Getting to know September Barker

June 21, 2021

Melbourne-based alternative jazz artist September Barker has just released their single LOCKDOWN #43. We asked them to tell us more:

I am… a 20 year old artist called September Barker, going by he/they pronouns. I’ve been writing, producing and mixing my own music since I was 17. I’m lucky enough to be in a band with Clover Blue, Ella Ferris and Sol Rumble called ‘Pearl Blue’. I’m also an avid gardener and lover of nature, keen to someday start a community garden in Brunswick.

LOCKDOWN #43 is… set in a not-so-distant future where 42 lockdowns have come and gone. On the eve of the 43rd lockdown, international news reports a new COVID strain which is turning people into zombies. Our main character, September, questions their sanity – could there really be zombies walking the streets? Or is this all just a fantasy in their head, created after 10 years of isolation? Find out what madness ensues on June 18th.

Home is… wherever I can sit amongst plants and play music.

I spend too much time… … … … … … … … … … … … … procrastinating.

I’ve never… had a music lesson. Although I think I’d like to go sometime soon to improve my technique. Also I’m sure learning how to read/write sheet music will be important once I start writing bigger compositions. Anyone know any good teachers?

The last 12 months have been… crazy.

It might surprise people to learn that… I also make theatre. A company I co-founded, ‘Tedious Theatre’, made a one-shot film in my living room last year called Shadow Piece. We were lucky enough to be nominated for Melbourne Fringe’s ‘Best Theatre’ award, and we are planning on making another show for this year’s Fringe festival. I haven’t yet dipped my toe into writing musical theatre… perhaps I’ll have to start working on ‘LOCKDOWN #43 – The Musical.’