How was 2019 for you?
Jody Barr: It was filled with both sheer joy and heartache. I did some collaborative projects which will see light in 2020, released with Last Night On Earth, played a life affirming gig and built up some prosperous relationships. One of my aims was getting out to meet and work with other creatives. Stuck in a windowless box room doing music can often end up a hermit occupation.
Highlights?
Playing with Sasha and the Last Night On Earth family in London. It was a heart-warming yet life-affirming gig and solidified that hunger feeling of why I’m still chasing my childhood dream. It was a dream come true.
Lowlights?
I’m never normally a believer in lowlights as my life’s dreadful moments are always changing points but this year was an exception. Undoubtedly, in personal terms there were some very traumatic times with an unexpected family bereavement, shortly followed by the loss of a close childhood friend. It sure was a mentally testing year and one that felt like I was trying to pull myself out of a swamp by my own hair.
Song of the year?
There’s been some amazing music released this year, but I’m going to roll with one that instantly struck my emotive strings: Kollektiv Turmstrasse’s “Ribbon Reef.” The string melody is beautiful. I heard the record a few years back and it’s stuck with me ever since. Thankfully, it’s finally been released.
What’s your New Year’s resolution?
Stress less and share things that make the world a better place to be in.