Following on from a national run of sold out album launches for her critically lauded debut A Suitable Girl, social commentator and femme rock champion Ali Barter will be headlining at this years Adelaide Beer & BBQ Festival at the end of July. We chat to Ali ahead of her performance.
Hi Ali, thanks so much for chatting to Forte again. How are you and what are you up to at the moment?
I’m good! Just been spending time at home writing songs and working on my zines. I always hibernate during winter. Oh and watching lots of House Of Cards too.
It’s been said that you raise the bar of Australian female rock – what is your response when you hear things like that, did you ever imagine this is where you would be?
I think I’m a part of the movement of women who are raising the bar of Australian female rock. There are so many of us doing it, Alex Lahey, Ecca Vandal, Hollie Joyce – the list goes on. We are joining a long and hallowed tradition of woman rockers in Australia. Chrissie Amphlett, Suzie DeMarche, Ella Hooper. It’s an exciting time to be making music and I’m immensely proud and honoured that I get to do so.
You’ve just announced your ‘One Foot In’ tour for later on in the year – your biggest run of dates yet. What are you looking forward to most?
Playing new songs and putting together a bigger and better live show! I love my band and we have so much fun on tour so it’s always just the best to play shows with them and get the audience hyped up.
‘One Foot In’ is the album highlight that with it’s energetic “f*ck you” vibe has exploded at recent live shows – was that the reason behind naming the tour?
‘One Foot In’ is the latest single so it made sense to name the tour after it. It’s also one of the most fun songs to play live so if that’s the ‘mission statement’ for the tour, then it’s gonna be FUN.
Last time we spoke, your newest single Cigarette had just landed #1 for the most played track on the radio station and your album was yet to be released. What’s been the highlight since?
Touring was the best. It was so great to have people come to shows, sing along and dig what me and the band were doing. It made me excited to tour more and write another album.
You’re also playing the Adelaide Beer and BBQ festival next month on the Friday night with Hockey Dad and West Thebarton Brothel Party. Have you ever played there before? Is this your first Beer and BBQ festival?
Yes it’s my first so pretty excited to play. All my family is from Adelaide so it always feels like home when I play there. Can’t wait to watch Hockey Dad and West Thebarton Brothel Party too.
Speaking of BBQ – brisket, ribs, pulled pork.. what’s your favourite from all the BBQ meats?
I’m a ribs or brisket girl. Very excited to eat all the meats at this festival.
What would you say to another young female musician by way of advice in navigating what can be a stressful and confusing industry?
Just keep doing what you’re doing, don’t listen to dumb people and surround yourself with people who support you. Trust yourself.
You’ve had quite the busy year so far, but have you been working on anything new at all in terms of music?
Yes, I’m writing album #2 now which is horrific and exciting at the same time. Can’t wait to play some new songs on the upcoming tour.
When & Where: Adelaide Beer & BBQ Festival – July 28-30. For more info head to adelaidebeerfest.com.au
You can also catch Ali on her One Foot In Tour. Tickets are available now from alibartermusic.com. Catch her shows at The Workers Club, Geelong – August 25 & Theatre Royal, Castlemaine – September 1.
