Hey, thanks for stopping by.
I'm a singer/songwriter of Americana/Roots Rock pop songs.
This genre of music comes naturally to me as, my American roots go back to the 1660's in New Jersey where, my ancestors were freedom seekers excaping persecution and again, to my great-grandfather who for years, captained an Illionois regiment in the US Civil War! I believe their spirits of freedom, liberty and storytelling resonate through my music.
My story . . .
As a young man, I survived a bad car crash. I was unconscious for 3 days. I woke into a world I did not recognize. I woke with a commitment to spend my life creating music. That's what I've been doing, and continue to do, all these years later!
To pay my bills I have always been working 'daytime jobs' in the sometimes infamous Entertainment District on neon-lit Granville Street, in the heart of downtown Vancouver. It's a District that harbours a lot of inspiration for songs! When you hear someone say "I've seen it all!" well, ... I have!
I write and sing about things that are real to me. I'm a happy person and feel for unhappy people. I hope that hearing my music can make them happy!
When I was a kid, I was greatly influenced by the punk-rock rebels and the energetic sound of 'New Wave' groundbreakers like Blondie, Talking Heads and The Pretenders of the late '70's early '80's. The folk rock of Neil Young and Bob Dylan got me hooked on the lyrics, and laid the foundation for my 'acoustic-roots' groove.
Today, be it a blessing or a curse, I am an indie/alternative music artist. The creativity of indie music inspires me to keep on writing songs!
My own music bridges styles from pop, to folk, to rock and blues!
Songwriting has always been 2nd nature to me. Instinctive one might say!
I have had many great reviews including:
"Drew Barnes adds to the rich music scene in this city!" (Maple Ridge Times)
"Rich in lyrical imagery" (the Vancouver Sun)
"Emotion!" (Recording Magazine)
"Gritty!" (Sun Media)
More media quotes:
"one of the best indie artists out there."(Indie Cafe)
"Drew's songs have a power of their own." (Westender)
"perfect pop hooks" (Vancouver Courier)
"Jim Morrison vibe" (Recording Magazine)
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