The Last Year is composed of singer/songwriter Niki Barr, Scott Ensign (guitar, bass, synth, percussion, programming), BJ Kerwin (drums, percussion), who performed on the new EP, and guitarist Scott Griffith (from the Perfects). The Last Year flawlessly blends alternative rock with new wave, natural sounds with synthetic ones to create a dynamic, electrifying, and addicting blend of songs on their new EP, The Last Year via Shanachie Entertainment.
As the frontwoman of The Last Year, Niki Barr answered a few questions for WHERE MY GIRLS AT? about her musical influences, creative process, and what it's like being a woman in the music industry.
When and how did you first become interested in music? How long have you been playing music?
"I grew up around musicians. My father was a drummer, his brothers played bass and guitar, and my mother's brother played keys. I remember going to my dad's shows as a kid, so that was my first exposure to live music. I asked my parents for a guitar at age 13, after seeing another kid strumming away in the library one day. He and I started writing songs and before I knew it, I was performing in coffee shops and bars. From that point on, my life was entirely about recording, performing, and touring. I never really looked back after that point."
What/Who are your musical influences?
"My influences stretch across decades and genres. Everything from The Beatles, The Who, and Led Zeppelin, to Depeche Mode, Stone Temple Pilots, Garbage, and Nine Inch Nails. I'm continue to be influenced by newer artists, like Florence and the Machine and Nico Vega."
What does your creative process look like?
"It usually starts with me either coming up with a basic song idea (guitars/synth with a vocal melody) and bringing it to the band or someone in the band gives me a recorded musical idea that I find really inspiring and I put it on my ipad and write to it. Everything comes together for us in the studio. Scott (bass player) is really great at taking one of my simple ideas and painting a scene with it. I might also mention that the last few songs I wrote in a cabin I rented in WV, for the hell of it. I'm a recluse when I write."
Tell me about what it's like for you being a woman artist in the music industry.
"Prior to The Last Year, I was a solo artist for quite some time. The band during that time, Niki Barr Band, was a hard rock band. I was typically the only female on most of the stages we played in that band. I liked the challenge, but in the back of my mind, I couldn't help but think perhaps it was only an uphill battle for us. I think we carved a niche for ourselves because we were so different. The Last Year is musically different from NBB in a good way. I think it's starting to appeal to a wider audience. In this band, it's all about the songs and that is what will always inspire our fans. Does it help that I can show off my legs on stage? Of course it does!! I work hard for those legs!"
What words of advice would you provide aspiring young girl musicians?
"I know I have a tendency to over-analyze and break-apart every minute detail. Sometimes, it's needed, but the meticulous nature of the female psyche can be exhausting and counterproductive to creativity. So, don't be so hard on yourself and when you get frustrated, go for a run or go out and do or see something you've never done before. Get out of the mind!"
Thanks to Niki for continuing to create incredible music! Take a listen to "Sugar" from The Last Year!
As the frontwoman of The Last Year, Niki Barr answered a few questions for WHERE MY GIRLS AT? about her musical influences, creative process, and what it's like being a woman in the music industry.
When and how did you first become interested in music? How long have you been playing music?
"I grew up around musicians. My father was a drummer, his brothers played bass and guitar, and my mother's brother played keys. I remember going to my dad's shows as a kid, so that was my first exposure to live music. I asked my parents for a guitar at age 13, after seeing another kid strumming away in the library one day. He and I started writing songs and before I knew it, I was performing in coffee shops and bars. From that point on, my life was entirely about recording, performing, and touring. I never really looked back after that point."
What/Who are your musical influences?
"My influences stretch across decades and genres. Everything from The Beatles, The Who, and Led Zeppelin, to Depeche Mode, Stone Temple Pilots, Garbage, and Nine Inch Nails. I'm continue to be influenced by newer artists, like Florence and the Machine and Nico Vega."
What does your creative process look like?
"It usually starts with me either coming up with a basic song idea (guitars/synth with a vocal melody) and bringing it to the band or someone in the band gives me a recorded musical idea that I find really inspiring and I put it on my ipad and write to it. Everything comes together for us in the studio. Scott (bass player) is really great at taking one of my simple ideas and painting a scene with it. I might also mention that the last few songs I wrote in a cabin I rented in WV, for the hell of it. I'm a recluse when I write."
Tell me about what it's like for you being a woman artist in the music industry.
"Prior to The Last Year, I was a solo artist for quite some time. The band during that time, Niki Barr Band, was a hard rock band. I was typically the only female on most of the stages we played in that band. I liked the challenge, but in the back of my mind, I couldn't help but think perhaps it was only an uphill battle for us. I think we carved a niche for ourselves because we were so different. The Last Year is musically different from NBB in a good way. I think it's starting to appeal to a wider audience. In this band, it's all about the songs and that is what will always inspire our fans. Does it help that I can show off my legs on stage? Of course it does!! I work hard for those legs!"
What words of advice would you provide aspiring young girl musicians?
"I know I have a tendency to over-analyze and break-apart every minute detail. Sometimes, it's needed, but the meticulous nature of the female psyche can be exhausting and counterproductive to creativity. So, don't be so hard on yourself and when you get frustrated, go for a run or go out and do or see something you've never done before. Get out of the mind!"
Thanks to Niki for continuing to create incredible music! Take a listen to "Sugar" from The Last Year!