Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Natasha Barnes. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Natasha , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
I first knew I wanted to pursue this journey personally to get myself out there. I have been in many bands over the years playing other artists music recording, singing and writing for other people. It was good experience and fun for a while. I had been sitting on my own music and not doing anything with it. My band at the time had broken up and I was trying to figure out my next moves and what I really wanted to do. I finally had to make a decision and make goals for myself and put my path into perspective. Once I did that and made my music a priority my path was very clear. I put out my first original album in 2016 and it kickstarted my journey. I always knew I wanted to sing and do music on a big level. I dreamed of performing on the MTV awards show and huge stadiums filled with people rocking out to my music. This fueled my passion and kept me in perspective to what I want. I continue to set goals and surpass my expectations. One of my goals was to play several places in the Hudson valley which was my priority list of like 4 places. I played all 4 and headlined 3 of them. The list was The Chance, Mid-Hudson Civic center, Daryl’s house and Bethel woods (which I did the pre show for STYX and Jon Bonamassa).
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Hey! My name is Natasha Barnes I am a singer./songwriter from Dutchess county NY. I write and sing in the hard rock/ rock/ pop rock genre. I was voted “Best singer of 2024 for HudsonValley magazine “Best of.” I have music on all streaming platforms. I love to sing and write music it’s my therapy. I started singing at the age of 9 and wrote my first song when I was 16. I have been in many bands over the years. I have written songs for other people and recorded vocals for many projects with other musicians. I have headlined shows with my band Natasha B and opened for some big acts like Styx and Jon Bonamassa (pre show), Richie Scarlet, ZO2, and Eric Dalton. I have also played at places like Bethel Woods,The Chance Theatre, Mid Hudson Civic center, Silk factory and Daryl’s House. I have also played at a number of local bars in the Hudson valley. I have been recently traveling to Nashville where I have done guest appearances with Jennie Angel. and played my newest single “Moon over Paradise” there and got great responses there.i really love going to Nashville such a great place for music and musicians. I have also been traveling a lot more to new places to promote myself. I think what sets me apart is my voice. I have a very big voice that can be aggressive and raw but can also be soft and full of emotion at the same time. it demands attention. I practice and I am disciplined to work on my craft and my artistry to always keep growing and be better than I was yesterday. I am proud of my journey good and bad I learn from every experience and I wanna rock the world!
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
I auditioned for American Idol in 2008. I saw so much amazing talent get turned down for ratings and silly people. I had been struggling to be seen I didn’t want to go all the way through American Idol, I just wanted some exposure to push me. I did not make it though and they filmed you walking out trying to make you cry and get upset for clips for the show. I held my head up high and didn’t flinch. I said right then and there I like the journey I don’t need a fast rise to fame! I’m gonna do this my way! It definitely motivated me to push further and be confident in my talent.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
I think the best thing people can do for artists. Support artist by streaming their music, follow their socials, engage with their posts and updates, share their music, these things are important to help promote them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://natashabacoustic.wixsite.com/website/discography?
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natashabarnes_music?igsh=dXltd242ZWZzcXJk&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/168hfp8pk7/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Twitter: https://x.com/natasharocksu2?s=21
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@natashabarnes2472?si=PlkKd5vzU2taqGw3
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/xBx62FFHQ2hd61F1A
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0gpRCnraelkayfiGR8at7g?si=a7KUk96CTUOGy6Smxb_sTA
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/natasha-barnes/895827483
Image Credits
Natasha Barnes
Eric Dalton
Janelle Daley Mihan
Al Nowak
Adrian Bowles