Utah band Michael Barrow & The Tourists are bringing a groovy classic rock sound back to the modern day, as amazing release, One Track Mind, shows. They’ve got a wonderful sound, full of funky guitar licks and a beat that just won’t stop! I decided to sit down and have a chat with Michael Barrow to find out a little more about the band – read on below to see how we got on!
By Jane Howkins
You recently released a single titled One Track Mind. What can you tell us about the track?
One Track Mind was actually released in July of 2021. It’s the last song we’re pushing before we enter a new phase in our journey and close the book on our last LP, Clover. It’s a dreamy, piano-driven pop/rock number about struggling to let go of a relationship. We haven’t told many people this, but hardcore Pride & Prejudice fans will notice an easter egg in the second verse.
How has the reception to One Track Mind been so far, and where can the song be purchased?
This song usually comes second in our live set, and every time we perform it, people go nuts. Online, though, it hasn’t gained traction like some of the other tracks on our record. It’s the least-streamed track on the album, which is a shame. So if you’re listening to it and loving it… you’re a hipster for real. We see you and we love you. You can stream the song everywhere, but if you want to buy it to help support the band, we’re also on Bandcamp.
Do you plan to release any more singles in the near future?
We have a new single entitled I See Stars (feat. ysabelle) coming out August 18th! It’s a cinematic, orchestral duet written for Season 4 of the popular Webtoon Original The Kiss Bet. If you like One Track Mind – it’s absolutely nothing like it. *laughs* But you’re bound to love it regardless. You can pre-save it here: distrokid.com/hy…abelle
Your last album, Clover, was released in 2021. What can you tell us about the record?
This record means a ton to us as a band. It revolutionised our sound by marrying our folky side (from our first album, Juneau), our bluesy/soulful side (as heard on Something New), and our love of anthemic pop-rock. As a loose concept album, it chronicles the rise and fall of a relationship before finding peace on your own. I wrote it about the love of my life after we broke up. Not saying the album is a miraculous work of art, but… we’re married now.
Are there any plans to release an album or EP anytime soon?
We’re currently writing our third LP. Singles from the new record will be coming out starting in early 2024.
Your music has an indie-folk-rock sound. What/who influences you most as artists? What have you been listening to recently?
We love John Mayer, James Bay, The Band CAMINO, The Paper Kites, Mumford & Sons. We’re not a dead ringer for any of those acts, but we try to blend all of our influences into something new, but familiar.
You’re from Utah. What is the local music scene like at the moment?
Oh man. The Utah music industry is the world’s best-kept secret. Our hometown, Provo, has launched a ton of artists over the last decade. Imagine Dragons, Neon Trees, The Aces, The Backseat Lovers, The National Parks, and most recently Beeson and Little Moon. It’s thriving and vibrant. If anyone wants to discover incredible music, our local music magazine does a pretty good job at synthesizing everything that’s going on. Check out ProvoMusicMagazine.com.
Do you have anything else exciting coming up this year?
We’re playing a music festival in Helper, Utah on August 19 and are headlining a huge show in Salt Lake City on August 31. Once those shows are done, we’ll resume planning our West Coast tour for 2024.
Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?
That’s the dream. We’ve actually got a huge following in the UK and Germany thanks to alexrainbirdMusic. Nothing is planned right now, but we’ve had our eye on Europe for some time.
Any last words for the fans?
There are a lot of you who tag us in your covers on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, or share our lyrics in the captions of your posts. We’re in a really great spot in our career where we’re successful enough to be self sustaining, but small enough to still see every post and mention. You have no idea how much we appreciate it. It makes our day every time. We love you.