Theo Bard feels that his best way to communicate with the world is through music. Inspired by the stories found in traditional folk, he sets razor-sharp lyrics to a stripped-down acoustic guitar, allowing his words to speak for themselves. His musical journey started at the age of just 4, when Theo began learning violin. He is thankful for such early experiences. “Learning violin makes you humble,” he says. “There are just a handful of people in the world who have truly mastered the instrument. You learn to work hard, and always demand better from yourself. It’s all about discipline.” Perhaps this explains his prolific songwriting record, and dedication to his adopted instrument, the guitar. His time spent learning violin might also have contributed to his ear for a catchy tune.
“For me, songwriting is more about poetry than music.” He says. “Sometimes, I get an idea for a song which is just a concept. It might be a love song or a political one but the key is to make sure it’s really strong. I always think simple is best, because I want to be understood. At other times, it might be a few of the lyrics that determine what the song is about.”
In 2008, Theo saw reggae star Natty in a crowd at Secret Garden Party. “I immediately ran to get my guitar and approached him. I’d been onto his music for about a year and loved his bittersweet sound and lyrics. He’s got a great voice as well.” After a quick introduction, Theo asked if he could play Natty a song. “He was really open to it, which surprised me, so I played him “Listen”, then and there, and he immediately asked me to play another one. I couldn’t believe it when he asked me to play at his album launch, after I’d met him 10 minutes before!” Since then Theo has played Glastonbury, Secret Garden Party, Vortex Tour East, The Roundhouse and The Union Chapel.
He is equally at home in the world of folk. Well versed in the British tradition, Theo has performed with rising Scottish folk star John Langan, London’s Cut A Shine and regularly at The Magpie’s Nest folk club, who put him on the bill at Camden’s Roundhouse. “I’ve been learning folk songs since I was six,” explains Bard, “and have always loved the way the lines naturally lodge in your head, making the words easy to remember. It’s content. Content is the key” he gushes. “All I want to do is communicate. If you listen to a song of mine and at the end you’ve learnt about how I see the world, or how I feel about something, then I’m a happy man. I might even make you feel something similar too.”
Theo is the lead singer and songwriter in Brothers Bab, an 8-piece he started two years ago, pulling together ska, calypso, gypsy and reggae styles. It’s a fruity blend that few can resist. Regulars on the festival circuit, Brothers Bab marked the start of 2009 with their first release, “Freshly Squeezed.”
“I just wanted to put a smile on people’s faces” he says, “and maybe make them sweat a little. When I play solo, I communicate through my lyrics, but with dance music it’s totally different. The only way to put the music across is with your body. You have to fling yourself around. You’re like a singer, actor, dancer and MC rolled into one.”
As for the future, Bard is dedicated to developing on all fronts. “I’ve got so many songs now, enough for at least a couple of albums, and I can’t wait to get them all recorded.” It looks like he might not have to wait too long.
Theo is signed to brand new label Tape Records, and will release a second EP and debut album with them in 2009.
“Gratifying truth serum for your ears” – The Blue Light District
“reggae-infused pop philosopher” – East
“three-dimensional poetry”
Without You
Middle Class Boy
Everything You Have
Listen
All the Orders Gone
