Todd Barrow is making a name for himself as a country artist to watch. The Texas singer-songwriter has racked up more than a few accolades, from a PRSA Award of Excellence, an Akademia Award for Best Country Album, and an artist spotlight in Alternative Roots Magazine, American Pride Magazine and AVA Radio. He has appeared on television shows including Good Morning Texas with Jerry Matheny and Texas Music Café on PBS. He’s even shared the stage and studio with some of country music’s heaviest hitters, from CMA musicians in Miranda Lambert’s band to Fort Worth Producer of the Year Bart Rose. But it’s more than just Todd’s success to date that makes him such a compelling country artist. What’s most readily apparent in Todd Barrow’s music is his heart.
Todd’s music is no country for old men. While he undoubtedly draws his sonic influence from titans like Hank Williams and Johnny Cash, his melodies skew modern. He plays almost every instrument, from piano to guitar, mandolin, harmonica, and drums, and the multi-instrumentalist doubles as a songwriter for himself as well as for other artists. “”If I can put a smile on someone’s face through song, well that just means the world to me,” he says. “I try to get to the real heart and soul of a song. To me, it’s not just words but a story, and I do my best to portray that with every line. That’s my main draw to country music; the stories, the people, and the sincerity that comes from the heart.”
It’s precisely that heart that has won over audiences around the world. Todd Barrow’s recent single, “The House That Love Built”, co-written with Sonny Burgess, was featured on RightNow TV and was honored by PRSA Fort Worth for its fundraising efforts on behalf of the Ronald McDonald house. Todd was featured in the lineup for Bo’s Extravaganza festival at John Schneider’s Studio, alongside such artists as Kid Rock and Tom Wopat from Dukes of Hazzard. He has received radio airplay from Italy Radio 6.75 for his single “Hot Southern Night”.
Todd Barrow just released his latest single, “Hell and Back,” written by longtime Nashville songwriter Lonnie Ratliff, and is hard at work on new music in the studio. Todd is a proud member of the Harry Fox Agency, the Country Music Association, the International Singer-Songwriters Association, the Texas Music Office, BMI, the Fort Worth Songwriters Association, American Music Podcasting, the NSAIDFW Songwriters Association, the Dallas Songwriters Association, the British Country Music Association and the Bayou Country Music Association.
Website
http://www.ToddBarrowMusic.com
Social Media
http://www.facebook.com/ToddBarrowMusic
http://www.twitter.com/ToddBarrowMusic
http://www.instagram.com/ToddBarrowMusic1
1.) What elements and/or characteristics made you say to yourself that you wanted to do music for a living? Who are your influences/heroes/role models?
There are many elements that led me to pursue a music career.
I started at an early age playing and performing music. Grew up in a musical family.
My mom was a professional singer and my dad a music director/producer.
My influences range from Jonny Cash, Hank Williams, Charley Pride to Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw. Major country stars like Dolly Parton, George Jones and Waylon Jennings inspired to be a country artist!
2.) If you could compare yourself to an already established artist, who would that be and why? If you don’t like to compare yourself, then music-wise, what separates you from other musicians?
Focused on creating my own sound for modern country. If I had to pick I’d say that Gary Allen, Dirks Bentley and Charley Pride. Same kind of work ethic with a real feel of country music.
What separates me from others is the fact I was called to do it.
3.) Everyone in life goes through adversity of some sort. Is there anything in your life that has any influence on the kind of songs you write? What is the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure on your path to becoming a musician?
Adversity affects the entire human race! One of the reasons I write great songs and record them. After meeting my now close friend Sonny Burgess put me on a path for stardom. A country legend who has coached me along the way. After the loss of my mother I had to dig deep to not give up. A rock in my life and super fan of my music.
I’ve experienced many ups and downs in the music industry. Find my place and stick to my guns!
4.) How do you prepare yourself to write certain songs? What is your song-writing and recording process?
When I get ready to write a song I will take a trip to the beach or head to the rocky mountains. Need a fresh view and clear my head. My songwriting process is getting the melody, decide on the topic and start writing the lyrics. Before recording the tune I make sure I have the right people involved.
5.) Unfortunately the music industry is full of talented individuals who just don’t get any recognition for their talent and/or hard work. What do you plan to do to make sure you stand out and get noticed? Would you rather be on a major label or would you rather stay independent? Why or why not? In regards to the music industry itself, do you think that the traditional music industry model as we know it is dead?
My motto is never give up! The way I stand out is staying true to myself. Knowing there are music lovers out there who want my art. See things the way I see them through my music lens. I remain humble and a love for life. Help from the BIG MAN upstairs is essential!
I would like to get signed to a Major label if the terms are solid. They have deep pockets and systems in place to get it done. However being an Indie artist is good too. Self managing your own career has benefits.
The old school music industry has changed due to the Internet. Many tools/resources they use are available for Indie artist.
6.) Are you able to make a living with your music? If so, how were you able to attain a career doing what you love? If not, what do you do in order to fund your music career? What advice would give to someone who’s interested in pursuing a career in music?
I’m blessed to have a really good job that supports my music career. Unless you do crowdfunding or obtain sponsors you have to be employed. You could say I’m a working musician. If you want to pursue a music career, do your homework first. Get a business plan and know where you’re going! Most of all you can’t live without doing it.
7.) How do you think the internet and social media affected the music industry and how musicians are able to market themselves? Social media is obviously an extremely important element in today’s world, especially when it comes to business, branding, marketing, etc. With that being said, do you think an artist will be able to survive in today’s music industry if they’re not social media savvy?
Social media is the key to be successful in the modern music industry. The internet offers many courses for songwriting, singing, learning an instrument. Finding organizations that support the arts and know what they are doing.
Branding is very important like Pepsi, McDonalds, Nike, etc. You have to become an expert with social media to make it in any business today. Especially music because of the incredible amount of people trying to make it!
8.) Artists who try to make music for the general public and make more money are usually seen as “sell-outs.” Do you see it that way and if so, what do you plan to do to make sure your music stays true to your brand and make a good living at the same time without having to “sell out”?
Sell-out covers a wide spectrum in the world. I don’t see any problem with making money with your craft. You have to have currency to pay for marketing, equipment and your business. I know who I am and where I am going. I have a budget set aside for music stuff and living. Your friends and fans will let you know when you’re out of sorts!!!
9.) Professionally, where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
My goal is to win a grammy and be a chart topper. In the process of becoming a grammy voter with the Recording Academy. I see myself playing on stage with the biggest names in the business. Songs associated with TV & Film!