GET TO KNOW: Barry Noakes

After spending the last year cultivating his sound and direction, Glasgow-based singer and songwriter Barry Noakes is set to release his highly-anticipated debut album 'A New Dawn' later this year.

With nods to the sounds of Bob Dylan and Neil Young, his newest collection looks set to be a bright and uplifting light on the new music scene. So with his LP available soon, we sat down with him to find out more about his background and what has inspired him of late.

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What was the first instrument you learned to play?

I just couldn’t keep my hands off the piano at home when I was young. I

remember pausing theme tunes on the tele so I could learn them note for note!

What was the first album you remember owning?

Well if you don’t count my Dad’s records which I basically considered mine then I think the first one I bought was Pop Art by Transvision Vamp. It was great to rock out to as a teenager and there was of course the Wendy James appeal! I didn’t realise at the time that right on my doorstep in Coventry I had the Primitives bashing out equally energetic tune rock and it was not long after that I had a copy of their hit album Lovely as well.

Did you ever form a band when you were younger and if so, what did they sound like?

Yeah quite a few, I remember “Smudge” being a particularly enthusiastic outfit which sounded like a cross between Lemonheads, Pixies and Wonderstuff ... all the bands I was into at the time, funny that, of course we were amazing!

What is a song you wish you had written yourself?

Yesterday of course, no need for a pension with that one. That aside its song-writing at its most masterful.

What has been the most thrilling moment about creating your own music?

I’ll never tire of feeling the buzz from knowing something is going to exist tomorrow that doesn’t today. I love music and the thought of my music entering other people’s lives is amazing.

And what about the most frustrating part?

Over the past year its most definitely been that I can’t share my creations in person with others. Not being able to play with other musicians in the same way has been lonely and made me less confident in what I’m creating. Also not getting people’s reactions from my new music as added to that feeling.

Which artist would you most love to share a stage with?

Because I love singing with people and because she is a remarkable musician, I’d love to get a duet going with Sierra Hull, the child prodigy singer/songwriter, mandolinist and guitarist from the states.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I like to think about all the places I might tour. I have friends all over and would love nothing more than to be mini touring Sweden or the States for example. Plus I’ll have another album or two under my belt by then, so hopefully I’ll be busy promoting them too.

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Barry Noakes' debut album 'A New Dawn' will be available to stream and download from the 1st May.