Porcupine Tree is a amazing band. This was a fantastic interview. Getting to know more about Richard Barbieri was amazing. Richard Barbieri is a icon & legend.
Japan is one of the most important bands of the 70's/80's and I would even say they are largely responsible for the entire New Romantic movement because they were such an influence on bands like Duran Duran who went on to superstardom. It never sat right with me that Japan never got the mass attention they deserved. Their albums are so good and the playing from everyone in the band was just second level. And of course Mick Karn was in the mix, may he RIP. I was so excited to see Richard as the interviewee here!!! Well done Dereck! Fantastic guest and great questions and overall interview!!
Great interview !! Saw Richard Barbieri perform with Porcupine Tree last november in Amsterdam. He's one genius musician and I've been a fan of his (and Japan) since late 1978 ❤❤
Dereck , that was beautiful my friend. I met up with Richard after a show in London along with Mick & Steve back in 93. He was just has friendly and approachable as he was with you. Such a genuine chap ...thank you for posting this wonderful chat....Fond regards...Alan
Richard is such an artistic GEM! There really is no PT without him and now Gavin (but also the "illustrious" Chris Maitland), and I'm very glad to see the band still creating music, but especially touring, very brilliant!
I’ve been waiting for ages for you to do this interview! So very happy you finally got the opportunity. Ive been a long time Richard Barbieri admirer too and always beam with joy when you talk about him. Absolutely lovely. Thank you.
Another great interview. I think this is the tipping point for me to check out more of Barbieri's work. Always meant to but he's slipped through the cracks. Cheers, Dereck.
Dereck you asked insightful and new questions that have never been asked to Richard . Makes me appreciate the work of Barbieri and all of his collaborations over the decades and inspires me to delve in more into his solo work.
Great interview Dereck, Thanks for doing the work to make this happen. Love Richard Barbieri's work as a whole from his solo work to all of what he has done with Japan, Porcupine Tree and his collaborations. One of the most tasteful artists of all time..
Great interview Dereck! I discovered Japan and Richard Babieri through Duran Duran, round about 2008-10. Being born in the 90s, in Australia. I have had to go back in history. Richard’s work has been fascinating and thoroughly enjoyed listening to his work from Japan to porcupine and his other collaborations throughout. even right at the beginning of Japan - prior to the quiet life record - there is great sounds from him. You can put him in the pioneer category ! And the recognition that’s he getting is deserved, especially now as people in the current day are getting more exposed of his work incl early work with Japan thorough his modern material with porcupine tree, especially with the success of their latest album
Good interview of a very interesting artist. Richard Barbieri is an interesting interviewee. Good job with the interview, Dereck. Your genuine love and appreciation for the music and artists comes through and I believe it creates a comfortable environment where artists abandon their inhibitions when talking to you.
Great video. I've had under a spell on in my car for the past month or two. Really soothing. Off to see PT next year (my first time) on one of their outdoor shows. Needles to say, looking forward to it.
What an amazing chat Dereck….Richard is one of the most underrated musicians and certainly one of the best. And a member of the greatest band ever Japan 💜
I saw Japan on their first tour supporting Blue Oyster Cult. My home town of Sheffield was solidly on the gig circuit , but big American bands playing there were a huge rarity back then. As Richard said about the booing - I definitely remember that happening, even though it was a very long time ago. I liked them but I always had diverse taste. It made me smile that he mentioned it :)
13:19 100% agree that Stone to Flesh is one of the greatest albums of all time. I've loved this for a few years and this is the first time I've heard someone else echo its greatness!
I agree with many others: Richard Barbieri is key to the unique sound that Porcupine Tree has developed over the years. Wilson is correct when he suggests that Barbieri is the best soundscaper since Brian Eno. For whatever reason, my favourite pieces on C/C were co-written with Barbieri.
Wow, it happened! Too cool - your enthusiasm was awesome! 1st, what a trooper he is hanging in there with a cold... 2nd, thanks for showing 'Stories Across Borders" - always been a favorite of mine. So nice to know others share my love for his musical output.
What a fantastic interview! I just love that you really are fond of Richard's music and you transmit it to everyone. Well done! Another big fan of Richard's work and I wish that more people knew his solo albums. They are just wow! And to Richard, thanks for this fab interview with lots of interesting answers!
