ILA BARKER

HIGHLIGHTS

MUSIC

BIOS

Short Bio - 78 words 

With her soulful voice and lyrics that wash over the minds and hearts of audiences like waves, singer-songwriter Ila Barker is a force to be reckoned with. This folk-soul artist of Anishinaabe and settler heritage takes listeners on an introspective journey, inviting them to connect deeply with their own emotions.  Her latest album Fool Under Water (2022) is an honour song to her metamorphosis into the powerhouse she is today and a promise that the tide will turn. 

Medium Bio - 198 words

With her soulful voice and lyrics that wash over the minds and hearts of audiences like waves, singer-songwriter Ila Barker is a force to be reckoned with. This Winnipeg based folk-soul artist of Anishinaabe and settler heritage takes listeners on an introspective journey, inviting them to connect deeply with their own emotions. Ila has taken the stage at the Winnipeg Folk Festival, Regina Folk Festival, sākihiwē festival, SXSW Sydney (AUS), and opened for Jeremy Dutcher’s sold out performance in PEI. In the spring of 2022, Ila released “Intuition”, the first single from her latest album Fool Under Water (2022), which hit number one on the Indigenous Music Countdown. In August, the second single “25” was released along with a music video filmed in Mexico and directed by Patrick Shannon of InnoNative, which premiered on Entertainment Tonight Canada, garnering over 55k views on YouTube. In 2024, Ila is taking it to the next level with performances at Winterruption Churchill, SXSW Austin, and multiple festivals across North America, performing her new music set for release in Spring 2024. This brand new EP takes Ila's signature earthy vocals and sparkling Gretsch guitar and turns them up to an electrifying new maximum.

Long Bio - 405 words

In 2017, Winnipeg-based Anishinaabe and settler folk-soul musician Ila Barker held a guitar on her lap as a friend confided in her the details of an abusive relationship. Barker sang her friend’s words back to her, softly strumming the strings and turning anguish into a serendipitous self-serenade. Eventually that song became the title track of Barker’s debut full-length album, Fool Under Water, a tough-but-tender testament to the possibility of survival, forged as she swam ashore herself.

To write Fool Under Water, Barker spent seven years reflecting on her own survival, alongside that of the women around her. The elegantly rugged candour at the heart of the album’s storytelling was amassed through experience. “My first thought as I started packing my bags to leave was ‘what am I going to do?’” says Barker. “My second thought was ‘but damn, these are gonna be some good songs.’”

Barker’s astute observations and vulnerable introspection create a safe basin for those still swimming their way through rough waters. “I want listeners to have a moment to grieve the things that they've gone through and to picture a future that is brighter,” she says. 

On lead single “Intuition,” Barker sagely sings “Trust yourself, you know best,” reminding all of us to listen closely to our own truths when we feel we might be sinking. 

After years of writing, Barker recorded Fool Under Water at Winnipeg’s No Fun Club studio alongside producers Sierra Noble and Rusty Robot in August 2021. “A lot of people think I took a break from music. The truth is I was in survival mode,” she says. 

Barker has played the Regina Folk Festival, the Winnipeg Folk Festival, the sākihiwē festival, and opened for Jeremy Dutcher’s sold out performance PEI. The first single off her debut full-length album “Intuition”, hit number one on the Indigenous Music Countdown. In August the second single “25” was released along with a music video filmed in Mexico and directed by Patrick Shannon of InnoNative which premiered on Entertainment Tonight Canada. 

Through her work as founding curator with AIRsessions, a series of free music workshops for youth, Barker advocates for gender equity and Indigenous representation in music. “I have found a deeper connection with my community and the Indigenous music community through my music journey,” she says.

Fool Under Water is an honour song to Ila Barker’s metamorphosis into the powerhouse she is today and a promise that the tide will turn.

