This week we’re featuring local rock, alternative group, Niki Barr Band from Baltimore. Constantly being praised on talent and their energetic live shows, Niki Barr Band continues to work hard since the release of their last LP “Radar Radio” in 2010. Recently released was their track Sex Fiend as a DJ Neekola remix as well as a video for their latest single, the Nine Inch Nails Cover of Closer, that was released just today! (You can see the video streaming below). We spoke to Niki Barr about “Radar Radio”, Joan Jett, the DJ Neekola remix of Sex Fiend, and more!
Niki Barr Band will be playing Blocktoberfest in Baltimore on September 29, 2012. Tickets available here through ticketmaster. You can also get $5 off with the promo code: NikiBarr. Visit their website www.nikibarr.com for more details!
So I hear your song, “Sex Fiend,” was featured in Kohl’s Fashion Week celebration. What was it like hearing about your music being used by a big group like this?
To be honest, I laugh a little, knowing “Sex Fiend” is being used to sell products. If you’ve listened to the words in the song, you’ll know why.
The Niki Barr Band has shared the stage with some of the heavier acts in music today: Chevelle, Puddle of Mudd, Sevendust and Drowning Pool, to name a few. How have these crowds reacted to a female vocalist?
The audiences are always into it. I think it’s not so much about being a female (though the sex-appeal helps), but more about the live show experience. There are plenty of female-fronted rock bands now, from Dead Sara and In This Moment, to Halestorm and Flyleaf. I think it’s still rare enough to be considered daring and risqué, which is always a nice place to live.
A lot of the musicians in your band started out as hired guns. Yet, the band has such a clear musical identity. Was this hard to find?
It really was. Each of us is completely different from the other, from the way we dress and act to our musical tastes. We’re still trying to figure out what and who we are. We will always be an evolving band. I imagine no record will be like the next. That’s just who we are… and who we aren’t.
What can your listeners expect from your latest album, “Radar Radio”?
It’s adrenaline from beginning to end. It’s meant to be played loud and perhaps while driving or operating machinery. There is one song on the record, called Fallen, which is a more solemn and emotionally moving song. It was a tribute to the troops, who we had the honor of spending time with a few years back.
What was it like sharing the stage with Joan Jett?
More like “What was it like to see Joan Jett”? As a musician, you never stop being a fan and Joan Jett is the queen of punk rock. She’s the attitude, the style, the angst, the image of punk. And she ‘doesn’t give a damn ‘bout her reputation’. Enough said.
Who are you most excited to play with at Blocktoberfest in September?
You’re gonna make me choose? I just can’t.
I just listened to a sneak-peek of the remix of “Sex Fiend” by DJ Neekola. What was it like hearing someone take creative license on your material?
The electronic world is like an underground subway system. So, we bought Sex Fiend a ticket to ride and it’s been quite a journey. I believe the remixes won’t just stop with DJ Neekola, who did an amazing job on the remix. There should be several other remixes to come by other DJs in various genres. We’re hoping to release the remixes as an ep on itunes.
What’s your favorite new music site?
I just started using Songza on my iphone. I like that I can select a playlist based on how I’m feeling or what I’m doing. It’s a good way to hear new music.
Any final words of wisdom you’d like to leave for our lovely readers?
We might not make the best role models, but we’re the ones you can always turn to when you need us most.
For more information on Niki Barr Band, visit their website, like them on Facebook, and follow them on twitter @nikibarrband
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