Dope interview! I love the guy, and I certainly agree that his contribution is what defines the identity of Porcupine Tree. Don't get me wrong, Gavin is my favorite drummer, Steven Wilson is one of my musical heroes, and I really adore Colin's playing (in fact, I think the latest album really suffered because of his absence), but the way Richard injects ambient soundscapes into the music is what makes the band stand out. Loved his face when you pulled out that Japanese sax record; his remarks about SW's public statements also made me chuckle ("I'm the one who's supposed to hate jazz as well... according to... _somebody_"). Never really dove into his other work, but all the records you mentioned here seems like a good starting off point, so thanks for that!
Fascinating interview, Derek! I share your enthusiasm. I've been a fan of Richard's music for almost 40 years, and I agree that a good number of the albums are next level, especially Stone to Flesh. I need to take a closer listen to Rain Tree Crow and Variants 1 & 2. Thank you for sharing!
You’re a pro Dereck..you really brought out the best in an otherwise very shy personality in Richard. This had a great flow to it. Thanks for doing it!
Ok let me say this Dereck......two musical souls manifest into a solid rap a solid vibe ...... not an interview (to me) at all, more like I’m a fly on the wall....thank you D. for sharing your knowledge and delving into others knowledge.....☮️🙏🏻
For me, There was no Japan without Mick Karn, A genius and my favourite base player of all time who died of a brain cancer, I can never forgive David Sylvian for splitting the band up.
Totally agree with Richard that "My Winter" and the title track: "Catch the fall" are the only tracks on The Dolphin Brothers' album that have dated well.
Thanks Dereck. I am on my covid quarantine and this chat with Richard Bariberi really mafe it more bearable. Always enjoy your videos. I also got all the albums you shown (except for the last black and white one which i have no idea what it is). Also loved Talk Talk. By the way, i know you love jazz so pls. check out a japanese bank named mouse on the keys, i bet my life you will love it. Again thanks for all the wonderful stuff you have posted.Its 2am now （i am from Hong Kong) and i will go to sleep with warm thoughs. Thanks mate.
Love hearing Richard talking about music, thanks for this. 2 things - when he made the comment about struggling, needing £150 to pay the heating bill, that is shocking, that somebody with his talent was in that position. Secondly, respectfully disagree that Masami Tsuchiya wasn't right for the last Japan tour. Maybe Richard on stage wouldn't be aware that visually for us in the audience he was a delight, bopping about. But also, as a guitarist, to me his Frippish busy style added another dimension to the Japan sound which in a live setting helped to take the music away from the studio sound. Just my view. Love the recent solo stuff Richard. 😉
love this -- those Japan albums were (and still are) so important to me -- especially Polaroids and Tin Drum but I have come to pretty much put Quiet Life in there too as Richard mentions
I’m curious the relationship Richard had with Mick Karn before his death? Mick was also a huge part of the Japan sound. How much did he contribute in the writing? The rhythm and synth tracks seem to follow him through Dalis Car. They certainly played a lot with Steve. Thank you for the interview.
LOL! Wilson said in an interview once that a 'member' of PT "hated jazz". A bunch of us set about SPECULATING as to who that was. Some of us, perhaps lacking full knowledge of Barbieri's catalogue, wondered if it was him. I am really happy to be wrong in my initial musings. I love PT's songs that fuse jazz. Frankly, I hope to see another co-written Porcupine Tree album that is a) keyboards driven, b) relegates guitars to long notes and slow hand, and some quiet acoustic, c) is more heavily techno-ambient influenced than usual, d) emphasizes vocalization harmonies (as opposed to lyrics), and e) is jazzy. In my head, I can readily imagine/hear how Harrison would provide percussion and help make this dream PT album unique and distinct from all the others. If fishes were wishes..... @Dereck Higgins: Terrific interview.
If there is "Continuation" I'd also like this. Even if we only get a few tracks on an EP, I can see them going in a more ambient/industrial direction which I think is more likely than staying in a hard rock/metal direction. I'm so happy Barbieri's textures were all over C/C, especially in the heavier tracks as this definitely gave them a more sinister and interesting edge.
Considering how much Richard contributed to the sound of Japan and the level of collaboration he did with David Sylvian to accomplish it all, it makes me disappointed in Sylvian that he didn't give any songwriting credit to Richard, keeping all credits and monies from it for himself. Tragic really. Japan would've been better served had the songwriting been split equally among all FIVE band members. Also, because Sylvian turned his back on the upbeat sound they created with the albums Gentlemen Take Polaroids and Quiet Life and took out most guitar causing Rob Dean to leave, I can't listen to their final album Tin Drum. To me it sounds too much like a David Sylvian solo album and I don't like the direction they took AT ALL. I'll place the blame on David for that. Personally, Japan were perfect with the songs, Quiet Life, Gentlemen Take Polaroids, Swing, Halloween, Methods of Dance, European Son, Fall in Love with Me and Life in Tokyo. David personally imploded the band by walking away from that sound on Tin Drum. It's unforgivable actually because i wanted Japan to stay in the sound of the above songs for a few more albums. Instead we got Duran Duran, which to some degree is okay but in an alternative universe, I would've rather seen Japan get that massive because ultimately their sound on those above songs i mentioned was phenomenal. Tin Drum? I'll probably never listen to it again...intentionally so. That said, i listened to a 2022 self interview done by David Sylvian. I was stunned to realize that David hasn't listened to ONE NOTE of Japan's music since the band broke up in 1982. Not one note. A band and sound that made his career and life and he completely walked away fron it. David is stubborn like Prince was. Even more so because unlike Prince, David never performed Japan's music on his solo tours, except maybe GHOSTS which to me is David Sylvian SOLO.
Richard's right. Quiet Life was 'his' album. 'In Vogue' is just a brilliant track, not sure Derrick has listened to Quiet Life. Easily Japan's best album. First two Japan albums are another band, but still really good. Tin Drum was corny as f*ck.
Just watched this. What is terrific interview Dereck! Always great to see an interview between an artist and someone who is a true fan and can ask more than just standard interview questions. A great watch.
Great interview, thanks! Glad you brought up his sound design stuff as well.
A true artist & great musician .
🌏🕊️
Porcupine Tree is a amazing band. This was a fantastic interview. Getting to know more about Richard Barbieri was amazing. Richard Barbieri is a icon & legend.
Fantastic chat. Barbieri is a keyboard legend.
Great interview! I learned a lot about Richard from this, which I wouldn't have known when I wouldn't have watched this. So, thank you!!
Japan is one of the most important bands of the 70's/80's and I would even say they are largely responsible for the entire New Romantic movement because they were such an influence on bands like Duran Duran who went on to superstardom. It never sat right with me that Japan never got the mass attention they deserved. Their albums are so good and the playing from everyone in the band was just second level. And of course Mick Karn was in the mix, may he RIP. I was so excited to see Richard as the interviewee here!!! Well done Dereck! Fantastic guest and great questions and overall interview!!
Japan and roxy music yes Duran Duran were a pop rock band Japan were a art rock glam rock band far more experimental
Very happy this happens for you Dereck
Wow 👏👏👏 what a honor
One of the best interviews anywhere!
Also, I never heard your music before but I had it looping all morning! 🔥🔥🔥
Great talk not just a classic interview. cheers !
A living legend. Richard Barbieri, master of the keyboard, and ambient soundscapes. This was so enjoyable to watch. Thank you.
Fab interview, a legend to me, love Japan , porcupine tree and his solo stuff, thanks Dereck
Great interview !! Saw Richard Barbieri perform with Porcupine Tree last november in Amsterdam. He's one genius musician and I've been a fan of his (and Japan) since late 1978 ❤❤
Dereck , that was beautiful my friend. I met up with Richard after a show in London along with Mick & Steve back in 93. He was just has friendly and approachable as he was with you. Such a genuine chap ...thank you for posting this wonderful chat....Fond regards...Alan
It was a joy to spend this hour with you both, thank you.
Just discovered this... amazing! Love Richard's work- huge inspiration. thank you for a great interview.
Fantastic interview Dereck!
Congratulations.
Outstanding!!!!!!! Two wonderful humans.
Richard is such an artistic GEM! There really is no PT without him and now Gavin (but also the "illustrious" Chris Maitland), and I'm very glad to see the band still creating music, but especially touring, very brilliant!
This modest, british gentleman changed music history.
I agree.
