Biography for
Nathan Barr (I) More at IMDbPro »

Mini Biography

Nathan Barr is a unique breed of composer. In addition to writing his scores, he also performs all of the instruments heard in many of his compositions. Skilled in many styles and genres, ranging from orchestral to rock, Barr is known for his collection and inclusion of rare and unusual instruments from around the world, such as human bone trumpets from Tibet, dismantled pianos, a rare Glass Armonica and gourd cellos, among many others.

Nathan began studying music in Tokyo, Japan at the age of four. He grew up surrounded by eclectic music, ranging from Kabuki Theater to the sounds of his mother performing on the koto and piano, and his father playing the banjo, guitar and shakuhachi. His interest in the art form was further influenced by extensive travels around the world, where he experienced music, ranging from Bali's Kecak Orchestras to China's Beijing Opera. Barr went on to study at Skidmore College, and toured Italy and Switzerland with the Juilliard Cello Ensemble in the summer of 1993.

Barr, who wrote and performed the music for all four seasons of HBO's "True Blood" (2008) and has scored more than 25 feature films.

Barr is also a regular collaborator with director/producer Eli Roth and has scored Cabin Fever (2002), Hostel (2005), Hostel: Part II (2007) and The Last Exorcism (2010).

Spouse

Trivia

For both Cabin Fever (2002) and Briar Patch (2003), he performed the entire scores, playing more than 20 instruments and used no samplers or synthesizers.

For Club Dread (2004), he produced and arranged three of the "Coconut Pete" songs, and co-wrote the fourth song, entitled "Pinacoladaberg", with "Broken Lizard" member, Kevin Heffernan. Bill Paxton, who played "Coconut Pete", sang the songs.

Enlisted legendary guitarist Billy Gibbons, from ZZ Top, to play lead guitar on his score for The Dukes of Hazzard (2005).

Played Glass Armonica on his score for Hostel (2005).

Composes and performs the score for "True Blood" (2008), playing cello, guitar, piano, and prepared piano, among other instruments.