Words by Sofia Perica.

16-year-old Darwin based singer-songwriter, Heidi Barker, bursts into the music scene with her debut EP, The First Rain, released on November 17th. Described as the Aussie Taylor Swift [by Brooke from Futuremag Music], Heidi blends elements of folk, country and indie music in order to navigate the experiences of her youth.

The EP gives softcore country vibes, in which Heidi incorporates gentle guitar strumming with a laid-back drumbeat. Her music feels refreshingly authentic through the raw nature of her voice and personal lyrics; particularly noticeable in Look Me in The Eyes. Here, Heidi really solidifies her talent as a young artist –in which she beautifully articulates the emotional whirlwind of being a teenager in the most poetic of ways. 

What really stood out to me in this EP is the dynamic guitar melodies as she uses both acoustic guitar and ukulele, particularly in her songs, Rearview Mirror and Wait For Me. Both songs create this experience of solemn mellowness, that is simultaneously optimistic as it is emotive.

Heidi says Rearview Mirror was inspired by a family trip along the Arnhem Highway. The song captures the feeling of letting go of stress and finding peace. The song itself feels very nostalgic; it reminds me very much of driving to the countryside in the summer as I sit in the back seat and watch the trees pass me by. The natural feel of the song insights memories of the freedoms associated with finding solace in the Aussie country– it makes me want to escape to a cottage in a forest of some sorts. 

Wait For Me feels very Vance Joy inspired, in which Heidi uses high-pitch vocal melodies and fluttering ukulele chords to offer a fresh take to the indie-chill genre. Her first song she ever wrote; Heidi explains that Wait For Me expresses her longing for a special place in Tasmania and the hope of returning.

It’s beautiful to see an emerging artist push themselves into the industry at such a young age; Heidi Barker offers such an important insight into the teenage mind which I think will make her go far in the local scene.

Go listen to Heidi Barker’s The First Rain EP which is out now.