We chatted caught up with the Melbourne songstress while she was chilling in Los Angeles, ahead of the House of Vans pop-up starting tonight.

Ali Barter is about to come home for House of Vans, riding high from her debut album A Suitable Girl packed with quality tunes like ‘Girlie Bits’ and ‘Live With You.’ She also got nominated for Triple J’s Album of the Year, but for Barter, the best part of 2017 has been touring. “Being out on the road has definitely been the highlight,” she says. “We visited so many new places and played to so many great crowds. It really does feel incredible to have people sing along to my songs.”

The songs on A Suitable Girl that centre around womanhood and femininity have struck a chord with many around the country, which is important to Barter as a lyricist. “It’s my experience. My songs are very personal and it’s important to me to tell my story through music and be able to share it with fans – women and men. I truly believe in the power of communication,” she says.

Having spent the last few weeks in Los Angeles eating tacos, sitting in traffic and writing songs for a new album (yes please!), Barter is more than pumped to be back in Melbourne. “I’m looking forward to seeing my band again after a month away and rocking out at the House of Vans show,” she says. “Also getting to see Rackett and Birdz play will be sick. They are such great bands!”

Catch Ali Barter on Friday for free at the House of Vans at the Meat Market, North Melbourne. Get more info here: