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Miranda Barber
The Australian born Singer/Songwriter talks indepth on Nina Simone, Travelling and 20's Jazz
What motivates you to make music?
I’ve always sung pretty much… I didn’t know how important that was to me until years ago I was told I’d never sing again cause of some medical complication or another. That knocked me about… something internal took over - a kind of emotional, spiritual determination.
In terms of songwriting, I quite often wake up and feel an overwhelming need to express whatever intangible knot is lurking in my belly and the most satisfying way for me is through music…it sure beats talking!!! Sometimes I’ll sit at the piano and not be sure of what it is that’s niggling at me, so I’m propelled to find out. Writing from that level of consciousness or unconsciousness or whatever is my starting point. I write about what moves me generally.
What three aspects or parts of your latest release (single or album) are you most proud of?
I’m proud of the emotional journey Lips’ Decision takes the listener on over the twelve tracks. One minute you’re tapping your foot or taking your clothes off to a cheeky number, and then the rain comes down and there’s a heart laid open. Life’s like that. It’s not always a bed of roses.
The fact that the album was recorded completely live. Firstly, because I really want people when listening to it, to feel that they are in the room with the players. I am all about the live performance and it was supremely important to me to convey that. Secondly, I don’t enjoy overdubbing vocals or separating the instruments. It’s a bit sterile for me. I was working with some astonishing musicians and the chemistry was phenomenal, so it was all about feeling it at the piano with double bass and drums. I’m super proud of the rustic and raw live sound. I think you can hear the spontaneous relationship between the people and the instruments and that’s what I was after.
The album would be nothing without the particular musicians I worked with. They really felt the music and I think you can hear that. The producer is a dear friend and colleague, and very hands on and he knew exactly where I was coming from. I’m proud of the immense talent of the players and I just love the string arrangements!
If time and money were no issue, how long do you think it would take you to make the perfect album?
I’d probably do it the same way again, but with a few more days off over weekends. We just went for it and recorded, mixed and mastered the whole thing in just under a month. Live takes were recorded over six consecutive days. Overdubs were done over the next five days, then the album was mixed in six days and it was mastered in one! When you record live, you don’t want to grow weary of the songs, and also I wanted to stay in love with the album, so dragging it out would have been disastrous.
What do you enjoy doing away from music?
I’m addicted to traveling. I just love it. Chuck some clothes, a snorkel, some walking boots, a ukulele and a few books into a pack, and go exploring. It tops up the well, it builds bridges, it creates awareness…it’s essential to look outside of your own lunchbox. Being a solo artist and writing songs can be pretty self-indulgent. I like to leave it all behind sometimes.
And I love to cook. Absolutely love having people over for dinner and spending the day preparing. Love a good village market!
Which song or piece of music other than your own draws the strongest emotional response from you?
Blimey, there are zillions, but Strange Fruit sung by Nina Simone…it doesn’t come more emotional than that.
Outside of recording and playing music, which part of the musician’s life do you find the most dull?
Lugging my keyboard around town to gigs. Too dull to discuss. She’s a heavy bitch and I don’t own a car, so I shell out for a lot of cabs and swear a lot on my way to gigs. On the way home I have usually had a glass of wine so it’s less of a stress.
Which instrument do you wish you could play and why?
Guitar. Cos it’s portable and I like the sound of fingers on the strings…the scratchiness…and I love harmonics. I’m trying to play the ukulele…in fact two tracks on the album are on ukulele… picked one up to take on a two month journey around the Philippines and Borneo and voila! I’m a hack, but it’s fun.
Apart from music are there any other art forms you relate to?
I love grazing the galleries of London. I have a particular love for good photography. Capturing a live moment, the light, the colour…I’m one of those people who will happily sit down and look at your holiday snaps.
What role do you believe music plays in the world and how do you help to fulfill it?
Music communicates a mood. It provides stimulus; to dance, to think, to shout, to write, to sleep, to drink. Songs can tell stories or incite change. Music is an expression of culture. No matter the language, it can move you. I guess I tell stories and invite people to reflect. That’s no bad thing.
With the rise of the internet fans are able to become closer to and know more about their artists. Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
Positive.
How do you think music will be distributed, exchanged or sold in 5 years time?
Crikey I dunno… Some people buy music, some people steal it, and some people give it away for free to avoid the record companies and to share with their fans. Anything goes. I think artists are getting tired of the big labels and the shackles that come with deals these days, so undercutting the market is part of the game. It’s all about online these days. But I still love the artwork and the personal stuff that you get from hard copy albums.
If you could rename your band, what would it be?
I just go by my name cos I don’t have really have a band at the moment. Sometimes I gig with the fab musicians who played on my album and sometimes I play solo. So it would be pretty weird to call myself Monkey Nuts or something and then a little Aussie bird gets on stage. People would want some answers!
Looking back on the last century, which decade had the best music?
20s/30s….jazz baby!
In 10 years time, what will you be doing?
“I’ve seen a house on hill, piano that faces the sea. My music plays on a radio, and there’s time, for keeping time free.” My Tomorrow, M.Barber
Please leave us with your favourite lyric, line of poetry, quote or phrase.
Baby I have been here before
I know this room, I've walked this floor
I used to live alone before I knew you.
I've seen your flag on the marble arch
Love is not a victory march
It's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah
Find out more about Miranda at her website www.mirandabarber.com
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