Allison Barnes » Winter War EP
I had a wonderful opportunity to interview one of the most talented voices on the planet right now -> Allison Barnes. We talked about her heroes, why she writes, and who she wants to be when she grows up.
Q1 -> music-wise…who do you want to be when you grow up?
A few years ago I fronted the folk band Foreign Loren. It was fun while it lasted, and I’m proud of what we created, but I realized that fronting a band isn’t something that I was interested in. I’m a huge fan of collaborating with other artists and musicians. Whether we’re working as equals, or I’m adding some harmonies on an already completed song. I think of Sufjan Stevens- he’s an amazing artist in general. The music he creates is astounding. But there’s very much this collaborative spirit about the whole thing. There are tons of musicians on stage with him creating this experience for the audience. It’s not just him, at all. But then as an individual, he also has a bunch of other side projects going on. For example, he just did backing vocals for The National’s latest album “High Violet.” He just keeps busy, keeps moving, but all the attention isn’t on him. And I really like that, and I really want that someday.
Q2-> me: what was the first song you learned on guitar?
I can’t even remember. It was probably one of my own songs. I don’t cover many songs because I think I sound like an idiot doing it. I’m not that good at guitar, but I love when other people play it, and I love the abilities it gives me as a songwriter.
Q3 ->if you could play a show with one person (alive or otherwise..who would it be)
I really have no idea. There are artists like Dr. Dog, Grizzly Bear, Sondre Lerche, etc. who have such amazing sounds already, some really cool harmonies, and I would die to sing with any of them, even just a single line of harmony somewhere in there. I would love to be a part of that sound.
Terrible answer, sorry. Haha!
Q4->who is your target listening audience?
I would usually say teenagers, young adults. But at one of the last shows I played, more middle-aged adults bought my CD. So that’s cool. I’m just grateful when people respond to the music I create.
Q5-> i know your soul is in these tracks. somewhere. where can it be found?
“The Pulse.” It’s the opening track to the Winter War EP. I wrote it when I was in this deep depression, so beat up both physically and mentally. I was so desperate for any relief, and just couldn’t find it. I think “The Pulse” was my plea for that relief. I purposely buried the details of my condition within the song- not only to maintain my privacy, but also so listeners can find their own meaning. And I hope they do. I think compiling the Winter War EP was so healing for me, and I think “The Pulse” sets that tone.
