Me and the title track which are both winners. Having already toured with the likes of The National, The War On Drugs, Emmylou Harris and My Morning Jacket the sky is the limit for this hot trio. The band did a quick Q&A for Hi Fi Way: The Pop Chronicles.
Is it an exciting time building up to the release of the album?
It is! Assuming, by exciting, you mean the feeling of a roller coaster slowly ascending to the perch from which it will precariously drop, giving everyone on board the feeling of falling to their death for about eight seconds.
Is it hard letting go and acknowledging the album is done without tinkering and finessing it further?
If it weren’t for things like families, children, houses to repair, tours to book, etc., I could see it going on forever. At a certain point, your life can’t sustain the tinkering.
How would you describe the album sonically?
Golden era trance-psych-folk, circa 1967-1973
How much has the whole americana sound changed/ evolved?
I really don’t know. Has it? I hope we’re not talking about emoricana.
Are there any significant influences that have shaped your music?
Many. To name a few: Bob Dylan, Ali Farke Tourre, humpback whales, Wes Anderson, Arvo Pärt, single malt scotch, Led Zeppelin, John Coltrane, people who come to our shows, Gibson guitars, electricity…
How would describe the band to Australian audiences?
Like a pint of Tooheys with a shot of fine cognac on the side.
How was it touring with My Morning Jacket and Emmylou Harris and soon War On Drugs?
Living the dream. Actually, very hard to keep up with those tour buses when you’re in a van. Its a huge thrill, followed by a hugh sigh.
Do you learn alot touring with these major acts?
We learned to always keep a stack of $1 bills in your pocket, cause you never know when a game of Texas Hold’em will erupt.
Any plans to tour Australia?
That would be something. Still more of a daydream than a plan, but then again all of this was a daydream at one point.
What’s the plan for 2018?
Tour Australia!! (and release another record, and fix that damn shower curtain rod!!)
Interview by Rob Lyon
