We were lucky to catch up with Jarrod Barefoot recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Jarrod thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

I have a unique perspective on making a living through my creative passion. Unlike some I have never placed my focus on exposure, rising to the top, or making a name for myself….I also never focused on making a single dollar from my work as a musician, yet here I am with more opportunities than I know what do with. Yes I did get a college degree in music production, but the main thing I took from educating myself on the music business was that I wanted nothing to do with it. Business minded people are wonderful and I need them, although I realized early on that I don’t want to be one.
I started performing in a wine bar for tips when I was 16 years old and quickly started making over 100 dollars a night. Since that first gig 16 years ago I have never had to look for work again. Right now I’m working 6 nights a week working with three different booking agencies and still doing independent booking as well, and not once have I approached a venue or agency. 100 percent of my work has always found me, as long as I have continued to grow as a musician and performer.
Though I make this sound like a strength, it’s also my Achilles heel. Im thankful I’ve had so many opportunities organically arise, but deep down I know I could work hard to create better opportunities for myself. We all have a weakness and it’s usually a part of your greatest strength. Discover your weakness and play to your strength. Mentors and guides will arise that are passionate and strong in the places you are not.
So what do you focus on to start earning your full time living as a creative? Others.
Don’t chase a paycheck or notoriety. Place your focus on what you want to give the world through your art and your purpose will be made clear.

Jarrod, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

– I provide live music and engaging entertainment suitable for any crowd at nightclubs, bars, political fundraisers etc, or any event you want to have a memorable experience. – – I specialize as a one-man-band named Resident Barefoot able to bring the energy of an entire group without breathing up any extra oxygen. Expect to see guitars, drums, bass, congas, harmonicas, flutes, and some other surprises- (I can also provide a four-piece band if your looking to fill a stage with some massive energy)

My name is Jarrod Moss Barefoot.
I am a songwriter, performer, and multi-instrumentalist but most of all I am thankful. My musical journey has been filled with epiphany and adventure while also transforming me into a compassionate person (a work still in progress). Since the age of 16 my life has been a performance. Well technically it’s always been a performance for me, you, and every other human to enter this grand stage…but let’s not get too deep today. At 16 my musical career began, I started playing weekly gigs and to make a spiralizingly long story short, here is what I’ve learned. Performance is a gift you give; it’s not about proving yourself. This transcends outside of my field as well. When you treat your life as a gift you give to others, you find real happiness. Why did I go off on this tangent? Because my true passion as a creative is using my performance on stage to invite people into the freedom that I now experience, while reminding people it’s our duty to be filled with joy and to build up those around us.

I’m proud that now people compliment my message as a performer and not just my skill as a singer and musician. I’m proud that my show has become a blend of stand up comedy, serious musical expression, and maybe even a little church.
If you have never caught one of my shows come be a part of one, because the most important part of my act is you.

contact:
JarrodBarefoot@gmail.com
(813) 514-5252

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Clap your hands. I play at least six shows a week and I watch how just one person clapping inspires everyone else to do it. Not only does everyone else start applauding but they also start having fun.
What I really mean is BUILD PEOPLE UP. Not just the artists and performers but everyone around you. Something magical happens when a crowd comes together in unity. I mean, it’s almost tangible. You can feel a sense that everything is right with the world…..That’s because it is. When people come together to clap their hands for those around them and build each other up we become one human family.
Show some love today! Tell someone they are doing great, because hey…..your freakin’ fantastic and so are they.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

Non-creatives….Harsh…. If you just read that question and thought….that’s me, a non-creative….I’m sorry.
That sounds like a dig.
Hey you, non creative over there, do you need some creativity?
Me too….
No one will ever truly know what it’s like to be someone else. Im labeled as a creative because I make a living creating music…but I have no idea if my creativity is any different from yours, and neither do you.
I picked this question because I think we all struggle to understand each other; we think we are all so different.
Creatives and non-creatives.
Of course people are gifted in their respective areas but that doesn’t make us different. I consider myself a creative…..because I create, not because I am special (even though I am). It’s not my God given gifts that make me a creative, it’s how I live my live. So to finally answer the question.
I think the reason non-creatives may struggle to understand a journey like mine is that they think it’s different from their own. Even though we’re not all the same, we are all one. Mi casa es su casa.
My creativity is your creativity, so lets applaud each other…not everyone needs to be a creative to enjoy and critique creative works.

but if you are a creative accountant looking for new clients…my number is 8135145252

Contact Info:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/ResidentBarefoot
• Youtube: youtube.com/residentbarefoot

Image Credits
Third Ideas Media, Satiago Escobedo, Freshly Cut Film