PAST PRESS

December 14, 2023

Ila Barker and band live performance on CBC Stories Podcast “Now or Never”, 35:54 https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/unwrapping-what-it-takes-to-find-the-perfect-gift/id1169422760?i=1000638600267

August 24, 2022 

ET Canada Exclusive Premiere of Ila Barker's Official Music Video for "25" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQ8BnYggs3U 

June 4, 2022

The Harlton Empire Ila Barker Shares Thoughts On New Single “Intuition” 

https://harltonempire.com/2022/06/04/ila-barker-shares-thoughts-on-new-single-intuition/

Ila is a wonderful talent of Anishinaabe and Settler heritage and has a vulnerability in her songwriting that sets her apart from her peers. “Intuition” is an introspective track that serves as a reminder to listen closely to your own truths when you feel you might be sinking.

June 22, 2022

CBC Music 5 Songs You Need to Hear This Week, Indigenous History Month Edition

https://www.cbc.ca/music/5-songs-you-need-to-hear-this-week-indigenous-history-month-edition-1.6495932

June 29, 2022

Free Press Community Review Keeping Things Current - New Local Festival Set For Aug. 12 To 14

https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/our-communities/keeping-things-current-576632862.html

June 11, 2022

Guitar Girl Captivating Winnipeg Singer-Songwriter Ila Barker to Perform At NXNE On June 15

https://guitargirlmag.com/news/music-news/captivating-winnipeg-singer-songwriter-ila-barker-to-perform-at-nxne-on-june-15/

June 8, 2022

BK On The Scene Continuing To Weave Networks Of Support For Creative Indigenous Youth, Inpath Set To Power N’WE Jinan Artworks Showcase This Canadian Music Week! 

https://bkonthescene.com/2022/06/08/continuing-to-weave-networks-of-support-for-creative-indigenous-youth-inpath-set-to-power-nwe-jinan-artworks-showcase-this-canadian-music-week/

June 4, 2022

Canadian Beats Ila Barker Shares On Her New Single, “Intuition” 

https://canadianbeats.ca/2022/06/04/ila-barker-shares-on-her-new-single-intuition/

June 8, 2022

Aesthetic Magazine Exclusive Premiere: Watch Ila Barker's Gorgeous New Video For "Intuition" 

https://aestheticmagazinetoronto.com/2022/06/08/exclusive-premiere-watch-ila-barkers-gorgeous-new-video-for-intuition/

June 2022

Hidden Beats Spotlight - Ila Barker 

https://hidden-beats.com/spotlight-ila-barker/

April 30, 2022

City News Winnipeg’s Live Music Scene Enthusiastically Eyeing Drier, Warmer Months Ahead

https://winnipeg.citynews.ca/2022/04/30/winnipeg-live-music-scene/

March 22, 2022

Winnipeg Free Press Sure, It’s Spring, But Delayed Winterruption Is Still A Win

https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/entertainment/music/sure-its-spring-but-delayed-winterruption-is-still-a-win-576317982.html

March 21, 2022

The stellar lineup of artists hitting stages during this year’s fest includes Bobby Dove, Caid Jones, Diaphanie, El Leon & The Strangers, FONTINE, Ila Barker, Joe Curtis, JP Hoe, Kilusan, Leossa, Matt Foster, New Wales, Paper Machetes, riel., The Lytics, The Noble Thiefs, The Prairie Joggers, Two Crows for Comfort, Vagina Witchcraft, Veneer, and more.

https://www.manitobamusic.com/news/read,article/8434/winterruption-2022-brings-more-live-music-back-to-winnipeg

February 18, 2022

ICI Radio Canada Les Spectacles À Voir Au Festival Du Voyageur En Fin De Semaine

https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/1861708/festival-voyageur-programmation-2022

January 20, 2022

Winnipeg Free Press Good + Plenty And About Time

https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/entertainment/music/good--plenty-and-about-time-576093952.html

statistics

Instagram - 4550
Facebook - 1800
Spotify Monthly Listeners - 1500
Total Audio Streams - 100k
Total Video Streams - 132,500 views

