Following a slew of critically acclaimed releases on Sirup Music over the past few years with the likes of Can’t Take It, Underwater, Last Chance and Supernatural, hotly-tipped German producer Barkley now makes his eagerly anticipated return to the formidable Swiss imprint with his first release of 2021, as he unveils his stunning new single Afterglow. Out now, Afterglow sees Barkley team up with talented Canadian singer-songwriter and vocalist Maggie Szabo for the pair’s impressive debut collaboration, as the newly-formed duo combine in perfect accord to deliver a true masterclass in euphoric, upbeat vocal house music. We caught up with Barkley from his studio in Germany to find out more…
Hi Barkley, a very warm welcome to DMC World! How are you?
Thanks for having me! I’m good and very excited about my new song “Afterglow“ together with Maggie Szabo!
First things first, please can you introduce yourself to our readers?
Hello everyone, my name is Barkley and I love melodic and bassline driven music! I’m really into technology, studio gear and analog synthesizers.
Where are you answering this interview from right now?
I am sitting in my studio and happy to talk to you about Barkley and music! The studio is one of the best places for me. So much energy in here!
How would you best describe your sound?
I love drama and energy. I try to combine both in the Barkley songs! Already in my youth I was a huge fan of trance music. You can hear these influences! I combine emotional themes with club-ready drops.
Congratulations on your upcoming single ‘Afterglow’ on Sirup Music. Tell us more?
My new single “afterglow” together with Maggie Szabo is the perfect song to start the spring. I love Maggie’s strong voice. She is just made for the song. I wanted to do a track like this for a very long time, so I’m even more happy that it’s out now!
We’re loving the vocals from Maggie Szabo. How did that introduction originally come about?
I did a remix for her single “ Back Where We Started” last year and immediately thought she would be a great match for an original Barkley song. So we decided to get started and Maggie performed on a demo of mine. We then finalized it together.
We understand you’ve released a number of records on Sirup over the past few years. How did you guys connect in the first place?
That was a few years ago. my first single “Know Me” came in 2016 via Sirup and gained great support from EDX. the label is a great place for the Barkley sound and it’s fun!
When did you become a producer and what were you doing before you decided to make a leap into the world of music?
I’ve been making music since I was a kid. I spent many years of my childhood playing piano and violin in the school orchestra. My parents encouraged me from an early age. Making music is just the coolest thing there is and my passion.
What do you have coming up over the course of 2021? Any more exciting projects or touring you can talk to us about?
During COVID there is no touring – but a lot of new stuff to come. I’m really looking forward to it all!
Thanks for your time Barkley and we wish you all the best for the rest of the year!
Thank you DMCWORLD!!
*****
Barkley – Afterglow (feat. Maggie Szabo) is out now via Sirup Music
