Lee Barber

Lee Barber

Lee Barber is a singer-songwriter and painter, also known as Lee Aurich. Born in 1986, he is from New Orleans and is raised in Baton Rouge before later living in Austin. He begins writing and performing his own songs in his mid-teens, first singing them in church.

Early bands

Before his solo work, Barber fronts a soul band called The Hounds in Jackson, Mississippi, in the late 1970s and early 1980s. In 1987, he forms The Barbers with Bruce Golden and Elaine Barber. The trio relocates to Austin and records two albums, The Barbers and You Know How It Is. The group uses an unusual line-up that includes guitar, drums, vibes, concert harp and pump organ.

Solo work

Barber’s solo debut is Thief and Rescue, an album he funds through bartered paintings and construction labour. He records it in Austin with producer Brian Beattie in 2009. Beattie has worked with Okkervil River, Bill Callahan, Daniel Johnston and Shearwater.

The album is built with contributions from old friends and collaborators including Brian Beattie, Jon Greene, Craig Ross, Matt the Electrician, Chris Vestra, Amy Annelle and Seela. Will Sheff of Okkervil River, described as a long-time fan from the days of The Barbers, duets with Barber on “Darla”. Barber also designs the album cover, which is one of his paintings.