PAST PERFORMANCES

MARCH 14 2024
Ila Barker at SXSW - Hyatt Regency Austin - Austin, TX, US

MARCH 13 2024
Ila Barker at SXSW - Swan Dive Patio, Austin, TX, US

MARCH 12 2024
Ila Barker at SXSW - San Jac Saloon, Austin, TX, US

MARCH 11 2024
Ila Barker at SXSW - Swan Dive Patio, Austin, TX, US

MARCH 10 2024
Ila Barker at SXSW - Swan Dive Patio, Austin, TX, US

MARCH 9 2024
Ila Barker at SXSW - Swan Dive Patio, Austin, TX, US

MARCH 8 2024
Ila Barker at SXSW - Swan Dive Patio, Austin, TX, US

FEBRUARY 21-25 2024
4 showcases at Folk Alliance International - Kansas City, Missouri, US

FEBRUARY 9 2024
Winterruption Churchill - Churchill, MB

DECEMBER 9 2023
Amero Little Christmas - Burton Cummings Theatre - Winnipeg, MB

NOVEMBER 17 2023
Woodland Cultural Centre - Brantford, ON

OCTOBER 19 2023
Canada House at SXSW - Sydney, Australia

OCTOBER 14 2023
BreakOut West Showcase - Kelowna Curling Club - Kelowna, BC

OCTOBER 12 2023
BreakOut West Showcase - Blackbox Theatre - Kelowna, BC

SEPTEMBER 9 2023
Neighbour x Neighbour Festival - Winnipeg, MB

AUGUST 20 2023
Rainbow Trout Music Festival - St. Malo, MB

AUGUST 6 2023
Icelandic Fest of Manitoba - Gimli, MB

JUNE 23 2023
Tkaronto Music Festival - Stackt Marketplace- Toronto, ON

JUNE 21 2023
Summer Solstice Celebration with Logan Statts - Talking Stick Festival - Vancouver, BC

JUNE 14 2023
NXNE - The Cameron House - Toronto, ON

JUNE 1 2023
Toronto, International Indigenous Music Summit - Official Showcase Artist - Toronto, ON

FEBRUARY 4 2023
Winterruption Churchill - Churchill, MB

DECEMBER 6 2022
Opener for Ruby Waters - The Park Theatre - Winnipeg, MB

OCTOBER 21 2022
Ila Barker’s “Fool Under Water” Album Release - The Good Will Social Club - Winnipeg, MB

AUGUST 2022
Whoop and Hollar Festival - Portage la Prairie, MB

JUNE 16 2022
NXNE - Manitoba Music Showcase - Toronto, ON

JUNE 9 2022
N’We Jinan Artworks Showcase - Canadian Music Week - The Painted Lady - Toronto, ON

APRIL 27 2022
Opener for Leela Gilday - The Good Will Social Club - Winnipeg, MB

APRIL 2022
Winterruption Winnipeg - X-Cues - Winnipeg, MB

FEBRUARY 23-27 2022
Folk Alliance International (Virtual)

FEBRUARY 21 2022
Festival du Voyageur - Winnipeg, MB

OCTOBER 2021
Vision Quest Conference

SEPTEMBER 2021
Folk Music Ontario - Official Showcase Artist - Ontario

SEPTEMBER 2021
Sherbrook Street Festival - The Beer Can - Winnipeg, MB

SEPTEMBER 2021
Harvest Moon Festival - Clearwater, MB

AUGUST 2021
Burt Block Party - Winnipeg, MB

AUGUST 2021
Winnipeg Folk Festival Songwriter Round at Assiniboine Park - Winnipeg, MB

JULY 2021
Gimli Film Festival - Gimli, MB

MAY 2021
RBC National Indigenous Peoples History Month Event

FEBRUARY 2021
Folk Alliance - Folk Unlocked Breakout West room - Ontario

AUGUST 2020
RBCxMusic First Up Performance Series 

JUNE 2020
Trout Forest Music Festival x NAC 

2019
Opener for Jeremy Dutcher - Indian River Festival PEI - Prince Edward Island

2019
Folk Alliance International Indigenous Showcase Artist - Ontario

2019
Folk Music Ontario Official Showcasing Artist - Ontario

2019
Regina Folk Festival - Regina, SK