After establishing herself with a wealth of warm and riveting efforts this past year, US artist Ria Barkr has now returned to cement her legacy to date with the release of her stunning debut EP 'Alpha She'.
Featuring the recently unveiled gems 'monday', 'morning would', and 'stopwatch', this new seven-track collection makes for a rousing introduction to her sound. With her warm and effervescent voice layered across a sprawling R&B-inspired production from start to finish, she is continuing to showcase herself as one of the more exciting names on the rise right now.
So with the new EP available to stream now, we sat down with her to find out more about her origins and what has been inspiring her most lately.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
I started playing piano when I was 10 and I'm still not the best pianist but I play enough to write and perform.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I grew up with a mom who’s a vocal coach and from that I learnt to love singing power ballads. I’d say my youngest inspirations were Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Hudson and Whitney Houston.
What was the first album you remember owning?
I’m pretty sure my first physical album was Usher’s “Confessions” album. My mom played a lot of RnB growing up so I’ve always enjoyed it.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
I’d say that I hear a song once every year that I wish I’d written but this year it would have to be “Escapism” by Raye. Her entire album is genius!
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I really enjoy studying music. So before I start writing, I’ll study songs that I’m obsessed with. I will count syllables in each stanza, I’ll count melody changes, rhyme schemes, and I’ll write down all the lyrics by hand. This really gets the juices flowing and I’ve noticed a huge difference when I do.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
My favourite artist changes pretty frequently, but I would say that my top picks right now are Raye, SZA and Mahalia.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
See last question.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
I would say the most rewarding part about being a musician is relating to other people, and allowing for your words and feelings to touch them - I also love it for every heartbreak, growth period and experience of loss that I go through, as I’ll always have a tangible piece of music that speaks my soul's feelings from that particular time.
And what is the most frustrating part?
I would say one of the most frustrating parts about being an independent musician is the number of hats I have to wear. I have to be the creative director, booking agent, manager, stylist, writer, artist, performer, promoter, social media expert etc. It can get exhausting!
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
I think learning to not compare myself to others in any way has allowed me to enjoy the journey. It's also super important to have a supportive inner circle.
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Ria Barkr's debut EP 'Alpha She' is available to stream here. Watch the new video for her recent single 'monday' in the player below.