Evolving over the course of many albums from folk to jazz, R&B and pop, her success is defined not by genre, but by her undeniable songwriting chops and distinctive voice. Metaphora is a continuation of Barber’s musical story that confidently tackles everything from issues of empowerment, sexual politics, the complications of love, and depression. It’s introspective and personal. It’s also a dance party.
It was a mutual friend and musician, Hannah Georgas, who introduced Barber to Ryan Guldemond,the enigmatic lead singer of Mother Mother. Serendipitously, Guldemond lives just a few blocks away on the same East Vancouver street as Barber, and they began having regular songwriting sessions.
“Writing with Ryan was a big departure for me, and very exciting. He’s extremely creative and not afraid to push my boundaries” recalls Barber. “The sessions became part songwriting and part therapy because I was writing about things that felt pretty raw; politics, sexism, being a mother.”
Guldemond co-wrote four of Metaphora‘s nine songs, including the instantly catchy lead single, “Girls Gotta Do,” a hook-filled and very timely call to arms that aims to “challenge the patriarchal status quo, as we usher in a new era of equality,” states Barber.
On Metaphora, Jill Barber bursts back onto the stage with a bold and daring offering of music, confidently executed with the style and grace of a woman who knows exactly what she’s doing.