After cementing themselves with a flurry of bold and dynamic offerings these last few years, Welsh outfit Sky Barkers are back at it once again as they deliver their eager-awaited new EP 'Broken Shiny Love'.
Channelling more of that rich and alluring indie-rock direction they are known for, this new eight-track collection makes for a rousing return to form. Filled with warm and riveting flavours, a sweeping atmosphere, and mesmerising hooks throughout, they are certainly looking to turn some heads with this embracing new release.
So with the new EP available to stream now, we sat down with singer Jo MacGregor Messore to find out more about her origins and what has been inspiring her most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Guitar, spent hours wading through tab in the caravan in our front garden as a kid and also trying to replicate Joni’s idiosyncratic tunings!
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
As a kid I grew up with a lot of Celtic folk, it was always played and sung in our house.There was also a great love of Americana folk - CSNY, Joni, James Taylor, Neil Young, Dylan - these guys formed fundamental pathways and connections in my mind that still inform my songwriting and melody choices I think! At one point around 14 I fell majorly in love with Alanis Morisette and started writing more angsty songs on misted window pains whilst attempting her classic yodel. Then later in my teens I got really into Rage Against The Machine, At The Drive In, Jeff Buckley, Nirvana, Pavement - and that stuff still comes out in our band writing.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Joni Mitchelle, Blue. Good job you didn’t ask for the first single, that’s a way more embarrassing answer!
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Woh, hard question, there are so many! I think Song for Zula by Phosphorescent is absolutely genius and reduces me to tears everytime. So maybe that.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Mostly trying to carve out some time alone, which can be tricky when you have small kids and live in a caravan! For those initial stages, I have to be alone to feel what’s floating about in the ether. I’ll usually sit with a guitar and play something super simple, then improv the tune and lyrics to see what wants to come through. I’ll record this and pick through it later to see if there are any threads I think are worth following. Then at some point, i’ll play a half song to Dan (guitar), and we’ll bounce ideas off each other until something good emerges.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Gotta say I do love a bit of Maggie Rogers. Also Julia Jacklin and Miya Folick. This is just me though - Dan and Matt would have waaaay more niche answers for you!
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Oh Jeez. Maybe Deerhoof. Or St Vincent. Or maybe Magie Rogers because she is bossing it vibe wise atm. Sorry that’s just too hard!
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Playing live to an audience that really digs it. I absolutely love that chemistry.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Social media and trying to be a photographer, videographer, tech wizard and professional events manager - none of which are remotely my skill set. Basically - computers/phones. I’d be a lot happier without them tbh.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Write what you love. Connect with other musicians to create a community around you, it can get lonely otherwise. Oh and don’t do a whole gig with your eyes closed!
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Sky Barkers' new EP 'Broken Shiny Love' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.