Getting To Know... Bares

After spending the last few years releasing a flurry of fresh and uplifting alt-pop delights, Melbourne-based artist Bares has now returned once again with her latest upbeat stunner 'Hercules'.

Channelling a warm and breezy aesthetic from start to finish, 'Hercules' makes for a wonderfully woozy listen. Filled with dynamic production, vibrant textures, and her own captivating voice at the helm, this new release showcases some of her most shimmering work to date.

So with the new single available now, we sat down with her to find out more about her origins and what has inspired her most over the years.

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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?

I learnt piano growing up, but that relationship was definitely not one I would describe as love in any way, so I would have to say that when I was in year 8, learning the Star Wars theme on the guitar, that was when I first discovered you could love an instrument.

What kind of music did you love when you were younger?

My taste in music was heavily influenced by my parents, but when I was about 12 my brother took me under his wing and showed me the world of pop punk music, not that that’s the genre that most defines me, but I definitely loved how outspoken and bold those songs made me feel.

What was the first album you remember owning?

Despite my brothers emo influences, the first album I bought was actually Circus by Britney Spears, an album I would say is still iconic and still directs my musical calling.

What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?

So many songs, Flowers and Superpowers by Wafia is a recent one for me, that song is just stupidly good.

Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?

Something I do a lot when I’m writing is go for long lyric walks, if I’m lucky enough to have established an instrumental already, I’ll go on a walk around my suburb and write all the lyrics in my notes app. I try and get at least 80% done before arriving back home.

Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?

I’m fortunate enough to be surrounded by some seriously talented music friends in Melbourne, and I’m actually really proud to say that I listen and love a lot of local music (alliteration queen am I right). There’s so much talent on the ground here, artists like Jazure, Romanie, Jade Alice, Kaitlin Keegan, Ivoris- it’s crazy.

If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?

Hands down it would be Lorde, I think she would be a great person to open for and hang out with in the green room. Maybe Ariana Grande but I think I would poop myself which isn’t a great pre-show activity.

What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?

Being able to share your music is so special, but the fact that people all over the world can relate to it and enjoy it, that’s gotta be the most rewarding part.

And what is the most frustrating part?

There’s so much that’s frustrating: being at the mercy of the algorithm, not being able to finance the necessary opportunities for growth, wondering if not pursing home ownership is a good move. Plenty to be frustrated about.

And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?

Keep trying, keep putting yourself out there. So much about success in the music industry is random, so you just have to keep giving it a go!

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Bares' new single 'Hercules' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.