Barry Callister A chat with Australian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Barry Callister. Leicester Bangs: Tell us a little about yourself. Barry: I was born in a place called Leongatha, in Victoria, Australia. I grew up on a dairy farm with my mother, father and my sister. I've done a lot of jobs over the years but music is the only one that has ever given me any satisfaction. I'm a guitarist to my core. I love the instrument and everything it can and cant do! I also love to sing. The feeling of playing guitar and singing sets my soul on fire in a way that not much else can. Although, a couple of other things that set my soul on fire in a similar way are my wife and our little daughter. They are without a doubt the major inspirations and driving forces for my music. LB: How did you start out making music? Barry: I always loved listening to music when I was a kid and into my teens. I only picked up a guitar when I was 18 years old. From the moment I did, something just clicked inside me. I took lessons for a while, but mostly taught myself to play. I started writing songs almost the moment I got the guitar in my hands! I just love it. LB: Who did you grow up listening to and how do they influence what you’re doing now? Barry: I grew up with bands like Metallica, Skid Row, Motley Crue, Pantera, and Living Colour. I can't say that they do influence what I'm doing now, as my music is totally different to their style now. Earlier on I did write a lot of metal / hard rock songs but I've chilled a lot over the years! I guess I do draw a little songwriting influence from them now. LB: Tell us about your latest release. Barry: My E.P. The True Conception is a mix of songs I wrote earlier in my writing career, and a few "newer" ones also. They are all songs I've had a burning desire to record for a long time. The songs range from acoustic rock to folk and pop. I love to write a wide variety of styles and I think this E.P. reflects that.   LB: Do you get out and play your music live, and if so, what can an audience expect at one of your shows? Barry: I currently play live from one to three times a week. Pretty much all of my gigs at the moment involve a heap of my originals and some covers or even instrumentals thrown in too. Most of my gigs are chill-out ones in cafes or restaurants, a nice relaxing musical experience. Catch me playing in a pub though and the story is a little different! I like to be as loud and rocky as I can when I play in a pub! That's how I like to play. LB: What aspects of playing and recording music do you most enjoy? Barry: I guess I pretty much enjoy every aspect of playing and recording music. What I love the most though, is the feeling I get when I'm playing a song and everything just flows and it seems like I can't make a mistake - that's the most amazing thing. You can't beat that feeling. LB: Where can people find (and buy) your music? Barry: People can listen to my songs at MySpace and ReverbNation, and buy it at CD Baby (links below). www.myspace.com/barrycallister www.reverbnation.com/barrycallister www.cdbaby.com/Artist/BarryCallister Barry Callister…