The Barker Band

Fronted by twin brothers Jake and Sam Barker, the Barker Band is a British alternative country group with strong bluegrass leanings. The twin brothers from West London, who share lead vocals and both play banjo, mandolin, and guitar, began the Barker Band with their close friend Laurie Sherman (guitar, banjo) and their father, Lenny Barker (guitar, mandolin, vocal harmony). The band as such made its live debut in 2004 and also released a self-titled album that same year. The Barker Band was then expanded in 2005 to include Nella Johnson (vocals) and Tom Wright (bass), and then again in 2006 to include Ru Shreeve (drums). The band founded its own label, BB Records, which released the albums Lonesome Waltz (2006) and The Night Ain't Over (2007). These albums earned critical praise in many corners, and in 2008 the band garnered significant attention with their performance at the South by Southwest festival in Austin, TX.