This week marks the release of Barbara’s eagerly anticipated debut album ‘Palm Dreams’. It lands off the back of a series of releases spanning the likes of Dirtybird, LOP, SpunnyLove and Data Transmission, with the LP finding a home on her very own Good Crazy record label which launched earlier this month. HMWL caught up with Barbara in the run up to a jam packed March to discuss this multi genre collection, musical background and the journey to ‘Palm Dreams’.

HMWL: Barbara, thank you for your time today. First off, congratulations on what has been a fantastic start to the year. You have released a number of tracks so far across Dirtybird, Lots of Practice and most recently SpunyLove. How would you say each release differs from one another and if you had to choose, do you have a favorite?

Barbara: Thank you so much. And it’s only March! They’re all very different from tech house to uk garage and trance but the common thread is unexpected weirdness. I hope when you hear my music you feel a rush of energy and the lyrics make you smile. They’re typically sassy, cheeky or totally avant garde, odd and it makes my soul so happy to write from my heart. That’s hard! You’re asking me to pick my favorite child. It’s a tie between “Feet Money” and “Trance in Vegas” because both bring back really nice memories.

HMWL: What do you look for in a musical partner? Why do you think the recent releases with SpunOff and Ed have been received so well?

Barbara: Great question. It’s all about the vibe. In any type of relationship it all comes down to a similar frequency and energy. And you can feel this connection immediately. You just speak the same language but bring different traits and skills to the table so you’re also still pushing each other to be better. With some of my collaborators we were friends first (Ed) and others I’ve heard their music (SpunOff) or they’ve heard mine and feel that we could make something really magical together. What makes a collaboration really special is being open, honest, adventurous and playful. You need to feel really comfortable and vulnerable working with someone to share the most authentic ideas, free from any judgment and ego. And sometimes you need to give difficult feedback or the track goes in another direction but if you’ve built an environment of trust and honesty working together it makes those conversations so much easier. Because you both want what is best for the music at the end of the day.

HMWL: Establishing your label, Good Crazy, is a significant step. What motivated you to take this leap, and how do you envision the label contributing to the music scene?

Barbara: I don’t know if I was truly ‘ready’ to launch my own imprint but the universe clearly had other plans. When I signed with Paradise Worldwide they actually presented me with the idea. I had an ultimate vision of one day having a home for all types of artists and sounds and it’s just happening a lot sooner than expected. With Good Crazy my hope is to empower and support lots of different artists and put out music that defies genres. It will be a place for very funky experimental music that you’d typically hear in the underground scene — in places where a local would bring you, you have no idea who’s playing, people aren’t on their phones and you have the best night of your life. We’ve already signed the first 2 tracks to come out on Good Crazy in April and May and I’m accepting demos now for fall. Artists out there: I don’t care how many followers you have, streams or likes, I wanna hear your good music.

HMWL: A highlight of the year is going to be release of ‘Palm Dreams’. What does this collection of work mean to you, and what do you hope the listeners take away from it?

Barbara: This album is really special to me. It’s not only my first but this is truly the first time that I’m putting my voice out there to the public. The experience making it was incredible and I visited so many past life experiences, some beautiful, some that hurt like hell to write about but I put my whole heart and soul in this. I made the album with Jim Greer, known for his work with Macy Gray, Big Freedia, Foster the People and it was like the 2nd time we got into the studio together. He thought I was nuts saying we’d make an album in 2 weeks having never worked together before but we did it. I’d bring a track idea to him and he’d have no idea what I was talking about but trusted my vision. We created a journey from pop to nu disco to house and techno bringing all the genres I love together.

I hope listeners take away how important it is to love yourself. When we love ourselves and don’t compromise or settle on what we want out of life or from anyone we can be our free, most authentic versions of ourselves and ultimately find the love and connection we’re all searching for. And through loving ourselves we can spread more kindness and compassion in this world which we desperately need. You can hear this in the first single, “Church of House” which is an anthem of self-love.

HMWL: The themes of empowerment and personal growth in your debut album are palpable. How do you approach translating personal experiences into relatable and universal messages in your songwriting, and are there particular tracks on ‘Palm Dreams’ that hold especially personal significance for you?

Barbara: It was a really interesting time both personally and culturally when I was writing this album. If you’ve been following what’s happening with women’s rights being on attack it really upset me and I had to express it. “Don’t Do” is a reflection of this. The lines “when they come, you can’t back down” are all about coming together as a community to protect women’s rights. No one should have control on my body. My body, my choice.

Some of the other tracks that I listen to when I need to remember how strong I am and how I can conquer the challenge in front of me are “Let Her Do it and “Hearts on the Run”. There were so many nights after heartbreak when the disco, dancing and girlfriends really saved me. I say Tiki Disco because those parties by Eli Escobar made me feel so alive and helped heal my soul.

I approach songwriting from my heart and gut. Everything I write about, I’ve experienced so I’m happy that by getting really personal I’m able to connect with others and it resonates with folks.

HMWL: Your sound spans various sub-genres, showcasing a kaleidoscopic musical approach. As your style evolves, are there specific sonic elements or experimental directions you’re keen to explore in future projects, or do you prefer to let your creativity guide you organically?

Barbara: I prefer to follow where my energy flows. This changes day to day, even hour to hour based on what I’m listening to and what inspires me. I like to put together musical genres that you may have never thought of putting together before. On ‘Palm Dreams’ you’ll hear tracks for example that marry “Country and Progressive House” or “Indie Pop and Latin Freestyle”. So by bringing together my diverse tastes, I’ll likely create entirely new genres.

HMWL: Looking ahead, how do you plan to undertake live performances? Where can we expect to see you play?

Barbara: I’ve been singing live during my DJ sets but I’ll be reimagining what it means to experience electronic music. I’m very inspired by LP Giobbi, Giorgia Angiuli, the Blaze, WhoMadeWho, Sinego, Satori, Stavroz and Omri Smader who use live instruments during their performances. I’ll be following more of a live band experience for my hybrid sets later this fall in NY and LA. Stay tuned for upcoming shows. This summer I’ll be living and performing in Ibiza where I’ll be creating new music and the live setup.

HMWL: Will Good Crazy be welcoming additional artists to the release schedule?

Barbara: Yes. We’ve signed our first 2 artists and I absolutely love the tracks. They’re set to release in April and May. We’re actively accepting demos at hello@goodcrazymusic.com.

Thank you Barbara

Palm Dreams is able to pre-order here.