The Dolphin Brothers... Have that LP. And love Japan. Great music ... My cup of tea.
Awesome interview. Richard is a legend and I'm a fan of his work from Japan to PT.
I'm glad he mentioned David Sylvian. He's also a legend.
Dereck and Richard Barbieri - - priceless. This is as good as it gets.
Fantastic! Can't tell you how much I enjoyed this. Thank you
I’ve been waiting for ages for you to do this interview! So very happy you finally got the opportunity. Ive been a long time Richard Barbieri admirer too and always beam with joy when you talk about him. Absolutely lovely. Thank you.
Another great interview. I think this is the tipping point for me to check out more of Barbieri's work. Always meant to but he's slipped through the cracks. Cheers, Dereck.
Wow what a nice surprise, this is a fantastic interview, thank you so much once again Dereck, peace out ! : )
Dereck you asked insightful and new questions that have never been asked to Richard . Makes me appreciate the work of Barbieri and all of his collaborations over the decades and inspires me to delve in more into his solo work.
An amazing listen....to compare The Beatles and Richard's music is absolutely spot on, where would we be without them all?
Great interview Dereck, Thanks for doing the work to make this happen. Love Richard Barbieri's work as a whole from his solo work to all of what he has done with Japan, Porcupine Tree and his collaborations. One of the most tasteful artists of all time..
I saw the first Japan tour in Bristol UK supporting BOC. Wonderful gig and we loved Japan.
Great interview Dereck! I discovered Japan and Richard Babieri through Duran Duran, round about 2008-10. Being born in the 90s, in Australia. I have had to go back in history. Richard’s work has been fascinating and thoroughly enjoyed listening to his work from Japan to porcupine and his other collaborations throughout. even right at the beginning of Japan - prior to the quiet life record - there is great sounds from him. You can put him in the pioneer category ! And the recognition that’s he getting is deserved, especially now as people in the current day are getting more exposed of his work incl early work with Japan thorough his modern material with porcupine tree, especially with the success of their latest album
Good interview of a very interesting artist. Richard Barbieri is an interesting interviewee. Good job with the interview, Dereck. Your genuine love and appreciation for the music and artists comes through and I believe it creates a comfortable environment where artists abandon their inhibitions when talking to you.
Top notch interview with a superb artist. Many thanks.
Loved the easy chat DERECK.VERY COMFORTABLE. & thank you for mentioning LP SIGNIFY.ill give that lp a 🎶be well DERECK....MIKE IN DUNDEE.
Great video. I've had under a spell on in my car for the past month or two. Really soothing. Off to see PT next year (my first time) on one of their outdoor shows. Needles to say, looking forward to it.
This is one epic interview wow
Living legend. Legendary maestro of ambience and moods.
What an amazing chat Dereck….Richard is one of the most underrated musicians and certainly one of the best. And a member of the greatest band ever Japan 💜
Excellent interview Dereck. Richard seems cool and I'm gonna dig into some of his work.
Dereck, nice!
I heard you this morning mention the interview. I'll check it when I get home!
Really great interview Derek. Richard you are a legend.
I saw Japan on their first tour supporting Blue Oyster Cult. My home town of Sheffield was solidly on the gig circuit , but big American bands playing there were a huge rarity back then.
As Richard said about the booing - I definitely remember that happening, even though it was a very long time ago.
I liked them but I always had diverse taste. It made me smile that he mentioned it :)
Late to this interview, fantastic Dereck! Brilliant job.
13:19 100% agree that Stone to Flesh is one of the greatest albums of all time. I've loved this for a few years and this is the first time I've heard someone else echo its greatness!
Love Richard Barbieri, great interview, thank you!
I love the Rain Tree Crow album. Still got the original vinyl I purchased at time of release.
I agree with many others: Richard Barbieri is key to the unique sound that Porcupine Tree has developed over the years. Wilson is correct when he suggests that Barbieri is the best soundscaper since Brian Eno.
For whatever reason, my favourite pieces on C/C were co-written with Barbieri.
Wow, it happened! Too cool - your enthusiasm was awesome! 1st, what a trooper he is hanging in there with a cold... 2nd, thanks for showing 'Stories Across Borders" - always been a favorite of mine. So nice to know others share my love for his musical output.
