You will certainly know Sophie Barker as one of the vocalists on Zero 7’s Simple Things, that luscious, sweeping vocal at the forefront of the album’s breakaway hit ‘In the Waiting Line’, which she co-wrote. You may also know her for her work with Groove Armada, The Egg, Grooverider, Robin Guthrie (Cocteau Twins) and Muki, or maybe for her previous album Earthbound.
Sophie’s first solo studio album Seagull, released in 2011, brought her most plaintive sound ever. As sincere and delicate as she had ever been. Motown-esque licks and Joni Mitchell leanings. She’s had love, lost love, and above all felt disjointed from the city in which she was born.
Sophie is currently working on her second studio album, to be released later on this year. This next album has been born out of the discovery of a richer, dynamic live sound.
Sophie will be in concert at The Tabernacle, Powis Square, W11 on April 19th at 7.30pm
WLM have two tickets to give away – to enter leave your details below.
Where are you right now?
In London organizing a concert at The Tabernacle in April. A US tour in May and festivals around the UK in the summer.
When did you first start singing?
I started when I was thirteen after taking singing lessons and was told immediately that I could train as an opera singer which I decided against and just went with the flow and allowed my style to develop organically and explore all different avenues of vocal expression. This then led me to where I am today.
Who are your musical influences?
Since I was very young I was brought up around a lot of different types of music. We listened to a lot of Motown from whom most of my most favorite singers emerged( Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder) to Classical( Rhachmaninov,Chopin and Mozart). I loved Pink Floyd and David Bowie and last but not least Fleetwood mac.who are to this day one of my biggest influences.
What do you do for ‘me-time’?
I love swimming, walking and reading.
If you had to make a quick escape where would you go?
I would find my way to Greece and stay at my grand-mothers house.
What is on your bedside table?
At the moment Glass of water, ‘The snow child’ by Eowyn Ivey, my watch and Faust’s potions (a natural herbal vitamin potion) that has an asleep or awake potion. They are brilliant for those who have a busy life and are on the go.
Three things you’d take with you to a desert island?
Oh that’s hard- well I would take my portable record player that I was given for my birthday with a few records stacked inside. My guitar so I could entertain myself, a notebook for all my thoughts and then hope that the sea is full of fish and the island is abundant in fruit and vegetables, and somewhere close there is a fresh water lake with a waterfall!
Who would you most like to meet for a drink?
Rodriguez-‘Searching for Sugar Man’- Extra-ordinary musician.
What is your greatest extravagance?
An Ossie Clark canary yellow dress.
What do you love most about living in London?
Whether light or dark it is a very beautiful city.
For more info on Sophie, please visit:
For tickets to Sophie’s next gig click here
Sophie was talking to Annabelle King
ENTER TO WIN HERE:
A winner will be drawn on 17th April 2013.
