Start Listening To: Barnaby Keen

We spoke with Barnaby Keen and got to hear all about his previous musical ventures, some of his influences, and a little bit of what we can expect from his music in 2021.

For those unfamiliar with your music, can you tell us who you are, where you’re from, and a little bit about the music that you make? 

I’m from Dorset originally but have been based in South London for the last decade or so. I’m into writing songs as well as instrumental music.

What is your songwriting process like?

It can vary but generally, the best ideas come from moments when I’m not too conscious of what I’m doing… a late-night idea recorded on the phone or playing around with a beat at the studio then writing a song over the top. I prefer it when songs come out in one go because I don’t have a great attention span. 

How did you produce your recent single Lay Out the Cards? 

I had the song written before starting recording so it was a case of finding a rhythm track that worked for it. I liked the idea of a mechanical-sounding rhythm because the song is quite floaty. Me and my brother took it in turns playing some beats on a kit and then chopped a suitable bit out. We then had some fun making weird sounds and dropping them in the middle section.

Can you tell us more about the lyrics?

It’s about reaching a point in a relationship where something has to change and some talking has to be done in order to straighten things out. I’m not sure ‘lay our cards down’ is the actual expression but it sounded right at the time. A poker game isn’t the ideal analogy for a good relationship but sometimes it’s hard to know what to share and what to keep to yourself.

You’re a founding member of Electric Jalaba and also fronted dub-influenced guitar outfit Flying Ibex. How does it feel to now be releasing solo music under your own name?

Yeah, it’s nice to be releasing some of the ideas I’ve had floating around for a while. I can be a bit/extremely over-critical and negative about releasing music in general even though I love making it. Basically, having people working with me who can wrestle it out of my hands is the only way things get released these days, so I’m grateful to those supportive and talented people with me making it happen.

Have your previous projects influenced this new project much? 

Yes, I play Gnawa music from Morocco with Electric Jalaba, which has strong rhythm and simple, powerful harmony… it reminds me sometimes to keeps things simple. Also playing with incredible musicians pushes me to be better at what I do.

Who are some of your biggest influences as an artist? 

Jorge Ben, Stevie Wonder, Brian Wilson, John Lennon.

What do you hate right now?

Being in a bad mood.

What do you love right now?

Ideas that give me life and impetus to move.

Do you have any plans to perform live in 2021?

Yes, there are some festival dates in the diary. Electric Jalaba at Womad is one.

Is there any new music from 2021 that you’re enjoying?

I’ll be honest I haven’t listened to any new music this year; or I probably have but I don’t remember it. 

What else can we expect from you in 2021? Any more releases planned?

Yeah: some more releases and an album.

Do you have any final life lessons or tips for our readers?

Spend less/no time on social media.