Q: Hey, can you tell us a bit about where you come from, and what made you want to start a career in music?
A: I grew up on a farm and spent a lot of time on the land and in nature. My first exploration of music was making up little songs when I was alone outside. When I was a young teen my auntie enrolled me in a summer music program called Rocker Girl Camp in Edmonton. On the final day of the program we got to perform the songs we were working on in the historic Roxy Theatre and I was absolutely hooked at that moment. I started teaching myself how to play guitar and practiced singing by copying what I heard other singers I liked doing. I don’t think I was good form the start to be honest, I’ve really worked hard at this! I realized one day along the way that there was nothing else I wanted to. It was music or bust!
Q: Did you have any formal training, or are you self-taught?
A: I’ve been blessed to have been mentored by many along the way but I have no formal training and am self-taught. I think that it has allowed me to be really intuitive with the music and not let “rules” restrict my creative process.
Q: Who were your first and strongest musical influences, and why the name ‘Ila Barker’?
A: The land, nature, the trees were the first inspiration. I loved listening to how the sang in the breeze and had their own sense of rhythm. At a young age I was really into The Beach Boys, Jack Johnson and Celine Dion. The most influential I think have been Jack Johnson, Colbie Caillat, Leona Lewis and Adele. I love a big story and a big voice!
Q: You have just released your new album, ‘Fool Under Water’. Is there a story behind it?
A: This record is a collection of stories that I feel like I’m finally ready to share. I survived a really unhealthy and often abusive marriage and I’m so grateful that I got out. To be a fool under water is to give too much of yourself away to someone who doesn’t deserve it and before you know it your drowning in the life you’re stuck in. I share my story of reclaiming my power, and learning to love myself again, and being vulnerable enough to let people back in.
Q: Can we expect a new EP or even another album from you in the near future?
A: More music, absolutely!!
Q: What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?
A: Unfortunately, I don’t think that what I’ve gone through is unique. I know that a lot of people, and younger women especially will be able to see themselves in these songs as survivors in their own ways. My music is definitely a rollercoaster and a like to not only use my words to take the listener on this journey but also my melodies and voices too. I would describe my sound as Jack Johnson and Colbie Callait are going to the beach and on the way they stop and pick up Adele and Leona Lewis.
Q: Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfillment as the amount of work you are putting into it, or are you expecting something more?
A: A million times over. I really love the life I live and am super grateful for the experiences that I’m getting. At the core of this all I wanted to do was sing songs and travel. I get to do that every day, but the impact is much deeper than that in a lot of ways. I get to use my platform for good and address the change I want to see in the world too!
Q: Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song?
A: There’s a few different approaches. Sometimes a song just comes and slaps me in the face and says “here I am!” Other times its more work. My usual go too is to pick up a guitar and play around with different chords until something feels good or sounds nice to me. Then I’ll kind of mumble a melody over top and pull words out of that that I think will fit in well.
Q: What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?
A: Finding myself in an abusive relationship, leaving and having to pick up the pieces and then making the choice to tell my story is really hard and scary. But even deeper than that I think maybe the most constant difficulty is facing my inner critic and inner voice. She can get real negative and mean and tell me to just give up! It’s pretty tough to face her and push on!
Q: On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?
A: I think this moment right now in my career. Finally putting this record out and breathing life into these stories. I’m really proud of what I’ve overcome to get to where I am and the growth that I’ve worked hard for. I love this record and I’m so happy to share it with you all.
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