Barny Fletcher is a rising musical sensation in London. With the announcement of his debut album, “Lonestar”, set to release October 20, his unique blend of slick melodies and impeccable flow has captivated audiences and critics alike. His journey from a small Somerset village to the grand stage of the music world is a testament to his creative prowess and innate talent. With his music being hailed as "brilliantly chaotic" and "futuristic in sound while staying completely grounded," her is undoubtedly a name on the rise.

As we eagerly anticipated the release of “Lonestar,” we dove into Barny's creative journey, influences, and the making of this remarkable album in an exclusive interview with the artist. Check out some never-before-seen photos of Barny as well as part of this exclusive feature.

You've captured the attention of music enthusiasts worldwide with your distinctive style. Please share the inspiration behind your musical journey and what drove you to pursue a career in the music industry?
When I was 8 years old, I was in a school play and I remember standing on stage looking out at the audience and thinking to myself ‘yup this is great’. I grew up listening to a lot of The Beatles and I‘ve always been impressed by the distinctive sonics and styles throughout their 21-album run. I visited Abbey Road Studios the other week. I had a few drinks and played John Lennon’s piano. Shit was crazy. But yeah, music took them on a journey and I decided early on that I wanted to go on a journey too.

Your upcoming debut album, "Lonestar," is highly anticipated. Can you give us a glimpse into the themes and experiences that have influenced the creation of this album?
“Lonestar” was written in the United States, after a long road-trip, East to West, from New Orleans to Los Angeles. It felt like a Jack Kerouac/Borat type of adventure. We zig-zagged along the way, stopping at beat-up towns, worn down gas stations, and met some ridiculous characters along the way. We had an old lady show us a ‘Vein shaped like a UFO’ above her left breast at 2am in Roswell. I almost fell down a 10-foot garbage chute at an abandoned meat factory. You see, I came back with stories! I went into the studio inspired and excited. I think that comes across in the project.

Having garnered praise from outlets like BBC Radio 1, NME, and i-D, your music has been described as "brilliantly chaotic" and "futuristic in sound while staying completely grounded." How do these accolades and descriptions resonate with your artistic vision?
Yeah, both those sound pretty accurate. I’m bad at trying to describe my sound to people. The vision has only been to put out music I love. I fucked up on that ONCE. Long story short: Had a short fling with an old label. They ‘loved the song’. I hated it. Gave them the benefit of the doubt. Song came out. It streamed badly. The end. Since then, I’ve only put out music I’m proud of.

Your path from a small Somerset village to the global music stage is truly inspiring. How have your upbringing and experiences shaped your unique sound and perspective as an artist?
My mum had a lot of CDs in the house. A shelf stacked with hundreds of them in no particular order. I’d pick them out randomly just to look at the cover-art while listening to them. Peter Sellers, Chilly Gonzales, Bob Dylan, Rodriguez, Gorillaz, Penguin Cafe Orchestra, Michael Jackson, The Beach Boys. I think this made me aware of the wide range of sounds that existed. So yeah, fast forward to 2023, and I’m jumping from genre to genre, experimenting with sounds myself.

The debut single "WOO" from your upcoming album released with the theme of ‘love that makes you feel alive.’ Could you share a glimpse of the creative process behind this single and how it set the tone for "Lonestar?”
“WOO” was an obvious first single for Lonestar. The road-trip reflected my love for travel. It gave me that zap of aliveness. I had never done anything like it. So yeah, “WOO” takes that energy but channels it into a human-to-human experience. I remember singing the “WOOOO” hook thinking something that simple would be a cold hook. And it is one of my favorite.

Your music seamlessly blends elements of hip-hop, R&B, pop, and electronics. How do you approach incorporating these diverse influences while maintaining a distinct Barny Fletcher style?
Honestly it’s not really something I put too much thought into. Things just blend. If it’s a beat I take to, and I write something good to it, chances are I’ll eventually drop it. I guess my voice ties everything up too and gives it a distinctive style.

With three stellar mixtapes already in your discography, was the process of creating your latest work "Lonestar" a different experience creatively?
The process was very different. It‘s the first time i’ve recorded somewhere other than London and also the first time I’ve worked with a group of live musicians to create shit. I loved it. Being around guys like that, who can really play, raises your game whether you like it or not.

How has your approach to music evolved since your debut in 2019?
I’m still learning about my musical process. I still get distracted and thrown off course exploring instruments, melodies, or just playing with the structure of a song (usually it’s the first version which sounds best). I just like knowing that no stone has gone unturned I guess. I’ve always been like that. I’m the same with video games. I can’t play those that have like 100 possible endings. That just frustrates me. I gotta know everything.

With "Lonestar" coming out soon, are there specific tracks or themes that you're particularly excited for your fans to experience?
There’s a song on “Lonestar” called “Feel Like This Is Forever.” It sounds like an entire festival experience wrapped into three minutes. I’ve never released anything like it before.

What aspirations do you have for your musical journey in the next few years? Are there any collaborations or genres you're eager to explore?
I need a Number 1. I want a plaque on my wall. I want to worry less about ‘Content’ and the feeding of algorithms. Collabs! I need to collaborate more. I’ve made four projects now and I’ve never had a feature onboard. Imma change that. Too many talented artists out there. Maybe I’ll hit up Ringo while he’s still knocking about.

Social Media.
Instagram: @barnyfletcher

Interview by Kiyaa Bagla, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Tearsheets by Paige Schubert, Graphic Design Intern, PhotoBook Magazine

Barny Fletcher's Debut Album, “Lonestar” Out Now!