Indiescoveries Interview with Bärkər!

Courtesy of Bärkər

Ghost: Can you tell us about your journey into music? How did you get started and what inspired you to become an indie artist?

Bärkər: My journey into music started in Parma, Ohio. I then took a left turn at Albuquerque. Artists are born and then forged by their upbringings. The same holds true for criminals. And politicians.

Ghost: As the famous Bugs Bunny used to say! What is the story behind your artist's name? Does it hold a special meaning for you?

Bärkər: At one time, punk ‘nom de plumes’ were all the rage; Johnny Rotten, Will Shatter, Tomata Du Plenty, Davy Jones and Jello Biafra to name but a few of my keenest. As a former (and massively low-leveled) hardcore/crossover frontman, I went by Earache Barker. I thought it fit. I was a carnie, barking ear-piercing howls. When starting this electronics thing, I took the phonetic spelling ‘Bärkər’ as a subversive and ego damning barrier for myself.

Ghost: Nice! Such an inspirational meaning to your name! How would you describe your music style? What genres or artists have influenced your sound?

Bärkər: I would describe my music style as ‘Aggressively Non-Existent’. I am not a musician. I design sounds. But if you are a musician, or know someone who considers themselves one, there is still hope. The Residents, Brian Eno & David Byrne’s ‘My Life in the Bush of Ghosts’ album, Big Audio Dynamite’s debut, Negativland, and Aaron Dilloway (out of Oberlin, Ohio) are primary influences on what I am trying to do.

Ghost: Oh, my I love Brian Eno & David Byrne! Now I have "Faster than your daddy's car" instantly in my head! I would definitely consider you a musician in my book. Can you share the creative process behind your latest album/ single? How do you usually go about writing and producing your songs?

Bärkər: Sure. The last thing I did solely as ‘Bärkər’ was an extended player called ‘Textures’, which I released to Bandcamp on Christmas Eve ’24 (Happy Birthday, Dyl). Nowadays, I spend a few weeks on synthesizers, getting lost in a procession of sounds, lines, and atmospheres. Between projects, I try to meet a goal of recording 25 of these sound sketches for eventual consideration. And sometimes I actually succeed. Once ready to work on a project, I’ll choose the more intriguing ideas and manipulate them into fuller-fledged pieces. Within these soundscapes, I will then typically weave ‘Public Service Announcement’ styled dialogue samples that I consider relevant to points I am trying to make. For instance, the first cut off Textures is titled ‘Cause and Effect’. I use dialogues from a 1977 television report on the Cleveland Police Department and a documentary on the West Hollywood Shootout in 1997 to critique those who advocate for the demilitarization of police. My last actual production was Mayfly Radio Volume One, https://barker-mayfly.bandcamp.com/album/mayfly-radio-volume-one

an experimental compilation album that features some of the best of the independent arts scenes. I fashioned a 104-minute-long pirated radio broadcast that, through music and spoken word pieces, attempts to make a point on the lack of communication in a highly socialized society. The amount of talent on the project is just mind-blowing. In the spirit of community, it would be nice if some of your readers gave the project a chance.

Ghost: Such a great message, bravo, my friend! I am definitely going to buy that album when I get paid! 5 great pieces for sure! What challenges have you faced as an indie artist? How have you overcome them?

Bärkər: I’d assume all artists on the outskirts face the same basic challenges: How’s self-promotion (or a lack of it) working out for you? When you dance to an algorithm for passersby’s coins, do you feel like a monkey? I sure do. Are you, too, forced into overthinking EVERY level of music production in efforts to chase the trends of perfection? How can one overcome a system that is deliberately designed to either disregard or undermine their efforts? The answer lies in creating your own systems. If they succeed, bravo! If they fail, bravo! At least you made an effort. These interviews that you conduct, Mr. Rucker, are an attempt at a new system. Bravo to you!

Ghost: Thank you, my brother, that means the world to me. I totally agree. I've always wanted to go against the status quo. I think change is needed. I feel similar with the new platforms and the changes that artists have seen and to adapt to this new way they try to have us all follow. I think us crossing paths is exactly what this world needs, as I hope to create many more collabs with you. Can you tell us who inspired your passion for music growing up?

Bärkər: I was about ten years old when my uncle, who was eight years older than me, took me out to play some Mr. Do. He pulled us into the video arcade’s parking lot, turned off the engine, and then turned to me with the conditions under which I was permitted to enter the glistening palace of Quarter-Eaters. He pulled a cassette from his jean jacket, popped it into his tape deck, and before pushing play, said that I had to listen to the tape; that I had to really listen to it. If I got through the first side, I could play as much Mr. Do as I wanted. That tape was The Residents’ Third Reich ’N Roll. I vividly recall the exact moment in the piece where my ten-year-old self shattered. I burst into tears. He burst into laughter. I didn’t play Mr. Do that day. But I did learn a valuable lesson about the power of music.

Ghost: Wow, indeed, an excellent example of how powerful music is! What message do you want to convey through your music? Is there a particular theme or emotion you aim to evoke in your listeners?

Bärkər: Subversion is Good. Subversion is the only thing that can possibly keep the arts honest. Rather than embracing perfection, turn to the disfigured. There is no such thing as a bum note. There are only bum producers.

Ghost: Absolutely agree! What are your future plans? Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations that your fans should look forward to?

Bärkər: Tom Parsons of Arwr Neb and I will soon begin work on a side project. I enjoyed working with Tom on the Subversions extended single we released last November. He is a great talent that I encourage your readers to look in to. As for Bärkər, I have no idea when that project will reawaken. I like being Eric for now. Much respect to you, and Power to Our Imaginations.

Ghost: I truly enjoy the work you and Tom have done, so that is exciting to hear! It was truly an honor to have had the privilege of sitting down for an interview with Bärkər. His talent, vision, and passion for music are genuinely inspiring, and I feel so grateful to have had the opportunity to connect with him on such a meaningful level. I am beyond excited to see where his musical journey takes him, and I look forward to being a part of his unfolding story. Here's to a bright and promising future filled with creativity and unforgettable experiences!

immerse into the wonderful Mayfly radio volume one here! https://barker-mayfly.bandcamp.com/album/mayfly-radio-volume-one