Great interview 👍 guys very much appreciated and a privilege to see you brothers talk good old times.
Thanks for sharing alll these interviews Derek!
Dude is sick with it. I know I have a Porcupine Tree slab, but I can’t remember which…will comment when it turns up. Truly amazing work.
"You've gotta respect the prostate." Brilliant!
What a fantastic interview! I just love that you really are fond of Richard's music and you transmit it to everyone. Well done! Another big fan of Richard's work and I wish that more people knew his solo albums. They are just wow! And to Richard, thanks for this fab interview with lots of interesting answers!
Fantastic. That's my dawg.
Great job on the interview
Oh boy..... I absolutely adore Talk Talk. Appears I must check out the Raintree Crow album.
Brilliant stuff, thanks for this.
Dope interview! I love the guy, and I certainly agree that his contribution is what defines the identity of Porcupine Tree. Don't get me wrong, Gavin is my favorite drummer, Steven Wilson is one of my musical heroes, and I really adore Colin's playing (in fact, I think the latest album really suffered because of his absence), but the way Richard injects ambient soundscapes into the music is what makes the band stand out.
Loved his face when you pulled out that Japanese sax record; his remarks about SW's public statements also made me chuckle ("I'm the one who's supposed to hate jazz as well... according to... _somebody_").
Never really dove into his other work, but all the records you mentioned here seems like a good starting off point, so thanks for that!
Richard with PT were fantastic in Chicago this summer-lookin forward to the C/C Blu-ray
Fascinating interview, Derek! I share your enthusiasm. I've been a fan of Richard's music for almost 40 years, and I agree that a good number of the albums are next level, especially Stone to Flesh. I need to take a closer listen to Rain Tree Crow and Variants 1 & 2. Thank you for sharing!
Amazing
Great interview Derek, love all of Richard’s work.
You’re a pro Dereck..you really brought out the best in an otherwise very shy personality in Richard. This had a great flow to it. Thanks for doing it!
Ok let me say this Dereck......two musical souls manifest into a solid rap a solid vibe ...... not an interview (to me) at all, more like I’m a fly on the wall....thank you D. for sharing your knowledge and delving into others knowledge.....☮️🙏🏻
For me, There was no Japan without Mick Karn, A genius and my favourite base player of all time who died of a brain cancer, I can never forgive David Sylvian for splitting the band up.
Great interview Dereck! I just subscribed to the channel. Thanks for introducing me to 'Stone to Flesh'... I just grabbed a CD... Cheers,
it happened! congrats man !!
watching now , your passion in this interview is evident - a real treat !
Totally agree with Richard that "My Winter" and the title track: "Catch the fall" are the only tracks on The Dolphin Brothers' album that have dated well.
Brilliant talk, loved it! Thanks both of you!
Thanks Dereck. I am on my covid quarantine and this chat with Richard Bariberi really mafe it more bearable. Always enjoy your videos. I also got all the albums you shown (except for the last black and white one which i have no idea what it is). Also loved Talk Talk. By the way, i know you love jazz so pls. check out a japanese bank named mouse on the keys, i bet my life you will love it. Again thanks for all the wonderful stuff you have posted.Its 2am now （i am from Hong Kong) and i will go to sleep with warm thoughs. Thanks mate.
Thanks and I have listened to Mouse on the Keys before.
I AM FINALLY HERE!!! SO HAPPY listening now
Love hearing Richard talking about music, thanks for this. 2 things - when he made the comment about struggling, needing £150 to pay the heating bill, that is shocking, that somebody with his talent was in that position. Secondly, respectfully disagree that Masami Tsuchiya wasn't right for the last Japan tour. Maybe Richard on stage wouldn't be aware that visually for us in the audience he was a delight, bopping about. But also, as a guitarist, to me his Frippish busy style added another dimension to the Japan sound which in a live setting helped to take the music away from the studio sound. Just my view. Love the recent solo stuff Richard. 😉
love this -- those Japan albums were (and still are) so important to me -- especially Polaroids and Tin Drum but I have come to pretty much put Quiet Life in there too as Richard mentions
excellent video Dereck… tq for doing this
take care
azmi, Malaysia
..Great Interview Brother Dereck .. 👍 .. Alright !!
Great interview! He seems like such a cool guy and a great musician.
Truly cool.
