Richard Barbieri, Solo Artist / Porcupine Tree / Japan

Richard Barbieri is best known as the keyboardist for the pioneering British new wave band Japan, as a core member of the progressive rock group Porcupine Tree and a successful artist in his own right. He is known for his unique approach to synthesis, atmospheric sound design, and textural playing style. Richard chats with us on his career to date, his distinct approach to creating sounds, and a great deal more.

To listen / watch:

Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel

Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):

Richard’s latest album Hauntings

The inspirations that led to the recording of Hauntings

Discussion on the songs Anemoia, 1890, Reveille / Last Post, and Artificial Obsession

A viewer question (thanks Matt G) on writing for film

Richard’s musical upbringing

Richard’s work with Japan and the mammoth Roland System 700

Richard’s keyboard rig with Japan

The unique creative relationship between Richard Barbieri and Steve Jansen

Choosing backing tracks over sequencing for less pivotal parts

One of Richard’s Japan compositions – Temple of Dawn

The transition from Japan to Rain Tree Crow

Red Earth (As Summertime Ends) – Rain Tree Crow

Formation of Jansen, Barbieri and Karn (JBK)

JBK live in 1994 – Bestial Cluster

Jansen / Barbieri and Karn – Stories Across Borders

Joining Porcupine Tree

The ‘Signify’ sessions – recording as a band

Porcupine Tree – Signify

Evolving with the heavier / more complex albums from a sonic viewpoint (and the importance of the Access Virus)

The influence of lyrics on sound design

Adjusting sound design approach for performing in larger venues

Getting used to In-Ear Monitoring

A tour of Richard Barbieri’s recording studio (see standlone studio tour video here)

Richard’s use of soft synths

Richard’s evolving approach to perforning his solo work live

Performing with The Bays

Ryuichi Sakamoto as inspiration and watching him record

Working with Marillion’s Steve Hogarth: Not The Weapon But The Hand and Arc Light

Creating presets for others and the challenges of them being applied in other people’s work

Richard’s wishes for his music in the far future

Discussion on another solo album and work to date on a potential Porcupine Tree album

Desert Island Discs: Rock Bottom – Robert Wyatt, Close To The Edge – Yes, A Moon Shaped Pool – Radiohead, Songs in the Key of Life – Stevie Wonder, Endtroducing…. – DJ Shadow

Key links:

Become a member of our YouTube channel and receive extra content

Buy some keyboard related merchandise

Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn

Complete our audience survey to help us improve!

Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.