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MICHAEL BARKER
Michael Barker was born in Rotorua, New Zealand in 1966 and began playing drums as a child haven taken inspiration from his older brother Douglas. As a teenager he played with various bands in Rotorua, then in 1985 moved to Melbourne, Australia to study music.
Michael began his studies at Box Hill TAFE under the guidance of Bruce Barber, lessons focused on snare drum and tuned percussion.
From TAFE Michael auditioned for the Victorian College of The Arts orchestral percussion course and earned a place studying for three years with Barry Quinn. These years studying were musically rich and diverse.
While playing percussion in a Shakespeare play Michael was brought to the attention of the brothers Tim and Neil Finn. Michael recorded and toured with Tim and Neil respectively.
In 2003 Michael met John Butler through Butler’s brother-in-law. Michael and John played the song ‘ Home is where the heart is ‘ as a duo on the ABC variety show ‘ The Fat ‘ following this initial engagement Michael recorded percussion tracks on the album Sunrise over Sea and drum tracks on "Betterman" and "Something's Gotta Give". After 3 years of touring ‘Sunrise over sea ‘the Trio recorded the album "Grand National" with producer/engineer Mario Caldato Jr.
The John Butler Trio are renown for there dynamic live performances and sees them touring world-wide at many international festivals. In 2008 JBT play the New Orleans jazz Festival, Cochella, Fuji Rock and headline the Byron Bay Blues festival.
In 2007 Michael released his first solo album ‘Wonderland' which encompasses a myriad of percussion driven songs and compositions.
In addition to touring with JBT Michael toured with Split Enz on their reunion arena tour of New Zealand in March 2008.
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