EXTENDED PLAY 093: HEIDI BARKER | THE FIRST RAIN | DEBUT EP | TRACK-BY-TRACK

Words by Sam and Matilda Elliott.

Heidi Barker, 

Her talent and warmth as an artist are so incredible. It’s hard to believe she is 16 years old!

Heidi has shared her newest release in her very first EP, The First Rain as a taste of her teenage years, and it was so special to get to listen to her do what she loves and in real time as she is still so young! The EP itself was also recorded by her in her bedroom which to us is simply incredible! Not only is she juggling the life of a student busy with the usual assignments, social life, homework and study, she is absolutely killing it recording and writing her very first EP! 

We couldn’t wait to get into Heidi Barkers debut EP, The First Rain. We encourage you to read below what we thought of her EP! 

The First Rain - Title track of the EP and what a great start! Heidi actually says this is a recount of her move from Tasmania to Darwin. A massive move for someone so young, and such a culture change (not to mention weather change also!) such beautiful vocals and powerful strength in her voice. We absolutely love her outlook and positivity.

Look Me In The Eyes - a bit of a coverage of an uncomfortable exchange in our eyes. Maybe a shocking relationship, or even a friendship where you feel like you’re the one putting in all the effort. Heidi is wise beyond her words reflecting on her relationships and realising she can do so much better. Go girl! 

Behind Bars - A bit of a change in this song tempo than a lot of the other songs in the EP which we loved. It almost reminds us of a Stella Donnelly song. Heidi’s storytelling and cheeky humour is so appreciated. The song is also primarily with a piano accompaniment, which is a such a fun addiction and further adds to the upbeat fun of the song.

Rearview Mirror - This song was as Heidi describes “a family trip along the Arnhem highway.” We can only imagine how beautiful this trip must have been and would have loved to be flies on the walls of the car, or maybe we could have been some passenger princesses lol! The song to us is almost folk-like and is so carefree. It encapsulates the feeling of freedom, fun and just pure bliss. It’s so special to feel this through her sounds. 

Wait For Me - Although this song is the final song of the EP, it is actually the first song Heidi wrote! 

Heidi encapsulates so many feelings so well on this album, so many firsts, so many feelings between leaving childhood and beginning to resonate with these super big emotions and feelings that really encapsulates growing older. How special that Heidi is able to share this experience with us as listeners and that she can make such beautiful music while doing so! We imagine if we ever made a soundtrack to our teenage years it would just be a track of us both screaming our lungs out, a mix of terror and joy. 

We implore you to give this track a go and to back Heidi as she is only at the beginning of what will be an incredible music career. We cannot wait to see you continue to shine, Heidi!