Music and a portmanteau.

I’ve been meaning to implement a music critique, artist spotlight and podcast section to this website for a while now, last year I wrote articles and featured music from local artists; and musicians I’ve met via playing live gigs in different places around the country. I got some positive feedback and was going to try podcasting new music via the site but was negated by the unenthusiastic response from musicians who didn’t care for the exposure. So, instead of trying to focus heavily on one act with an article, or try to pester artists to share their music via royalty free download; I’m going to showcase musicians I have worked with or want to work with and music from those who inspire me to create.

Featured Artist: Barker

Barker’s been busy, the resident synth and glitch maestro for The Legend of 7 Black Tentacles recently released a string of impressive remixes including a remix of Portico Quartet’s Sleepless and a remix for The Kites of San Quentin – Stoopid remix compilation. In 2010 he released the 5-track ambient work Subrosa under the Remote moniker (available on netlabel Planet Terror Records) clocking over two thousand downloads, gaining praise and a small cult following in Russia in the process.

Barker is also one third of the fluorescent Questcore outfit Cobra Fist (think Lightning Bolt, Chrome Hoof and At the Drive in) alongside Zxodiac and Renegade Brass Band drummer Rory Hilman. In 2011 they independently released their debut EP and quickly went on to support Gallops and Three Trapped Tigers.

Barker’s body of work shifts between contemporary Electronica beats and low-fi Dubstep. Glitched synths, field recordings and textured loops craft a lofty and layered soundscape that compliments gritted leads and even edgier beats that set pace through his higher BPM counted material; while guitar laden effects and warm, colored noises breathe deep into his ambient work exhaling rich droned tones and somberly melodic overlays.

As well as contributing to new 7 Black Tentacle compositions he’s also experimenting with reel-to-reel tape decks and field recordings, and -with help from Hey Sholay Guitarist, Laurie Allport is hoping to acquire as many as you can run through a mixing desk at one time for a literal stop and start live project. -No rewind selector jokes please.

Barker
Portico Quartet – Sleepless (Remote Remix)

Also listen to:
From the Kites of San Quentin
Stoopid

Kidkanevil
Jon Phonics x S-Type – Swamp Donkey (kidkanevil Remix)

SKYWLKR
Danny Brown – Outerspace

Message me on twitter @v3xation and suggest artists for Vexposé #2.