The AfterliFE
THE AFTERLIFE
“The Afterlife” is a disco manifesto, reimagining of classic pop songs in a disco style, with Barton breathing new life into tracks by iconic artists such as Neil Young, Laura Branigan, Patrick Cowley, and Grace Jones. By infusing these timeless songs with his own artistic vision, Barton creates a fresh and exciting musical experience that both honours the genre's history and pushes its boundaries. Listeners are invited to discover the unexpected in these familiar tracks as Barton takes them on a journey through a soundscape he calls “The Afterlife".
“The Afterlife” presents itself as a disco manifesto that traces an emotional odyssey through love, loss, and ultimate acceptance. The album’s careful sequencing creates a narrative arc that moves between personal introspection and universal experience, using disco as both a metaphor for liberation and a bridge between past and present.
The album’s use of disco serves a dual purpose - while offering moments of liberation and collective joy, it also acknowledges the genre’s historical significance, particularly within LGBTQ+ culture. This cultural context adds depth to the album’s exploration of identity, belonging, and transformation.
Ultimately, “The Afterlife” argues that evolution comes not from avoiding difficult emotions but from embracing them alongside moments of celebration. The album’s narrative suggests that growth emerges from the tension between surface and depth, between the dancefloor’s euphoria and the quiet moments of reflection that follow.
A JOURNEY Through THE Afterlife
FORTHCOMING SINGLES FROM THE AFTERLIFE
Self-CONTROL
"Self Control" is a captivating reinterpretation that delves into themes of repetition and artifice, capturing the essence of someone caught in a cycle of habitual behavior. The track features a unique vocal arrangement where the voice is constantly doubled, creating a sense of multiplicity and momentum, as if different versions of oneself are coexisting and guiding actions. This kaleidoscopic structure, combined with an intuitive and organic production process, results in a rich and full sound that invites listeners to explore the deeper emotional layers of the song.
WARM LEATHERETE
"Warm Leatherette" is a track that explores the dark and provocative theme of a car crash, infused with a sense of momentum and speed. Drawing inspiration from The Normal's minimalist instrumentation and Grace Jones' unique interpretation, Barton crafted a version that stands apart by incorporating a driving, accelerated feeling that mirrors the song's intense subject matter. While the original versions are iconic, Barton sought to create something distinct by experimenting with the keys and making the vocals rougher in texture, which enhanced the track's visceral impact.
About BARTON
Barton is an established artist whose journey through the landscape of disco has been marked by both critical acclaim and commercial success, including four singles charting on Billboard’s Dance Chart—most notably “To Call My Own,” which reached #18. Despite these achievements, Barton’s creative path has always been driven by a search for deeper authenticity and artistic alignment.
His current project, The Afterlife, represents a pivotal moment in this evolution—a disco manifesto that reimagines classic pop songs and traces an emotional odyssey through love, loss, and ultimate empowerment. Drawing on years of experience and a proven track record, Barton brings a singular vision to this album: a sonic landscape that honours disco’s original essence while boldly pushing its boundaries, celebrating the genre’s pre-commercial roots and its enduring promise that a better world is possible.
With The Afterlife, Barton speaks directly to the dancer within us all, offering a multi-layered experience where melody, voice, rhythm, and intricate detail invite listeners to move beyond the surface and discover what truly inspires. Entirely self-produced and performed, this project is the culmination of Barton’s artistic journey—a body of work that finally captures the essence he has been seeking all along.
