From upcoming album, Homemaker, out February 10th via Outside Music; Watch Barber’s live rendition of “Homemaker” today.
Jill Barber wants parents to know that they are not alone and that she recognizes them. Her newest album—Homemaker, out February 10th via Outside Music— is her gift to those who feel their caretaking efforts go unappreciated or unnoticed and celebrates all in her latest profound single and title track, “Homemaker.”
Barber’s delicate fingerpicking and soft but also lush vocals throughout the song act as if she is keeping a secret that the ‘homemaker’ has shared. She assures this person that, “If all you wanna do is run, I won’t tell anyone your secret fantasy,” while also providing wholehearted support and reminding: “it’s okay if today the only thing you make…is you make it through the day.” Barber states the song is, “a rallying cry to all the parents out there who have ever felt isolated, depressed, or trapped in a domestic situation that is stifling, thankless and unending.” She also adds, “It’s a gentle reminder that it’s okay to not feel okay… and that sometimes just getting through the day is enough.”
The music video captures a glimpse into the recording process of Homemaker and has the feel of the most intimate listening room. It was shot and directed on location at Afterlife Studios in Vancouver, BC by Rich Smith. Barber’s backing band features renowned musicians Paul Rigby on guitar, Erik Nielsen on bass, Leon Power on drums and Darryl Havers on keys. Fans can immerse themselves in the music video at this link and can check out Barber’s previously-released singles “Beautiful Life,” “Joint Account (feat. Slow Leaves)” and “Instant Cash For Gold” at their respective links, and pre-order or pre-save Homemaker ahead of its February 10th release right here.
More About Homemaker: Written and recorded in Barber’s adopted hometown of Vancouver where she lives with her husband and two children, Homemaker is the first record that sees Jill in the role of a producer, co-producing with Erik Nielsen (City and Colour), and featuring some of Vancouver’s top session players like Paul Rigby (Neko Case), and Geoff Hicks (Colin James). “These songs are so damn personal, and such a deep reflection of my soul, that I felt an almost maternal instinct to both protect them and produce them for myself,” says Barber. “I really feel like I stepped into my own power as a producer on this record, with a lot of generous assistance from engineer/producer Erik Nielsen, who really championed my abilities in the studio.”
Homemaker is a return to Jill’s folk roots. Whereas her most recent albums have been bathed in lush string arrangements, Homemaker sees emotions laid bare, with a stripped-down production style reminiscent of her acclaimed debut Oh Heart and double Juno Award-nominated follow-up, For All Time. But mostly, Homemaker is a statement about the humility and strength that it takes to do the meaningful work of creating a home for others, while still holding space for your own dreams.
More About Jill Barber:
Jill Barber is a three-time Juno Award nominated singer-songwriter with an unforgettable voice once heard, never forgotten. Her critically acclaimed repertoire spans a transformative spectrum from folk, to vocal jazz, to pop, and includes songs in both French and English.
Following up her 2018 album Metaphora, which featured the #1 hit song ‘Girl’s Gotta Do,” her breakthrough jazz album Chances was certified Gold for 40,000 copies sold in Canada. Jill’s work has earned her awards, such as the Sirius XM Jazz Artist of the Year and the East Coast Music Award for Album of the Year, and scores of fans, including Blue Rodeo, Ron Sexsmith, and Kris Kristofferson, who called Jill “a real songwriter, and a damn good songwriter.” Her evocative and timeless songs have been featured in film and TV, scoring shows such as Orange Is The New Black, The L Word, and Heartland, as well as powering a global advertising campaign for Chrysler with the track ‘Never Quit Loving You.’
An unforgettable, enchanting performer, Jill has headlined iconic venues such as Toronto’s Massey Hall and Roy Thompson Hall, Ottawa’s National Arts Centre, Vancouver’s Vogue Theatre, and Tokyo’s Blue Note and Cotton Club.