Matthew Barber

Matthew Barber cannot emphasize enough that he does not believe in the supernatural. "I do believe in science and I don't believe in ghosts," he says, "but there is a moment on one song - a sound I can't explain…I don't want to say it was a voice, but that's what it sounds like." Canadian singer-songwriter Matthew Barber recorded his latest record in a creepy old Victorian mansion outside Toronto that is shrouded in ghost mythology. He then mixed the record below an apartment that was said to be haunted, too. So when he played back the final recording of "Somebody Sometime" and heard mysterious phantom vocals embedded in the mix, his previously tentative title for the record, Ghost Notes, seemed an obvious choice.

The album actually came out well over a year ago in Canada, and it's been available on iTunes here for just as long, but it just recently got a physical release date in the States which, for better or worse, seems to be considered more legitimate. At home Barber is already considered a critical darling, having earned a Juno nomination (otherwise known as the Canadian Grammy) and having released three previous albums. He has toured Europe, Australia, and all of Canada, and yet in his fertile six-year career he has never really toured in the U.S. until now.

"It's silly because it's so close," he admits, "but this is the first time I've had my legit papers to go down…and an official release in the US. [Getting a visa] is really expensive, but it's an investment."

There are just four dates planned for this jaunt down the coast, and Athens should consider itself lucky to be among the first American towns to enjoy the gentle yet commanding songwriting of Barber. Although his voice is smooth and clear, the songs are far from wimpy, constructed tightly over clever climaxes and playful melodies. Lyrically, says Barber, the songs on Ghost Notes indirectly chronicle a romantic relationship. He considers them short stories that are unified in their "hopeful but cautious" theme that guides its protagonists out of the darkness. 

It's certainly a more folky endeavor than some of his earlier work. Barber says Ghost Notes is a direct reaction to his previous release, a full-length on Warner called Sweet Nothing. While that album had its mellow moments, Barber says label pressures forced to subconsciously put emphasis on the harder rocking numbers. "Even though I wasn't trying to write radio hits…I was trying to write radio hits." 

Now on indie label Outside Music, Barber is able to focus on his contemplative side while keeping the songs seeped in pop sensibility, drawing from such key influences as The Band, Neil Young and Van Morrison. Ghost Notes is also the first album Toronto-based Outside Music has released in the U.S. It's a distinction of which Barber, who at one time worked in the stock room of the label, is especially proud.

As a quick but relevant aside, Barber also used to play with a backing band called Union Dues - members of which have gone on to participate in some well respected projects. Bassist Julian Brown went on to record and tour with Feist; another former bass player, Matt McQuaid, now plays in electro-rock band Holy Fuck; and drummer Joel Stouffer now plays in U.K. group Dragonette. 

And while Barber had a fresh batch of backers on Ghost Notes, this tour will be as "zero frills as it gets." Barber is buckling himself in the driver's seat, his guitar the only passenger, and making the trek solo. This is a test drive of sorts for Barber whose newly acquired visa will allow him access to the States for the next three years. While coming through this time, he hopes to make some connections that will help him return soon and frequently.

While the task of driving solo down and back up the coast seems daunting, Barber sees the journey as creative fodder. 

"I like the opportunity to get away on my own and do a road trip," he says. "It offers a lot of time to think… I need to get away so I can get into the space where I can write at home. The trips are insipiring always, and even though I dont get anything done when I'm away, the first few days when I get back are aways fertile."

But you know, Barber also thought he was all alone when he recorded that haunted track - so maybe he'll have some spiritual company helping him out on this journey. With all the new doors that Ghost Notes has opened for Barber already, I wouldn't be surprised if that spook starts asking for royalties. 

Michelle Gilzenrat