Show Notes
Richard Barbieri is best known as the keyboardist for the pioneering British new wave band Japan, as a core member of the progressive rock group Porcupine Tree and a successful artist in his own right. He is known for his unique approach to synthesis, atmospheric sound design, and textural playing style. Richard chats with us on his career to date, his distinct approach to creating sounds, and a great deal more.
To listen / watch:
Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel
Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):
Richard’s latest album Hauntings
The inspirations that led to the recording of Hauntings
Discussion on the songs Anemoia, 1890, Reveille / Last Post, and Artificial Obsession
A viewer question (thanks Matt G) on writing for film
Richard’s musical upbringing
Richard’s work with Japan and the mammoth Roland System 700
Richard’s keyboard rig with Japan
The unique creative relationship between Richard Barbieri and Steve Jansen
Choosing backing tracks over sequencing for less pivotal parts
One of Richard’s Japan compositions – Temple of Dawn
The transition from Japan to Rain Tree Crow
Red Earth (As Summertime Ends) – Rain Tree Crow
Formation of Jansen, Barbieri and Karn (JBK)
JBK live in 1994 – Bestial Cluster
Jansen / Barbieri and Karn – Stories Across Borders
Joining Porcupine Tree
The ‘Signify’ sessions – recording as a band
Porcupine Tree – Signify
Evolving with the heavier / more complex albums from a sonic viewpoint (and the importance of the Access Virus)
The influence of lyrics on sound design
Adjusting sound design approach for performing in larger venues
Getting used to In-Ear Monitoring
A tour of Richard Barbieri’s recording studio (see standlone studio tour video here)
Richard’s use of soft synths
Richard’s evolving approach to perforning his solo work live
Performing with The Bays
Ryuichi Sakamoto as inspiration and watching him record
Working with Marillion’s Steve Hogarth: Not The Weapon But The Hand and Arc Light
Creating presets for others and the challenges of them being applied in other people’s work
Richard’s wishes for his music in the far future
Discussion on another solo album and work to date on a potential Porcupine Tree album
Desert Island Discs: Rock Bottom – Robert Wyatt, Close To The Edge – Yes, A Moon Shaped Pool – Radiohead, Songs in the Key of Life – Stevie Wonder, Endtroducing…. – DJ Shadow
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Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations. The post Richard Barbieri, Solo Artist / Porcupine Tree / Japan appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.
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