Biography
For many years a prolific writer, Mathew Barker began putting music to his words in January 2010 under the name Water Music. In an incredibly short time, his lonely, yet optimistic songs of heartbreak, death, passion and The Universe took him across The United States & Europe performing intimate gigs to inspired crowds and earning him the respect of seasoned musicians the world over.
His style is no style, an honesty that resonates through all that listen, and performances built on baring the soul through darkly personal lyrics over sparse rustic guitar chords. It's a do it yourself philosophy, a hark back to the good ole days, when a man could jump a train with a guitar and find the meaning of his life on a long and lonely road.
All songs recorded on a 2002 Roland VS-890 8 track.
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“Our old Melbourne town has a fondness for dark country, for stout musical melancholy to be consumed in our grimy parlours. I’ve been attending live music regularly in Melbourne for over four years now and-not to blow my own horn-thought I had a pretty good grasp on who were the best musicians in town. Then along comes Hawk Moth. Mathew Barker had been a writer of sorts for a time before taking to music, and his listing of John Fante and Hank Chinaski as influences on his Facebook may give an indication of the lyrical content on Hawk Moth (other influences: cigarettes, the ocean). These are simple acoustic songs that I grew very fond of, songs that lament loss and celebrate friendship. Barker’s voice has a lovely high reediness, flavoured with nicotine and Coopers Pale Ale. Since discovering this record I’ve had a bit of contact with Matt-seems he’s been out of town but is playing a few local gigs soon. He reckons he’s going to buy me a beer. I’ll be returning the favour.”
BH — Bandcamp Hunter
"There are a lot of good things to say about Mountains. Spend a little time with this release. Beautiful, honest music worth it’s weight.”
MT - Whothehell.net
“Mathew Barker is a treasure; a true romantic with a touch of sinister. He’s been writing poetry for as long as I have known him, and is about to tour the United States for the first time, performing his music. If you are in any of these cities, please go see this little Aussie… I promise it will make your heart bleed.”
Amber B Dianda - Mumble
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