The following is an article written by Alison Roberts as a programmer profile for CHLY.
The photograph was taken by Ok Denisa Photography (See the I Support Menu)
Music, art and a little bit of mayhem
Not having access to a radio station didn’t stop Brendan Barlow from starting his own show. Equipped with the mike from his cell phone and an inquisitive mind, Brendan started The Barley Show nearly a year ago while living in Vancouver. With his living room doubling as the studio, he would record the show and then post it on I Tunes. From there he incorporated a blog and more recently added a website.
Born in Nanaimo but raised in Port Alberni for ‘the important years’, Brendan has always been comfortable with attention. He was a member of the Youth Health Centre in high school and would deliver sex ed talks to the younger grades. Whether people’s experiences are sad, mundane, horrifying or awkward, Brendan believes that people need to be informed.
He moved to Vancouver after finishing high school and completed a diploma in film. Disappointed to learn that in spite of his education, he would be expected to volunteer for hours on end in order to break into the field, Brendan re-evaluated his options. A number of factors pushed him out of Vancouver including a need to re-set, and he enjoys the sense of calm that comes with being back on the Island.
Once back on his home turf Brendan shifted his focus from film to radio and looked for other places to take his show. In September of 2011 he approached CHLY and from there things moved pretty quickly: within a month of pitching his idea he was full steam ahead with a weekly show that showcases independent artists. Every Monday from 3:00-5:00pm Brendan blends local music, art, comedy and whatever else strikes his fancy.
Not one to steer away from controversy, Brendan weighs in on misleading media campaigns, provocative photographs and human sexuality. He doesn’t have a lot of patience for stupidity and he cautions listeners that ‘just because it has a wrist band and a logo’ doesn’t mean it’s a worthwhile cause. Recognizing a need for more critical thinking, Brendan encourages listeners to dig a little deeper.
Independent media is the perfect home for the Barley Show as Brendan can maintain creative control. Knowing that he doesn’t have to appeal to advertisers, he appreciates the freedom he has to take the show in any direction. He also enjoys being in an environment with such positive energy.
Inspired by comics like Aziz Ansari, Jimmy Pardo and Bill Burr, Brendan would like to create a comedy scene in the harbour city. If you are an artist that would like to talk about what you are doing, get in touch with the Barley Show. Provocative, honest and often sarcastic, Brendan is a bridge for independent music, art and so much more.
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