What first got you into music?
It’s hard to pin down a specific moment that sparked my interest in music. My family wasn’t particularly musical, but music was always present in our house. My parents had music playing at home and in the car, and my dad, who’s a bit of an audiophile, was always burning CDs, listening to tapes, or playing vinyl records. While my parents weren’t musicians themselves, they encouraged me to take up guitar lessons through school from a young age. It wasn’t until high school, though, that I began playing with others, and that’s when things really clicked. Playing with a group of people opened up a whole new world for me and was a huge turning point in my musical journey.
Tell us a bit about the band.
Barefoot Spacemen is one of Melbourne's most electrifying funk-rock band. The group is known for its eclectic live shows that combine groove-heavy sounds, blending funk, disco, R&B, and Latin-inspired beats. The result is a sonic experience that takes the audience on a rhythmic journey, keeping them moving and engaged from start to finish. Over the years, the band has built a loyal following, especially through their intimate shows in local nightclubs, where their infectious energy fills the space and guarantees a dance party.
The band’s debut album, Tailspin, was a major milestone that elevated their live shows to new heights. Since its release, Barefoot Spacemen has toured across regional Victoria and Adelaide, and they've had the chance to support international acts like T-Bone and Tribal Rain. Their hometown crowd in Melbourne is always packed, and they’ve proven time and again that they know how to rock a dance floor and keep the crowd on their feet.
Who inspired you to make music?
It’s funny – as a band, we often joke that being an original act in 2025 feels a bit wild. When it comes to inspiration, it’s hard to say there was one specific person or band that made me want to pick up an instrument. Personally, I’ve always had an inclination to create and play music with others. There are countless artists I’ve admired over the years, especially when it comes to their creative processes and their music, but it wasn’t as though I looked up to one specific musician as a kid and thought, "I want to be like them." It’s more of a deep-rooted feeling that’s always been with me – this drive to make music, for better or worse.
How have you been?
I’m good! Life as a self-managed band is always busy. There’s a constant balancing act between rehearsals, practicing, doing admin, handling social obligations, and, of course, playing shows. But it’s the life we’ve chosen, and honestly, it’s rewarding. I did recently treat myself to a beautiful 90’s Japanese Stratocaster guitar, and it’s been a joy to spend some spare time with it this week. It’s small wins like that that help keep me going!
Tell us about the evolution of your sound.
Our sound has definitely evolved over the years. Everyone in the band has different musical tastes, so it took a little while to find a middle ground that worked for all of us. When we first started out, we were just jamming on surfy, garage-style music because, frankly, that was about all we could do at the time! But as we grew as musicians, we started realising that our common ground was a love for undeniable, infectious grooves found in funk and disco music. From there, we began leaning more into funkier beats while still keeping some rock elements in the mix. Now, we’re all about finding that sweet spot in the groove, and our sound continues to evolve in a way that feels natural.
How did you all find each other?
Our story is pretty simple, actually. Three of us went to high school together, and the other two members were introduced through mutual friends. While there’s no crazy backstory or serendipitous meeting, the fact that we’ve known each other for so long has been a huge advantage. It makes the creative process much easier because we know each other well, and there’s no ego in the mix. We’re all very open and honest with each other, which is key to keeping things genuine and collaborative
Barefoot Spacemen, a Melbourne-based band, blends elements of funk, neo-soul, R&B, Motown, and beyond. They’re always exploring new musical styles and genres while bringing an infectious energy to every live performance. This dynamic mix keeps the audience engaged and guarantees their feet will be moving all night.
We sat down with Scott Renton the guitarist from barefoot to discuss further!
Best and worst gig experiences?
There are so many memorable gigs! Recently, our debut album tour was a major highlight. We had the chance to perform in Melbourne, Geelong, and Adelaide, and there’s nothing quite like seeing a packed room full of people enjoying your music in a city you’ve never played before. It’s incredibly fulfilling to share your work with a crowd like that.
We’ve also had some standout moments, like when we supported Playlunch on their regional tour. The crowds were huge and ready to party, and it was awesome to be a part of that. But, of course, for every great gig, there’s a few bad ones. We’ve had some hiccups, like an amp exploding mid-performance or a show being canceled last minute because the venue flooded! But overall, we’ve had far more positive experiences than negative, and the friendships and fun we’ve had along the way make up for any setbacks.
What’s your creative process like?
Our creative process is pretty laid-back and collaborative. Generally, someone will bring an idea to the table – whether it’s a riff, a melody, or even just a concept – and we all jam on it together. There’s often some debate or back-and-forth before we start to see the direction the song is heading, but after a couple of hours, we usually have a solid track on our hands. We have this rule where if someone has an idea, we give it a shot, even if it sounds strange at first. More often than not, those ideas turn out to be the best parts of the song. Since we’re all really close friends, we aren’t afraid to be honest with each other, and we keep feedback constructive. If someone doesn’t like something, we make sure to offer alternatives rather than just shutting it down.
Who would you most like to collaborate with?
Anderson .Paak has always been someone I admire musically. He’s an incredibly talented writer and performer who has built a career based on hard work and creativity. His ability to seamlessly blend genres and bring his unique vibe to every project is something I respect deeply. I’d love to collaborate with him – though I have to admit, I might be more of a distraction than an asset in that situation!
If you could open for any artist, who would it be?
Jamiroquai would be a dream! Their music and live shows are iconic, and it would be such an amazing experience to open for them. The energy and vibe they bring would make for such a fun time.
What’s your message to your fans?
We can’t express enough how much we appreciate everyone who comes out to our shows and supports live music. The energy in the room when we’re performing is truly special, and it’s incredible to see people enjoying the music and dancing together. Every show is unique, and we’re grateful for the people who bring such positive energy to our gigs.
How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?
The internet has both pros and cons. On one hand, it’s made it easier than ever to reach new audiences and share music with the world. The ability to connect with fans and get your music heard across the globe is a huge positive. However, it’s also made things a bit less spontaneous. The internet, especially social media, has changed how people discover music, often relying more on algorithms than real curiosity. Plus, the pressure to constantly create content has shifted focus away from the art itself, which can impact musicianship and creativity. It’s a double-edged sword, but it’s a tool that, if used right, can open doors for artists.
What’s your favourite song to perform?
Before I Say a Thing is definitely my favourite song to perform. It’s not out yet, but if you come to one of our shows soon, you’ll get a chance to hear it live – and trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Is there a moment during a performance where you channel another artist?
Yes, definitely. There are times during our performances when I’ll channel the energy or stage presence of an artist I admire to help me get in the zone. Whether it’s to bring out a specific vibe or just to get into the flow of the performance, I find that thinking about my musical influences helps me tap into a certain energy and stay connected to the act.
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
The best advice I’ve ever received is that the most important thing a musician can be is authentic. If you’re not being true to yourself, people will sense it, and your music won’t resonate with them on a deeper level. Authenticity is what makes music meaningful, and it’s something we strive to bring to every show and every track we write.
If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
There’s too much gatekeeping in the industry. Musicians should have more opportunities to be heard and supported, regardless of their connections or status. More accessibility and fewer barriers would be a great step in the right direction. And honestly, more drink cards wouldn’t hurt!
What’s next for Barefoot Spacemen?
This year is all about creating and recording new music. We’ve got plenty of new tracks in the works, and fans can expect to hear them before the end of the year. We’re also gearing up to support Thai band T-Bone at Max Watt’s in March and our talented friend Zachary Leo in May. In between, there will be some exciting surprises, so keep an eye out for what’s to come. We’ve got big plans, and we can’t wait to share it all with you!