He played in New Zealand bands such as the Crocodiles, and formed Australian a cappella groups, the Elevators, the Cafe of the Gate of Salvation, the Honeybees and the Heavenly Lights.

He has arranged and recorded backing vocals for Dave Dobbyn, Tim Finn, Vince Jones, Justine Clarke, Kate Ceberano, Harry Manx and the Umbrellas.

Backhouse's songs have been recorded by Jenny Morris, Renée Geyer and others, and he has contributed to film soundtracks including Sweetie (Jane Campion), Rodney & Juliet (Fane Flaws) and Braindead (Peter Jackson).

In the mid-eighties Backhouse became fascinated by the Black gospel tradition, and, as a result, increasingly involved in community music, choral directing and running vocal workshops.

His current activities include running workshops in a cappella traditions, composing and arranging for vocal ensembles and choirs, singing with the Heavenly Light Quartet and recording original music with long-time colleagues Peter Dasent and Fane Flaws under the name the Bend.