Sophie Barker

Sophie Barker (born November 5, 1971) is a British singer and songwriter from London, best known for her work with the British downtempo group Zero 7.^[1] Barker left University College London after two years to become a full-time singer, signing with Sony Records in 1996 with Kate Holmes (formerly of Frazier Chorus and now with Client) under the name "Sirenes.^[2] " Sirènes released three singles, Blind, Deep End, and Sun Don't Shine, before splitting up at the end of 1997. Barker co-wrote Zero 7's biggest hit, "Destiny", and sings the song alongside fellow vocalist Sia Furler. Barker also co-wrote and sang Zero 7 songs such as "In The Waiting Line" on the Zero 7 album Simple Things, which has sold more than one million copies worldwide, and also the song "Spinning". She also contributed to the follow-up Zero 7 album When It Falls, co-writing the songs "Passing By" and "In Time".

Barker collaborated with musician KK in 2004 to release Lullaby, an album of soothing night-time songs for children. That same year, she appeared as a backing vocalist on fellow Zero 7 bandmate's Sia Furler's album Colour the Small One, appearing on the track "Natale's Song". She followed this with a solo album entitled Earthbound, released in 2005. Barker has also worked with The Egg, electronica artists Grooverider and Groove Armada and the acid-jazz duo Muki. Barker was featured in a 2006 British Airways UK television campaign, singing a cover version of John Denver's "Leaving on a Jet Plane". Barker also featured as a guest singer in Quiet Letters by Bliss.

In 2009 Barker collaborated and provided vocals on the album entitled No One Built This Moment by Bliss. In 2010, she signed with the independent record label, Ho Hum Records. According to the label's website, Barker has recorded a new album, Seagull, which was released on 6 May 2011 to positive reviews.^[3] Seagull has spawned two singles, "Say Goodbye" which was released on 11 March 2011,^[4] and "Bluebell", released on 15 July 2011.^[5][6]

According to a 5 September 2011 posting to her blog, Barker stated that a third single is planned to be released.^[7] In September 2011, a music video for "Say Goodbye" was produced, and was released on 31 October (Halloween) 2011^[8] as the double A-side single "A Forest / Say Goodbye", which contained the standard and radio edits of "Say Goodbye" and a cover of The Cure's "A Forest", which received positive reviews.^[9]

In an 18 November 2011 posting to her blog, Barker stated that a music video was produced for "A Forest" and that a new single is planned for the next year.^[10]

In April 2012, Barker set off on tour in the United States in support of her album Seagull, with stops in New York, Los Angeles, and Seattle.

Discography

• Lullaby (2004)
• Earthbound (2005)
• Seagull (2011)
• "A Forest" / "Say Goodbye" (2011)

References

External links

• Official site