Singer Jill Barber setting new standards for musicians

A concert hall for many musicians is viewed as their happy place.

It’s one of the few moments an artist will get to see their fans enjoy their music firsthand.

However, in recent years, there have been stories about fans getting a little too up close and personal with the musicians.

Juno Award-winning artist Jill Barber recently posted on Instagram about how a man grabbed her backside while they posed for a photo. It happened at a meet-and-greet after her show.

“This sort of thing has happened to me and lots of other musicians for years. It’s not an isolated incident,” Barber told CityNews. “The difference is now we are talking about it more, now I feel more embolden to speak publicly about it.”

If you look through her post, there are dozens of comments of support from fans but also dozens of musicians sharing similar stories.

“Was I surprised by the reaction? No. I anticipated people would show their support. The other thing is that people are sharing their stories, their ‘Me Too’ stories and that always is hard to read,” Barber said. “But, I think we are in a time of change and the needle is changing and I think the more we are aware of what’s appropriate is better for us all.”

Barber says she did not share the experience to be seen as a victim but said it’s an important conversation to have.

“For me, one of my favourite things, after the show, is to go and meet the audience. I take a lot of pictures with fans and I always ask if I can put my arms around them or give them a hug,” she said. “I appreciate if they ask too, I think consent is a big word these days and it’s an important one.”

On her current tour she has two other female musicians with her on stage. Barber admits it’s a rarity in the music industry but is trying to help lead the change.

“I’ve been hearing from some young women how nice it is to see female musicians in the band, I’ve been hearing a lot of good feedback about it.”

Barber isn’t only an acclaimed musician, a published author, and an award winner, she is also the proud mother of two young children.

She knows the importance of not only the present day, but the future.

Barber has helped design a tote bag based off of her song “Girls Gotta To Do” with one dollar from the sale of each bag going towards Girls Rock Camp.

On her new album “Metaphora,” she also has a song called “Mercy,” which addresses depression.

With each purchase download of the song, one dollar will go towards the Canadian Mental Health Association.