Matt Barker

Story

I am a music worshipper and groove believer. Improvisation is my kundalini. Driving varied rhythms and complex harmony set me free. Call and I respond prolifiny in search of resolve.

Profile

• Transcendental Groove Rider
• Guitarist
• Bassist
• Multi-instrumentalist
• Singer
• Composer
• Improviser

Instruments

• Guitar
• Anything With Strings
• Bass
• Mandolin
• Djembe
• Synth
• Keys
• Banjo
• Drumkit
• Vocals

Genres

• Jazz Fusion
• Anything With Feel
• World
• Funk
• Hip-hop
• Reggae
• Calypso
• Americana
• Bluegrass
• Rock
• Afro-beat
• Heavy Groove
• Experimental
• Expressionist

Influences

• Marcus Miller
• Miles Davis. Charles Mingus. Vivaldi
• Mike Einziger
• Bootsy Collins
• Richard Bona
• David Gilmore
• John Scofield
• Billy Cobham
• George Duke
• Alfonso Johnson
• George Porter Jr.
• Jimi Hendrix
• Orchestre Baobob
• Malatu Astatke
• The Heliocentrics
• Esperanza Spalding
• Ratatat
• Super Diamono
• Gabor Szabo

Equipment

• Epiphone Les Paul With Fender Strat Neck
• 1973 50w Peavey Classic
• Ibanez Electric 4-string Bass Passive Pickups
• Acoustic Control 400w Bass Head W 115 Cab
• Kentucky Mandolin

What is music to you? What does it give you?

Just as Apollo’s lyre appeased Cerebus in Hades. Music soothes the savage beast within me.

What is your music dream?

A life completely devoted to music

If you could change the world - what would you start with?

The fine art of listening

Which is the most memorable song from your childhood?

Wild Thang

Who are your favorite musical artists or bands?

Right now - The Heliocentrics

What inspires you to make music?

“By means of music, the very passions enjoy themselves.” - Nietzsche

What is the message you want to send with your music?

Positive vibrations

How do you feel when you perform in front of an audience?

Magically Alive and Connected

How do you see the musicians’ reality nowadays? What could be improved?

exposure to more genres

What do you think of Drooble?

Just joined, but seems like a wonderful platform.

What frustrates you most as a musician?

Those that hide sloppiness by playing louder and not listening to others. I don’t want competition but co-operation to make one sound

Do you support your local scene as a fan? How?

Go to shows, volunteer, run sound, built stages, configured House PA’s, hosted jams, promote, cheer really loud

What qualities should a musician nowadays have in order to get their music heard by a larger audience?

A pretty face and catchy lyrics? Acclaim over fame? Sorry not sorry. Talent, knowing the right people, perseverance/luck.

Share some awesome artists that we’ve never heard of.

Super Diamono, Clutchy Hopkins, The Heliocentrics, Ghost-Note, Orchestre Baobob, Damian Erskine, Nim Quartet, Djelimady Tounkara, Fatoumata Diawara, Hindi Zahra, The Robert Glasper Trio

• wall
• videos
• photos
• songs