We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Barbados Black. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Barbados below.
Hi Barbados, thanks for joining us today. Do you wish you had waited to pursue your creative career or do you wish you had started sooner?
Honestly I don’t think there is a wrong time to start your creative career. If you start sooner you get more time to create but that time doesn’t guarantee success anymore than starting later does.
When it comes to myself I started as soon as I could. I bought ProTools outright for $600.00.
I grabbed an IPad it was the small 32 GB version and Procreate.
Before that I went on Ebay and grabbed a Wacom Cintique with Adobe Illustrator so I could make graphics and logos on my laptop.
So I’ve always wanted to get right into working as a creative. I would go to the library and check out as many books as I could and used YouTube as much as possible to pick up on any skills I could. I enjoy creating.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Sure, So I started creating logos and graphics for people in the city. Most people found me on Instagram where I would post me drawing and behind the scenes of me mixing songs and Moving harmonies around. I would post and promote songs. I did this everyday as much as possible to get my content out.
I became known for my unique style in both art and music. And since I stood out I think it made it easy for people to find me.
I don’t sing like most singers. I have a lower voice. Most of my songs are sung in staccato and have high energy. My artwork is very vibrant and brings in elements of pop art, psychedelic, art nouveau. I bring in contrasting elements and shape them into forming my own universe.
I bring creativity to a project that may have not been there. Allot of times someone will reach out to me and give me a general discerption of what they want and then give me the opportunity to create what I want based on those things. I like to create artwork that will stand out and doesn’t look like the something they may have had before. Color is one of my strongest suits.
When it comes to music I’m usually asked to sing a hook and bring an emotion to the song that wasn’t present. I like to do add libs and bring in harmonies to add more emotion and create a sound scape that the listener can live in.
I am most proud of being able to create music that makes people move. When I was performing late last month. I got the chance to see everyone dance and move to the music and that may sound obvious. But how many times do we go out and we see everyone standing around. Everyone is locked in their own sections and there’s minimal interactions. So I was proud to know I’m creating a universe where people can dance and move.
Also This past month I got to present my painting of our city to the mayor and the arts council so that was a crazy experience.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
I would say to give new artist a chance. We all have our favorite artist who we support. But I think its just as imperative to support the artist in your backyard. Go to an open mic, go to the local concert. Go check out the art community and the local fair.
Often times we miss out on the art around us, simply because we don’t participate.
I’ve gone to vegan fest, gotten to meet the mayor, performed for the whole city and all of it was possible by supporting the city and having the city support me back.
Each one of these artist and creatives create and add tp the beauty of the city. and I think the key to a better community is through the arts.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
The hardest lesson I had to unlearn was that number matter. I’ve learned that weather you get 2 like or 300 likes you have a job to do and you have to do it regardless. Its not about how many likes but about being consistent and creating and building your world. You have to live to create and not for the applause. There are highs and lows but as long as you stay focused on creating and betting your craft. You are on the right path.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/barbados-black/1434927795
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barbados_6black/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Barbados6Black/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCztwTdHQNcGujJJMCMrMQWQ
Image Credits
723 Media for the Cover Pic