James Edward Barker is a renowned British composer, music producer, and film producer, whose work is characterized by layers of live sonic experimentation, grandiose classical motifs, shapeshifting cluster chords, and driving alternative percussion.
Born with a natural talent, Barker was self-taught from the age of nine, and later received classical training at Newcastle University in the UK. Interestingly, he is a relation of the prolific 1960s British film composer, Benjamin Frankel, who is known for his work on films such as Night Of The Iguana and Battle Of The Bulge.
As a young musician, Barker spent many years developing his skills as a guitarist and expanding his understanding of production techniques. He performed as the lead guitarist and toured with the rock band Revere, signed to V2 records, playing alongside notable bands such as Simple Kid, Maximo Park, and The Futureheads. Additionally, he was a member of the electronic collective Liberation Jumpsuit, playing with acts like Nicky Blackmarket, Andy C, and The Orb, and holding a residency at the Ginglik Club in London.
During this period, Barker began experimenting with the Brit Award-winning music producer, Charlie Andrew, a childhood friend, who would go on to work on many of James' scores as a recordist, mixer, or producer. Barker also collaborated with music producer and mixer, James Loughrey, known for his work with Skindred.
In 2004, Barker left both acts and started composing for commercials with fellow composer, Tim Despic. The following year, they received their first break in film composing from UK producer, Neil Peplow, on the $11 million romantic comedy, The Best Man, starring Stuart Townsend, Amy Smart, and Seth Green. Since then, Barker has composed for over 30 feature films, including the award-winning Lean On Pete, directed by Andrew Haigh, for which he won Best Original Score at the 2017 Les Arcs Film Festival.
Influenced by a diverse range of genres, James has composed music for almost every aspect of the industry. He is a multi-instrumentalist, performing as a guitarist, percussionist, pianist, and vocalist, and has worked with a variety of alternative instruments from around the world. Moreover, he is highly skilled in designing his own electronic equipment, modifying and adapting vintage guitar pedals and synths to add a contemporary edge to his work.