ThxD &R 🌕🌾🌕
I’m curious the relationship Richard had with Mick Karn before his death?
Mick was also a huge part of the Japan sound. How much did he contribute in the writing?
The rhythm and synth tracks seem to follow him through Dalis Car.
They certainly played a lot with Steve.
Thank you for the interview.
Great talk, would love to hear who this young metal band is though! Im in a metal band and im super influenced by Richard and cite that a lot haha!
LOL! Wilson said in an interview once that a 'member' of PT "hated jazz". A bunch of us set about SPECULATING as to who that was.
Some of us, perhaps lacking full knowledge of Barbieri's catalogue, wondered if it was him. I am really happy to be wrong in my initial musings. I love PT's songs that fuse jazz.
Frankly, I hope to see another co-written Porcupine Tree album that is a) keyboards driven, b) relegates guitars to long notes and slow hand, and some quiet acoustic, c) is more heavily techno-ambient influenced than usual, d) emphasizes vocalization harmonies (as opposed to lyrics), and e) is jazzy.
In my head, I can readily imagine/hear how Harrison would provide percussion and help make this dream PT album unique and distinct from all the others. If fishes were wishes.....
@Dereck Higgins: Terrific interview.
If there is "Continuation" I'd also like this. Even if we only get a few tracks on an EP, I can see them going in a more ambient/industrial direction which I think is more likely than staying in a hard rock/metal direction. I'm so happy Barbieri's textures were all over C/C, especially in the heavier tracks as this definitely gave them a more sinister and interesting edge.
I have that Dolphin Brothers album on vinyl.
❤❤❤
Wowow! Stone To Flesh. Holy shit. Unbelievable.
Has a serious Plaid vibe. Very swell.
BoC with a special shimmer nameless.
Vinyl at all costs…
Respect the Prostrate
I personally think if Japan had continued they would probably of sounded like no man or porcupine tree
They did continue as Rain Tree Crow and sounded like Talk Talk!
Considering how much Richard contributed to the sound of Japan and the level of collaboration he did with David Sylvian to accomplish it all, it makes me disappointed in Sylvian that he didn't give any songwriting credit to Richard, keeping all credits and monies from it for himself. Tragic really. Japan would've been better served had the songwriting been split equally among all FIVE band members.
Also, because Sylvian turned his back on the upbeat sound they created with the albums Gentlemen Take Polaroids and Quiet Life and took out most guitar causing Rob Dean to leave, I can't listen to their final album Tin Drum. To me it sounds too much like a David Sylvian solo album and I don't like the direction they took AT ALL. I'll place the blame on David for that.
Personally, Japan were perfect with the songs, Quiet Life, Gentlemen Take Polaroids, Swing, Halloween, Methods of Dance, European Son, Fall in Love with Me and Life in Tokyo.
David personally imploded the band by walking away from that sound on Tin Drum. It's unforgivable actually because i wanted Japan to stay in the sound of the above songs for a few more albums. Instead we got Duran Duran, which to some degree is okay but in an alternative universe, I would've rather seen Japan get that massive because ultimately their sound on those above songs i mentioned was phenomenal. Tin Drum? I'll probably never listen to it again...intentionally so.
That said, i listened to a 2022 self interview done by David Sylvian. I was stunned to realize that David hasn't listened to ONE NOTE of Japan's music since the band broke up in 1982. Not one note. A band and sound that made his career and life and he completely walked away fron it. David is stubborn like Prince was. Even more so because unlike Prince, David never performed Japan's music on his solo tours, except maybe GHOSTS which to me is David Sylvian SOLO.
He performed allot of unreleased songs from his japan era so i believe to some degree he still cherishes that era.
Richard seems like a nice guy ..Sylvian from what i can tell is a bit of a prick
LMAO!
Richard's right. Quiet Life was 'his' album. 'In Vogue' is just a brilliant track, not sure Derrick has listened to Quiet Life. Easily Japan's best album. First two Japan albums are another band, but still really good. Tin Drum was corny as f*ck.
First off, my name is spelled Dereck. Of course I have Quiet Life. Opinions are not laws. I love Tin Drum.
Just watched this. What is terrific interview Dereck! Always great to see an interview between an artist and someone who is a true fan and can ask more than just standard interview questions. A great watch.
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