“I want my work to be seen as subtle by definition,” says three-time Juno Award nominee Del Barber. “I want my statements to come across as questions rather than decrees or opinions.” Barber’s way of seeing the world and his place within it takes center stage on his brand new album, Almanac. If Barber’s previous release, Stray Dogs: Collected B-Sides Vol. 1 felt like the end of one of life’s seasons, Almanac doggedly led him into the next. With his aforementioned mission statement of sorts, Barber wrote the twelve songs which make up Almanac from a new perspective. “Some of these songs are descriptions of my world through my own eyes; a way of songwriting I’ve never felt I’ve done well until now.” The final result, his eighth full-length album, is a thoughtful, gratitude-filled display of songcraft. “Writing Almanac felt like I had another chance,” says Barber. “It felt like spring.”
Fans can now stream or purchase Almanac in its entirety right here and check out Barber’s music videos for “Still Got You” and “I Told You So” at their respective links. For more information, please visit delbarber.com. Barber’s tour continues tonight in Toronto. A full list of dates can be found at delbarber.com/shows.
More About Almanac: After writing Almanac on his farm 250 miles northwest of Winnipeg, where he lives with his wife and two children, 3-time Juno Award nominee Del Barber took his road band to the city. The whole of Almanac was recorded at No Fun Club in the space of one week with co-producers Grant Siemens and Scott Franchuk. Barber says that he wanted the atmosphere in the studio to be spontaneous and collaborative, traits that certainly shine through on Almanac’s lively, unpolished sound. “It was a really beautiful session,” Barber says. “There were no grand intentions, just an aim to get good players and friends together and record a pile of my songs. Going into this session I really wanted to enjoy the process, not think too hard, and just keep it simple and honest. I had a group of great songs and I really didn’t want to stand in their way.”
Almanac Tracklist:
1. Something To Say
2. Still Got You
3. I Told You So
4. One Good Year
5. Even God Almighty
6. Flash In The Pan
7. Jared
8. Spade
9. Bulls
10. Me And Jim
11. Maria
12. On My Way Out The Door
More About Del Barber: With nominations for JUNO Awards, Western Canadian Music Awards, and Canadian Folk Music Awards, Del Barber has shaped the folk music canon in Canada with five critically acclaimed studio albums under his belt—as well as a myriad of fans. His last album, Easy Keeper (acronym Records)—recorded in a cabin during the pandemic—received critical acclaim from Rolling Stone and The Bluegrass Situation. His newest album Almanac (acronym Records) is out today, April 28.
