In a music landscape constantly evolving, few artists stand out as distinctly as Barny Fletcher. A London-based musician with a kaleidoscopic sound, Fletcher has quickly risen from small-town roots to the global stage, earning acclaim for his genre-blending style that effortlessly marries pop, R&B, hip-hop, and disco. His latest single, Call Me By Your Name, marks a pivotal moment in his career, showcasing his most mature songwriting yet and offering listeners a nuanced reflection on life's fleeting challenges and triumphs.
With a flair for capturing life’s candid moments and a knack for turning them into infectious anthems, Fletcher's journey from his 2019 debut to now has been nothing short of meteoric. As he embarks on this new era, characterised by "big hooks" and a bold, fresh sound, we sit down with the self-described "musical chameleon" to delve deeper into his creative process, the experiences that have shaped his music, and what lies ahead.
Moments In A Lifetime has been described as both rich and nuanced. Can you dive into the personal inspiration behind this track and what it represents for you?
This track is deeply personal, inspired by the rollercoaster of emotions I experienced this year, especially after losing my grandma. Spending time in the countryside helped me process it. She was the last on my late mum’s side of the family. Moments In A Lifetime is about pushing through those challenges and finding light, I think.
You’ve mentioned going through significant changes earlier this year. How did these experiences influence your latest music such as single Call Me By Your Name, and what message do you hope to convey through it?
I’ve taken on more responsibilities, and that’s definitely sharpened me up a little. I’ve become more intentional with the music. It’s less about finding my sound and more about refining it. I think my music now reflects the maturity that came from navigating all life’s shifts recently.
Your music often explores the challenges young adults face while holding on to their dreams. How do you see your songs resonating with those navigating similar struggles?
The most universal challenge is figuring out how to make a living from your dream! It’s something I’m still trying to crack. I haven’t had a HIT yet. I’m always thinking about how I can sustain this for the long haul. We’re all trying to figure out how to break into the world and make it happen. It’s not easy. My music resonates with people because it comes from a real place. I’m not writing from a pedestal or anything—I’m trying to make it work too.
Scotch of St. James paints a vivid picture of life’s spontaneous moments. Can you walk us through that memorable night at the club and how it ended up shaping the song?
Yeah, that was wild. It was fashion week. Virgil Abloh was doing a secret set at Scotch of St. James during London Fashion Week. We blagged our way in. Sure enough, Virgil was DJ-ing. Peggy Gou was there. Benji B, Tremaine Emory, Hailey Bieber, Skepta. The energy was electric in this tiny little space. The song captures a bit of that spontaneity, the feeling of being in a moment that might not happen again.
Your sound is an eclectic mix of pop, R&B, hip-hop, and disco. How do you manage to blend these genres while maintaining a sound that’s unmistakably Barny Fletcher?
What I’ve come to realise, and what I’m now able to admit, is that I’m actually good at this. I’m a songwriter, and this is my craft. I’ve spent years honing it, and I’m now at a point where I can trust my instincts. The genres blend naturally because they’re all coming from the same place! From me, my experiences, and my love of making music.
You’ve called yourself a “musical chameleon.” What drives your desire to experiment across genres, and is it a challenge to stay true to your artistic identity amidst this evolution?
I think being a “musical chameleon” is about exploring what’s possible and pushing my own boundaries. As long as it resonates with me, I know I’m going down the right lane.
With Scotch of St. James, you’ve drawn on the rich musical history of the venue. How important is it for you to weave historical influences into your modern-day sound?
Scotch is such an institute in London, and I love connecting the past with the present. I guess it’s a way of keeping the spirit of these iconic places alive. I think it’s important to tap into that once in a while. It’s like I’m paying respects to my city.
Your music is celebrated for capturing some unfiltered moments. How do you find these moments, and what’s your process for translating them into your songwriting?
The music leads the way! Always. I start with the sound and see what that makes me feel. It’s like a puzzle, of moving pictures and colours. I can really see the characters, the faces, the settings… For Moments In A Lifetime, I could vividly picture this young girl Tiffany-Rose down in Ladbroke Grove, doing the dishes at the back of a dingy restaurant and clocking out at the end of a long shift. Those kinds of images guide the direction of the lyrics sometimes.
Your rise since 2019 has been remarkable. In your view, what’s been the driving force behind your evolution as an artist?
I don’t think there’s been a single defining moment just yet—just a steady journey of growth. I’m learning, collaborating, and staying curious.
You’ve garnered attention from figures like DJ Shadow and Michaela Coel. How have these collaborations and endorsements shaped your journey in the music industry?
Getting recognition from DJ Shadow and being part of Michaela Coel’s I May Destroy You were huge confidence boosts. It was cool hearing my music on TV. I got a ton of messages from people that week, ‘Hey I just heard your song!’. But yeah, little co-signs like that are a good indicator that you’re doing something right. It’s like a pat on the back to say, "Keep making music! It’s not shit!"
Your latest work has been touted as a “new era” with “big hooks and big songs.” What can we expect from this next chapter, and how does it differ from your previous releases?
This chapter is about embracing songwriting in a more intentional way. While I’ve always been able to bring energy, I’m now digging deeper into storytelling and collaborating across genres. Expect a bit more depth and a bit more focus. Refined! That’s the word. A little more refined.
You’ve toured the UK in a Mercedes-Benz covered in fan art, highlighting your close connection with your audience. How does their support impact your creative process? Do you also have a fun fan story you can share?
The love I felt on the tour was crazy. Letting people graffiti on the car after each show was a great way of meeting fans. It turned into a meet-and-greet after each show haha. The only downside was that we had to check for drawings of cocks, swear words, and swastikas every morning and evening. The police would have fined us for that. We got stopped by them about five times too.
Looking forward, what excites you most about your upcoming releases and live shows? How do you plan to continue pushing the boundaries of your music?
I’m really excited about what’s coming next. I’ve got a live show on 27th November at The Grace in London. There’s nothing like the energy of a live performance. I’m looking forward to sharing this new chapter of my music with everyone.
On the music front, I dropped a song on Jay1’s latest project and have some work coming out on The Waterboys’ upcoming project. Two totally different collaborations. But that’s why I love this music thing.
But yeah, in general, I don’t ever want to get too comfortable. The best music comes from stepping into the unknown and seeing where it takes you. So that’s where I’m headed.
Call Me By Your Name is out now
Words by Jheanelle Feanny
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