Kirk Barley is a Yorkshire-born composer, producer and sound artist, also known for his earlier work as Bambooman and as one half of Church Andrews & Matt Davies.

Across his work, Barley creates organic, highly detailed music from field recordings, instrumental fragments, found sounds, digital synthesis and algorithmic processes. His compositions often resemble sonic dioramas, with layered textures, irregular rhythms and evolving forms that invite close listening. Drawing on jazz, minimalism, post-rock, hip-hop and experimental electronic music, his work folds alternate tunings, shifting temporalities and tactile sound design into dynamic sonic landscapes.

Under his own name, Barley has released music on 33-33, Odda and his own Health imprint, and has performed across the UK, Europe, Canada and Thailand. His live work has taken him to festivals and venues including Waking Life, Wonderfruit, Meakusma and Cafe Oto, with performances alongside artists such as Andy Stott, Beatrice Dillon, Christina Vantzou, Jan Jelinek, Oval and Pole.

As Bambooman, Barley released multiple EPs and an album through Matthew Herbert’s Accidental, with one track remixed by Herbert himself. During this period, he developed a distinctive approach to found sound & field recording-based electronic music, combining broken rhythms, warm melodic fragments and detailed, tactile production. He recorded multiple mixes for Ninja Tune’s Solid Steel, was interviewed by Gilles Peterson on BBC Radio 6 Music, collaborated with artists including Jehst, King Kashmere and Segilola, and performed internationally at festivals including MUTEK Montréal, Outlook and Dimensions (Croatia). He also supported artists such as MF DOOM, Madlib, Pete Rock, Moodymann, Jon Hopkins, Matthew Dear and Jon Wayne, and received coverage from publications including The Wire and Electronic Sound.

As one half of Church Andrews & Matt Davies, Barley explores rhythm-focused music through live electronics, analogue percussion, digital synthesis and algorithmic techniques. The duo have performed across the UK and Europe, appearing at Rewire, Waking Life, Meakusma and Tamsta Jazz Festival, as well as venues including ICA and Cafe Oto. They have filmed live performances for Fact Magazine, Worldwide FM and Slate + Ash, been featured on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, and had their music played by artists and DJs including Aphex Twin, Thom Yorke and Gilles Peterson.

Across these interconnected projects, Barley’s work reflects a sustained interest in texture, tuning, rhythm and atmosphere, moving between detailed studio composition, exploratory electronic systems and dynamic live performance.