Interview: Singer-Songwriter and Actor Barry Conrad Talks Music Plans, ‘Neighbours’ and ‘Banter With BC’ Webseries

We chatted with musician, actor and all round multi-hyphenated star Barry Conrad about his career and achievements so far. Barry will be known to audiences across the globe for his original music and acting work, notably starring in hit Aussie sitcom Neighbours.

Barry chatted to us about music, upcoming acting projects, his memories from working on Neighbours and The X Factor, his webseries Banter with BC and his work as an ambassador for charity R U OK?

Read our chat with Barry below.

Hi Barry! Thanks for taking the time to chat with us at Culture Fix UK.

Hi, thanks for having me!

Let’s start with your music. We loved your Epitome EP released back in 2021 and you’ve got a beautiful voice. What are your plans regarding new music?

Thank you, that’s very kind. I loved making ‘Epitome’, because it was like a fusion of all my music influences. I recently had my single ‘Ocean Road’ interpoloted by a Maori language artist in New Zealand, Te Ahu Paenga, from the show, ‘Pūkana’. As a songwriter, to have a song so personal to me be reimagined and sung in a different language is really special. I’m also doing the vocal production on a film soundtrack
right now, which is fun. I’m a real studio rat, I love everything about the recording process. Other than that, I’m writing new material and definitely have plans for getting some new music out into the world, so stay tuned.

You’ll be known to many UK fans for your role as Kane Jones in Neighbours. Can you share any standout memories of working on the show?

Man, I loved playing Kane, so many memories. I remember we had a massive fight scene, because Kane’s first storyline was running this underground fight club. We were originally meant to film that scene later in the week, but it was moved forward in the schedule, so I actually ended up filming it my very first day on the job… no pressure! I got such bad bruising on my forearm from body contact doing the scene,
that the make-up department had to use this spray-on machine thing to cover it (haha).

You currently serve as an ambassador for R U Okay Australia. Can you tell me why it’s an important cause to you?

R U OK? is a suicide prevention charity, all about connecting with the people in our world who might be struggling with life. It’s important to me, because I remember how the kindness shown to me was what helped pull me through my own dark times. It’s powerful how just a simple conversation can change the trajectory of someone’s whole day, and sometimes even save a person’s life. R U OK? Day is next week
actually (September 14th) and the message for this year is, “I’m here to hear”.

You have also been working on a web series, Banter with BC. What’s the vibe of it and why should people tune in?

Yeah, I created it earlier this year and it was born out of wanting to connect with others. My industry can be pretty isolating sometimes and this series is my way of crossing the room. So you’ll see me do that with all kinds of fascinating people from different fields. It also combines two of my favourite things: great conversation and great food. My guests are awesome, the banter is good and entertaining, and the
food at Bar Milano you’ll see us devouring is next-level, so people should definitely tune in! Do that at www.barryconradofficial.com/banterwithbc and my Instagram.

We may have noticed a few shirtless shots on your Instagram! Can you give us an insight into your fitness and lifestyle routine?

Sorry about that (haha). Yeah, health and fitness is a huge part of my life. I do weight training at least 3 days a week, with some cardio on the days in-between, usually walking or hill sprints. I also do intermittent fasting, so I fast for 20 hours and eat within 4 hours each day. It’s great, because delaying my eating everyday just gives my body a break to properly digest food, break down old proteins and repair.

We’d love to know what the proudest moment from your career is so far and why it stands out to you?

That’s a good question. Probably deciding to do X-Factor Australia way back, because it was such a turning point in my life. I lost my second mother, Audrey, to cancer right at the start of it and she was the one who really encouraged me to do it, after I initially said no to the producers. It ended up changing my life in a lot of ways. Of course, there are many moments in my career that I’m extremely proud of and
grateful for, and moments that might seem more obvious to other people. But those things may not even have happened, had I not been brave enough to carry on despite losing her.

Are there any other exciting projects that you are looking forward to sharing?

Yeah, I’m a mentor on a six-part reality documentary podcast series called ‘We Are Lonely’, where four people meet with mentors and experts to help them find strategies for connection. You can find that on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. I’m also part of an anthology drama TV series called ‘Erotic Stories’, which air later this year here in Australia. Lots of other exciting things in store too, so
come find me online and stay tuned!

Let’s wrap up with a quickfire round that will help us get to know you better:

Something you can’t live without?

Love, family, food, music.

Favourite film?

Right now it’s hands-down ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’.

Favourite singer or group?

Fave group of all time is Boyz II Men, because listening to them helped teach me
how to sing.

The last song you listened to?

‘What Was I Made For?’ by Billie Eilish.

Biggest fear?

Not growing and just staying the same.

What brings you joy?

Spending time with the people I love.

Any hidden talents?

Not so hidden, but I can really eat (haha).

Favourite travel destination?

That’s easy: New York.

Best thing about living in Australia?

The beaches, the beauty, the freedom and that it’s close to New Zealand, where my family live.

Thanks for taking the time to chat, Barry. Where can people find you online?

Likewise, thanks so much for having me. Sure thing, @barry_conrad on Instagram,
www.facebook.com/barryconradofficial and www.barryconradofficial.com. Come say hi.